Fun ‘Flows’ at Children First Treat

Kingston, Jamaica: Claudette Pious’ dedication and passion to children’s needs is heart-warming. Her commitment to improving the lives of Jamaica’s youth is the driving force behind the outstanding work she is doing in her community. This is why Children First, the remedial education centre in Spanish Town that she leads, was selected by Flow for special recognition as part of the broadband service provider’s ‘Spirit of Christmas’ outreach efforts.

Sonia Palmer (right) of Children First points to the $100,000 written boldly on the cheque presented by Jeanette Lewis (second right), public relations manager, Flow at a treat on Thursday, March 8 at the school in Spanish Town. Children First is a non-governmental remedial centre dedicated to improving the lives of approximately 700 children in St. Catherine and environs.

Unfortunately, a planned treat for Children First at which the company’s donation would be presented, had to be postponed due to an upsurge of violence in the area in December.  

The team at Flow was determined to carry out their commitment to the children and staff of Children First no matter how long after the holiday season. They were able to fulfil their promise recently when volunteers across the company came out on Thursday, March 8 to present a donation of $100,000 and a brand new computer to Children First. The presentation was made as part of a treat for the students of Children First with a line-up of activities, which included a magic show and talent. Flow partnered with fast-food company Mother’s and Trade Winds Citrus Limited, makers of Freshhh juices to provide lunch for the children.

"It was really important to our team members to keep our promise to the students and staff of Children First,” said Jeanette Lewis, Flow’s public relations manager.  “Even though the treat had to be postponed from December, it never came off our radar.  We received numerous requests from team members expressing an interest to volunteer no matter when it was held. We are pleased that we did not have to wait too long to make good on our commitment.”



Trace Gayle (left) of Flow chats with students of Children First at a special treat on Thursday, March 8 at the school in Spanish Town.



“This has made their day,” said Deishanna Whyte, social worker and teacher at Children First. “Occasions such as this give the student hope and assurance that people do care. It also provides a good example of the possibilities of what they can achieve when they see and interact with the staff from Flow and the Magician.”

Last year, on behalf of its corporate partners, Flow donated more than $1 million to eight charities that cater to children and the homeless across the island. As part of the initiative, Flow's staff also delivered toys, food and spent time at the respective charities, to make the season a little brighter for many of the underserved in our communities.

Mrs. Richardson-Pious was elated with Flow’s support.  She feels that “It was a tremendous event, it gave the children a sense of caring. The school is in a volatile community and it was good to see people from corporate Jamaica coming to reach out to the children. What was important for me was the fact that the [Flow] team interacted and spent time with them [the children]. It gave the children a sense of promise and hope that people really care.”

The donations will greatly assist in gaining more support for the centre. “The donations came at a very good time , it will make a difference for the children especially doing reports, getting things out there and sending out more letters to other companies to see support” Mrs. Richardson-Pious added.

The success stories from this organization are quite compelling; several of the students have completed their associate degrees, and some are now attending local and international universities.  In addition to that, approximately 40 per cent of the staff at Children First are individuals who have gone through the programme and have returned to help persons like themselves.

Children First is the largest non-governmental organization working with this population in Jamaica. The non-profit organization is devoted to creating a brighter world for approximately 700 underprivileged children in St. Catherine and its environs.In 1998, Children First received the Press Association of Jamaica award for most excellent contribution to community development and to street children in particular.  The organization also received the charity award from the Medical Association of Jamaica and the Michael Manley award for its outstanding work with children and young people.