The social unrest of May 2010 in the West Kingston area, gave rise to the collaboration of the Ministry of Education and the Spanish Jamaican Foundation. Discussions culminated and shortly thereafter the Foundation agreed to assist in the area of education, targeting the students with special needs.
Some interactive math and literacy games as well as advanced and comprehensive teaching materials amounting to approximately J$180,000 were donated to four primary schools in the area. Of the recipients were Denham Town, Chetolah Park, St. Anne’s and St. Alban’s Primary.

These donations will be used in the Ministry of Education’s Enrichment Centre Initiative to benefit some estimated 400 students especially those requiring special attention.
Minister of Education, Hon. Andrew Holness who was on hand to participate in the handing over ceremony, indicated that these much needed versatile teaching and learning tools will assist significantly in improving, enhancing, and developing the learning capabilities of both under and over achieving students.

Children enrolled in the Real Madrid Football School competed against children of the Bahia Principe employees and some specially invited children, in a friendly football game held on the grounds of the Bahia Principe Hotel in November of last year.
The staging of the event was successful as it not only served as a launching pad for the kids to showcase their talent, but also gave the children an opportunity to both interact with youngsters outside of their small cadre of teammates as well as demonstrate the core values of sportsmanship and teamwork, two of the most profound principles upon which the School was established.

The event would not have been possible without the support of the Bahia Principe Hotel, RIU Hotels & Resorts and Wysinco. The SJF also extends sincerest gratitude to all the other entites for being present and contributing to the success of the event; namely representatives from Scotiabank, Fersan, Digicel Foundation, Claro, Courts Jamaica Ltd. Jamaica News Network and CVM and all other representatives who made it a success.

Under an agreement signed between The Spanish Jamaican Foundation (SJF) and the Ministry of Education (MoE), Parent Month is an initiative supported by SJF since 2008.
Each year the MoE carries out a rigid selection process, choosing 12 parents from across the island, who have demonstrated outstanding parenting skills. These parents are then awarded a complimentary weekend stay, courtesy of the four hotels supporting this initiative, namely Gran Bahia Principe Hotel, Iberostar Hotel & Resorts, Grand Palladium Resorts & Spa and RIU Hotel & Resorts.

At the Annual Award ceremony, President H.E. Celsa Nuño reinforced the SJF’s firm commitment to the continued support of this worthwhile initiative as there is a strong correlation between parenting, education and national development

In December 2009, the Foundation was approached by the Obistan Kindergarten Preparatory School to assist in improving the learning environment for the students by donating whiteboards and fans. Since then, the SJF decided to expand its activities by incorporating into its project program, the annual refurbishment or upgrade of a selected school. Annual selection is done based on the institutions’ inability to impact the lives of its pupils and its community due to the scarcity of financial resources.

This year, the SJF selected the Riverton Early Childhood Centre, an institution located inside the community of Riverton established by the St. Patrick’s Foundation for the benefit of individuals from inner city communities in Kingston, which serves both students and the community, as various programs are carried out there including Parent’s Workshops and Youth Training Programs. Concern was expressed by the School´s Principal regarding the condition of floors and walls in the main meeting area as well as the pre-kindergarten classroom which were in need of tiling and painting.
The project was completed in January and it is envisaged that about 5000 people within the community have benefitted from the SJF’s donations of J$250,000.

In September of this year, the SJF proudly welcomed the newest addition to its Executive Board. The non-profit organization, formerly comprising 9 private Spanish entities in Jamaica, was approached by Euro Divisas, who expressed strong interest in becoming a member and helping to further promote the Foundation’s mandate of being committed to the people of Jamaica.

Euro Divisas originating out of Spain, is a foreign exchange entity offering cambio services at competitive rates to travellers. With ongoing operations in 7 countries some of which include Dom Rep, Argentina, Mexico, Guatemala and Uruguay, they are seeking to expand their reach and are in negotiations to establish branches at the NMIA as well as the Sangster Int’l Airport.