KINGSTON, Jamaica — A humanitarian partnership has been formed between Miss 30+ Jamaica contestant Shanakaye Edwards and Harmony for Humanity Foundation Inc to support Project Bloom, an initiative aimed at empowering children on the autism spectrum and strengthening support for their families. The foundation committed to supporting the project following a two-day leadership training programme for contestants in the Miss 30+ Jamaica Pageant, where Edwards' initiative was selected after an assessment of the needs of parents and families in Jamaica. The training was led by Dr Onika Campbell-Rowe and Dr Sanett Hanniford, who identified Project Bloom as an initiative with the potential to make a meaningful impact.
For Edwards, the project is deeply personal. As the mother of a son on the autism spectrum, she said she understands the challenges many families face. “I know what parents of autistic children face, and I am committed to providing as much assistance as is necessary, starting with the school my son attends, Little Sprouts Learning Academy, whose principal is Miss Tanya Murray,” she said.
Shanakaye Edwards, 39 y-o Contestant in the Miss 30+ Jamaica Pageant Through Project Bloom, Edwards plans to host educational sessions, promote autism awareness and advocacy, encourage greater community inclusion, and strengthen collaboration among parents, educators, healthcare professionals, community organisations and volunteers. Dr Hanniford, who will oversee the initiative, said the project is focused on fostering more inclusive communities. “Every child deserves to be understood before they are judged and supported before they are limited.
Project Bloom is about creating inclusive communities where children with autism are celebrated for their unique strengths while equipping parents, educators and communities with the knowledge and tools needed to help them flourish. Together, we can create environments where every child has the opportunity to bloom,” she said. The collaboration between Harmony for Humanity Foundation Inc and Project Bloom represents another milestone in the foundation's humanitarian work, reinforcing its commitment to child development, inclusive education, mental wellness, family empowerment, and sustainable community impact throughout Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.
The partnership emerged from the Miss 30+ Jamaica Pageant's executive leader… KINGSTON, Jamaica — As communities continue to recover from the effects of Hurricane Melissa, LASCO Financial Services has stepped forward with a $50,000 donation to the Greater Change Foundation, supporting the organisation’s upcoming back-to-school initiative aimed at helping affected children prepare for the new academic year. The donation was presented on Friday, July 17, by Samantha Fuller-Maragh, brand manager of card services at LASCO Financial Services, as part of the company's ongoing corporate social responsibility efforts to support vulnerable communities across Jamaica.
The Greater Change Foundation, a registered non-profit organisation celebrating its sixth anniversary this month, has positively impacted more than 8,000 children through programmes focused on education, health, sports and youth development. Receiving the cheque on behalf of the foundation, Board Chairman Warren Bernard said the contribution comes at a pivotal time as the organisation prepares for its largest outreach project of the year. “This donation will be more than impactful.
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