GREAT BAY--The RISE Foundation is continuing its 2025 Back-to-School Drive under the theme โIt Starts With Us,โ urging the public to come together in support of students in need across Sint Maarten. Following a successful collection effort on Saturday, August 2, the drive will resume this Saturday, August 9, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Super City, Carrefour, and Cost-U-Less. Community members are encouraged to donate school supplies, uniforms, and funds to help ensure students return to the classroom equipped, confident, and ready to succeed.
The Foundation has already begun receiving donations from businesses and individuals both locally and abroad. The organization has also introduced a targeted โSponsor A Childโ initiative, enabling donors to provide students with full school packages, including uniforms, shoes, backpacks, and supplies.
Beyond the logistics of distribution, the true weight of this initiative lies in the lived experiences of educators who witness the impact of unmet needs every year. Three education professionals, Adjunct School Managers Diana Woods-Honore and Mrs. A. Mathew, and social worker Natasha Richardson, provided powerful insights into the everyday realities students face and the transformative effect that community-driven support can have.
๐๐ก๐๐ง ๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ญ ๐๐ข๐ญ๐ก๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ, ๐๐ก๐๐ฒ ๐๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ญ ๐๐๐ก๐ข๐ง๐
Diana Woods-Honore of Oranje School painted a clear picture of the barriers faced by underprepared students. โStudents may feel hesitant to participate in class activities, group projects, or school-related tasks,โ she said. The lack of materials isnโt just inconvenient, itโs a roadblock to full participation in learning. โSome students may fall behind or struggle to complete assignments or even keep up with lessons.โ
Uniforms, which might seem like a small detail, carry emotional weight for students. โOld uniforms may be faded or torn and may make students feel uncomfortable. Some may be worn out and may not provide the same level of cleanliness. Some students may not have multiple sets of uniforms and may struggle to keep them clean if they are wearing the same one every day,โ Woods-Honore explained.
Mrs. A. Mathew of Leonald Conner School echoed this, noting the psychological and social toll of being unprepared. โWithout the necessary school materials or appropriate attire, students often feel insecure and unprepared. This can lead to sadness and a sense of exclusion, especially during activities like gym class, where specific clothing is required.โ
Social worker Natasha Richardson, also from Leonald Conner School, went even deeper, highlighting how the absence of school essentials often translates into behavioral and mental health concerns. โSome of the challenges include fear of being bullied or teased. Or worse, actually being bullied or teased. Students may feel like they donโt fit in with their peers, or feel โpoorโ or of lesser worth than others,โ she said. The resulting behaviors can be distressing: โAggression or fighting. Stealing from others who have supplies. Social withdrawal. In extreme cases, not wanting to attend school at all. Some parents even keep their children at home if they cannot provide what is needed.โ
๐๐ก๐๐ง ๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐ช๐ฎ๐ข๐ฉ๐ฉ๐๐, ๐๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ฒ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ก๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฌ
All three professionals confirmed that the right support can fundamentally change a childโs trajectory at the start of a new school year.
Woods-Honore shared, โWhen students receive proper support, it can spark a powerful impact on both their confidence and academic performance. They are better equipped and can focus on learning rather than scrambling to borrow supplies. It boosts motivation, encourages them to work harder, and transforms school into a place they want to be. It also creates a sense of belonging and helps them develop a positive mindset, knowing that someone believes in their potential.โ
Mathew added, โProviding them with the proper supplies enhances their confidence and self-esteem, empowering them to fully engage in their education. A studentโs confidence and performance can change dramatically when they receive the support they need at the start of the school year.โ
For Richardson, itโs about dignity and validation. โYes, definitely,โ she said when asked if support made a difference. โIt boosts studentsโ overall well-being, makes them feel valued, and in most cases encourages them to do their best in class.โ
๐๐ก๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐ฌ ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฅ
The educators agreed that the responsibility of education is one that must be shared by the entire community. โItโs important because when local organizations, individuals, or businesses rally around our students, they help build stronger schools and ensure the success of our students,โ said Woods-Honore. โThey are sowing seeds for a promising future, and most definitely investing in the future of our children.โ
Mathew emphasized that collaboration is crucial. โCollaboration between the community, government, and educational institutions is essential. When the community actively supports students, it fosters a sense of security and motivation, helping them thrive. Education is a shared responsibility that requires the involvement of all stakeholders, including families, local organizations, and religious institutions. Engaging the community can lead to positive outcomes for students, helping them succeed in an ever-evolving world.โ
She also offered specific praise for the RISE Foundation: โI applaud Ms. Chiaira Bowers and the RISE Foundation as they join forces with the community to assist some of our schools here on Sint Maarten. I hope this initiative will inspire other organizations and foundations to support all schools across our island.โ
Richardson pointed to the economic realities facing families and the gap that community support can fill. โGiven the high cost of living today, many parents struggle to provide even the basic necessities. In such cases, there is often no money left for extra needs like school supplies. Community support is always beneficial and can go a long way in helping families, and, by extension, students.โ
๐๐จ๐ฐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ ๐๐๐ง ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฉ
The RISE Foundation encourages individuals, groups, and businesses to contribute this weekend, August 9, at any of the three collection sites: Super City, Carrefour, or Cost-U-Less, from 11 AM to 3 PM. Whether itโs a notebook or a full โSponsor a Childโ package, every contribution counts and will directly support a student in need.
As the campaign reminds the public: โIt starts with us.โ With each donation, the community moves one step closer to ensuring every child in Sint Maarten can walk into the new school year feeling proud, prepared, and supported.
For more information and updates, follow RISE Foundation on Facebook at facebook.com/risesxm.
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https://tribune-site.webflow.io//articles/education-professionals-highlight-importance-students-being-prepared-for-new-school-year-as-rise-back-to-school-drive-2025-continues
