GREAT BAY--The RISE Foundation has launched its 2026 Back-to-School Drive, inviting individuals, families and businesses to help 100 students begin the new school year with the uniforms, shoes and supplies they need.
The campaign comes as the rising cost of living continues to place pressure on families across St. Maarten, particularly during the back-to-school period. Through the drive, the foundation aims to ensure that more students can return to the classroom prepared, confident and ready to learn.
The initiative will support students attending Leonald Conner Primary School, Marie Genevieve de Weever Primary School, Oranje School and Ruby Labega Primary School.
Support provided through the campaign will include school uniforms, school shoes, backpacks, school supplies and year-round classroom assistance. Surveys conducted by the RISE Foundation with local educators identified uniforms, shoes and supplies as the most urgent needs among students.
RISE Foundation Vice President Josiah Lamothe said the campaign is inspired by the importance many children place on feeling prepared for the first day of school.
“I remember laying my clothes out the night before school and wanting everything to be just right before that first day. It made me feel fresh, confident, and ready to start the new school year. I want every child to experience that same feeling,” Lamothe said.
He explained that assistance with school essentials can also reduce the financial burden on families and allow limited household funds to be directed toward other necessities.
“When we’re able to help with uniforms or school shoes, families can use the money they do have for other essential needs. We know we can’t help everyone, but if we can help more children return to school focused on learning instead of worrying about what they don’t have, then we’ve made a real difference,” he said.
RISE Foundation President Chiaira Bowers encouraged members of the community to contribute in whatever way they can, noting that both large and small contributions can help a child begin the school year with greater confidence.
“This campaign is a reminder that It Starts With Us. Each of us has a part to play, and whatever that part may be, it is enough. Whether you sponsor a student, join with family, friends, or co-workers to support a child, make a financial or in-kind contribution, or simply encourage someone else to get involved, you’re helping shape a child’s first day of school and reminding them that their community believes in them. When each of us does our part, together we can accomplish far more than any one of us could do alone,” Bowers said.
Several sponsorship options are available. A Complete Student Sponsorship costs US$325, a Uniform Sponsorship costs US$150, and a Fresh Start Backpack and School Supplies Package costs US$75.
Community members may also contribute any amount to the School Shoes Fund or the Classroom Support Fund. The Classroom Support Fund will provide year-round vouchers shared among the participating schools, allowing teachers to respond to student needs throughout the academic year.
General donations will be directed toward the campaign’s highest-priority needs as the project progresses.
Businesses may sponsor a specific number of students, support a particular package or fund, or partner directly with one of the participating schools to assist with uniforms, school shoes or classroom needs.
Companies may also host collection bins at their locations or encourage employees to sponsor students through financial or in-kind contributions.
RISE Foundation volunteers will continue hosting back-to-school collection drives on Saturdays from 11:00am to 3:00pm at Super City, Cost U Less and Carrefour Bush Road.
Members of the public are encouraged to follow the foundation’s social media pages for updated collection dates and campaign information.
To sponsor a student, make a contribution or learn more about the campaign, contact the RISE Foundation atteam@risesxm.org, via phone or WhatsApp at +1 721-584-7473 or +1 721-523-8421.
Additional information is also available on Facebook at risesxm and Instagram at @rise.sxm.
