More than 400 students in the Farm Road area were given school supplies on Friday, August 27, courtesy of corporate sponsors from various New Providence businesses.

In addition, the children got new hairstyle, personal hygiene supplies, school uniforms and underwear.

“Right now we are having a back to school bash and what we are trying to do is come together with our corporate sponsors and give the children a little more, because we know these are some hard economic times,” said Charlene Milfort, manager for the Farm Road Urban Renewal Centre. 

“We are really going to try our best to help these children go back to school on Monday.  We have enough to supply all the children who come today,” said Mrs. Milfort.

“We would like to thank our corporate sponsors such as The Pritchards from the 4-H Programme, Bahamas Food Services, Kenneth Higgs & Sons, Dr. Patrick Roberts, Chilly Willy Ice, Bookworld, John Bull, to name a few.  A lot of sponsors have really responded to us this year and I really don’t want to leave anyone out,” she said.

“And of course, the Ministry of Labour and Social Development did their part well.”

Mrs. Milford said Farm Road offers many social programmes that are  popular with families in the area, and that the activities allow young and old to spend spare time with family and friends, as well as connecting with neighbours.

 “We really have impacted this community.  We have the youth marching band with 60 plus children, the Women of Essence programme is also 60 plus and the Sporting Club is about 100 plus.  Parents see it as a safe place for their children to be because some of them are working two or three jobs to make ends meet,” said Mrs. Milfort.

“Once we can take the politics out of it, and people can get the true understanding of what we are trying to do, we could be a better community and we could save a whole lot more lives.  We are trying to keep these children out of trouble and keep peace on the streets.”

Mrs. Milfort indicated that she runs the Centre with a spirit of hope for the community and that she wants to draw others to love the people of Farm Road the same way she does.

“We had some kids in the band that were really troubled.  I think that once they can see people are working with them from the community, and that we are really trying to impact their lives, they could get the better understanding and they are more or less coming together as a community,” said Mrs. Milfort.