The donation comes from an initiative aimed at bridging the resource gap between private and public schools
East end public primary schools received a significant boost today, with educational supplies totalling more than $31,000 delivered as part of the community action initiative, Support Public Schools.
The initiative, founded by Juliana Snelling, aims to narrow the gap between public and private school students, promoting socio-economic justice in Bermuda.
“Sadly, the gap between public and private in every sphere of life is widening each year. So we need more support,” said Ms Snelling.
Each year, public school teachers compile wish lists for classroom supplies, which are then fulfilled by supporters who purchase items online. This year’s donations included new and pre-loved items.
Ms Snelling highlighted the importance of the community’s involvement:”We had an incredible giving of second-hand supplies—loads of computers, office supplies, furniture, all of that. I just want people to keep talking, spread the word. Don’t throw things out at the dump. Call Support Public Schools, call Canterbury Law, myself. We will send out an instantaneous message to all schools at all levels and set up a pick-up time so they can come and use this stuff. They can’t afford new office chairs; they can’t afford new glue sticks for their kids. These are things that we need to help with. It needs to be a private-public partnership to make this work.”
Corporate sponsors also play a vital role in the initiative. Butterfield, which has supported SPS since its inception, donated $10,000 toward fulfilling teacher wish lists.
“Providing essential learning supplies helps create a positive impact for teachers, students, and their overall learning experience,” said Shawnette Griffin, head of retail banking for the Butterfield Bermuda office. “Butterfield is committed to investing in our young people and their future development, and we encourage anyone interested to support this initiative fully.”
Butterfield & Vallis, another consistent supporter, has contributed $5,000 annually since the programme’s inception.
“Butterfield and Vallis has a long legacy of supporting the community in various sectors, and education is, of course, top of the list,” said Takeysha Simmons, HR strategist for the company. “Why not lean into supporting our kids, our future leaders, and decision-makers?”
Since its inception, SPS supporters have contributed $600,000 worth of new school supplies to public classrooms, along with hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of second-hand items.
It’s a cause that requires collective effort.
“The demand keeps growing, and the gap—we can help close it together,” said Ms Snelling.
Acting Principal of Northlands Primary, Tamica Darrell, expressed her gratitude for the donations, stating: “SPS’s dedication to addressing resource gaps aligns perfectly with our shared mission to empower students to focus on their education and dream big.”
Ms Snelling echoed the sentiment, adding: “I think it shows them that we care, that we care about public school kids—that they matter to us. Their education matters to us.”
