By Lincoln Depradine
St. George’s, September 13, 2012 – A 12-year-old St. John’s Christian Secondary School (SJCSS) student, who has been doing odd jobs to meet some of his home and school needs, has been assured of private assistance throughout the rest of his high school studies.
“I feel good about it,’’ Akim Andrews said Wednesday after receiving a cash donation from lawyer Arley Gill, the former senator and one-time Minister of State with responsibility for information and culture.
The industry of Andrews, who is one of five brothers and sisters, includes part-time trolley driver and shelf packer at a supermarket in Gouyave, St. John.
Gill, a St. John resident, was alerted to Andrews’ situation by businessman Phillip David, who met the Form 1 student on the Carenage on September 8.
The youngster was on a sales trip to St. George’s, trying to raise funds to pay outstanding school fees.
“He really impressed me although, at first, I thought it was a hustle,’’ said David, manager of Sun Motors.
But on follow up calls to SJCSS, David was told that Andrews’ situation was genuine.
From there, David contacted Gill who decided he’ll support Andrews.
“Regular contributions will be made to Akim until he finishes secondary school,’’ said Gill, who has donated school bags and stationery to other students in the run up to the September opening of the new school year.
“We can’t assist every child. But, anyone that we can help we will make every effort to do so.’’
A thankful Andrews, whose favourite subject is math, said he wants to become a lawyer.
The donation to Andrews took place at SJCSS and was attended by principal, Anthony Wellington, and vice principal, Jeune McKenzie.
“I really appreciate the gesture as there is a number of students who are needy,’’ Wellington said. “I would like to say thanks to Mr. David and Mr. Gill on behalf of the parents and school community.’’
Wellington said the school is looking to the public, including former SJCSS students at home and abroad, for help in areas such as the construction of an EC$450,000 auditorium and to launch a school feeding program on October 1.
SJCSS officials say they have documented 50 cases of students who are in need of food support that would enable them to better concentrate on their school work during the day.
St. John’s Christian Secondary School can be contacted at 444-8336.
