Students received Back To School Supplies to assist them in their studies. Photo: provided

Students and Parents listen as Ms. Noelene Levons-Clarke makes a presentation. Photo: Provided

Health Screenings were freely administered. Photo: provided

Approximately 100 – 120 persons visited the event, whose highlight featured the distribution of special “Back To School” supply packs equipped with such necessities as copy books, pens, pencils, erasers, crayon, activity books, rulers, etc. for Pre-School, Elementary and Secondary School-aged students in the community. Additionally, visitors were able to browse a wide assortment of “gently used” clothing and footwear that was generously donated by community members. A portion of the church grounds was reserved for the Health Screenings which were administered to all free of charge to all persons who were interested. Individuals were tested for blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and other basic health checks.

Just across the testing area, guest lecturers including National AIDS Programme Coordinator Mrs Noelene Levons-Clarke and other health care professionals gave timely advice to the children, parents, and other visitors in a series of timely and interactive presentations within the church hall. Fun activities including a “bouncy castle” were erected for the amusement of the younger children and an assortment of light and healthy refreshments rounded out the afternoon of activities that began at 1:00 p.m. and ended around 6:00 p.m.

The Back To School initiative is spearheaded by the Personal Ministries Department of the church in collaboration with its sister ministries such as Women’s Ministries, Health Ministries, Sabbath School, Children’s Ministries, and Men’s Ministries among others. The aim of this event was to aid the students and parents of the Hope Hill - Belle Vue - Long Trench - Fahie Hill and surrounding areas in a practical way for the upcoming school year. For more information regarding this particular event, or if you would like to volunteer your time or resources in similar projects, contact Mrs. Natasha James at sdachurchbellevue@gmail.com or via Facebook at www.facebook.com/sdachurchbellevue