The foundation hosted its inaugural gala charity ball at the Hilton Kingston hotel in New Kingston Saturday night. The event has been held over the years in London but, this year, the promoters wanted to create more awareness among Jamaicans. It was well attended, with several of the patrons from England investing in the event despite the economic crisis.
Founder and chair, Josephine Williams, said she started the foundation out of a love for Jamaica, her country of birth.
Refurbish schools
"The foundation began out of the love of and passion I have for my home, and the desire to do something to assist my country," Williams said.
She started the group with the support of family and friends who raised money to refurbish schools, purchase equipment and supplies, and assist in teacher-training exercises. Williams said the foundation was run by volunteers who did not receive any form of payment from the charity, and the administration worked closely with the Ministry of Education and the Dudley Grant Memorial Trust.
Williams said that to date, more than $5 million had been spent, and more than 42 schools across the island assisted.
As part of the fund-raising exercise, the foundation hosts two major events annually: a family fun day, which is held in August, and a gala charity ball.
During Saturday's Ball, Lorna Golding, the wife of Prime Minister Bruce Golding, received a donation of $100,000 towards the Jamaica House Basic School.
The foundation has four patrons: High Commissioner of Jamaica, Burchell Whiteman; Lord Morris of Handsworth; John Barnes, MBE, and Ambassador Courtney Walsh.
Guest speaker, Senator Hyacinth Bennett, expressed her admiration for the foundation, which she referred to as "a model partner", especially given its support when "the global environment is at its most turbulent in world affairs since World War II".
She remarked that education was important for the development of the country.
"Education is the linchpin for this nation's development, and it would appear as if the Jamaica Basic Schools Foundation (UK) is very much aware of this, and I believe that when one thinks of what they are putting on this evening, this shows that they are obviously aware of the importance of education."
Bennett encouraged the members of the foundation to continue, even in the face of pessimists, critics and challenges.
'The foundation began out of the love of and passion I have for my home and the desire to do something to assist my country.'