A group of Canadian travel agents recently joined forces with the Canadian-based Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation (HHJF) to help build a preschool and kindergarten in Linstead, St. Catherine, Jamaica.

A philanthropic team of donors and supporters, including Kisko Products employees, travel advisors, and other supporters assisted in the construction of Bourne Gordon’s Pre-school and Kindergarten. The five-classroom build was completed with an office area, sick bay and staff and student bathrooms.

The school structure also boasts a kitchen stocked with appliances and amenities such as a water harvesting system, fence, and playground. Funding for this project was largely provided by Kisko Products, the Josephs family, as well as the Estate of Rupert Cupidore.

The new school will provide a more conducive educational environment for approximately 75 to 100 children between the ages of three and five years old, where they will learn and develop in a safe and welcoming space. In addition, it will alleviate the challenges of inadequate classroom space, overcrowding, and improper sanitation and provide increased security for students and staff.

“We were thrilled to host this particular group of travel agents as they’ve continually demonstrated their love of Jamaica here in Canada by supporting our philanthropic efforts on the island,” said Angella Bennett, Regional Director, Jamaica Tourist Board Canada.

“Every agent who joined this trip passionately used their voice and platforms to raise funds in support of the Helping Hands Foundation, and it was important to us that they be involved in this very special 25th school build in Jamaica,” she added.