Digicel Foundation Launches Annual Report for 2023-2024 Financial Year, Themed Brighter Futures

Kingston, Jamaica – September 24, 2024 - The Digicel Foundation unveiled its Annual Report for the fiscal year 2023-2024 at its downtown Kingston headquarters last Friday (September 20), bringing together key community development, education, and special needs stakeholders. The event celebrated the Foundation's impactful work over the past year and emphasised the importance of partnership in building a brighter future for Jamaica.

The event's keynote speaker, Honourable Pernel Charles Jr., Minister of Labour and Social Security, praised the Foundation's contributions. "You are a representation of a business that has really embraced corporate responsibility, you go beyond the usual and you are committing to making a lasting difference," said Minister Charles Jr.

Minister Charles Jr. further encouraged the Foundation to continue its work in helping to build Jamaica, "You are impacting lives beyond what you hear or see or do. So, just keep going, continue to do the work that you’re doing. You are improving the trajectory of this nation that we all love."

Charmaine Daniels, CEO of the Digicel Foundation, presented the annual report, highlighting key figures and projects. "Our theme, 'Brighter Futures,' represents hope. Hope for communities, hope in education and hope for persons with disabilities. Brighter futures signify the potential for a better life, where everyone has access to opportunities, resources, and support," said Daniels. "We're proud to have invested in initiatives that have positively impacted thousands of lives, and we're grateful for the partnerships that have made this possible."

In FY 2023-2024 under its education portfolio, the Foundation invested US$766,946 across 19 projects, impacting over 5,304 lives. Standout projects under this portfolio included the establishment of six smart rooms to help bridge the digital divide, the construction of a multipurpose court at the Bethabara Primary School in Manchester and the renovation of the Bull Bay Infant School in St. Thomas.

In Special Needs Digicel Foundation, with a spend of US$ 685,340, completed 14 projects and impacted over 2,500 persons in FY 2023-2024. The Foundation, with the help of 42 corporate sponsors, donated 107 Braille machines and 2 embossers to the Salvation Army School for the Blind. The Foundation also renovated the Hope Valley Experimental Special Education Unit, bringing the number of special needs schools renovated since its inception to 21. In addition to this, a Smart Room was also established at the Abilities Foundation with the aim of empowering persons with disabilities with digital skills.

Meanwhile, the Foundation spent US$ 719,360, impacting over 20,230 lives under its community development portfolio in FY 2023-2024. The primary grants campaign, called ‘Good Energy Clean Environment’, saw the Digicel Foundation providing 13 grants to community groups to address critical environmental challenges. Some of these initiatives included Mulberry Farm's rainwater harvesting system as well as solar installations and the establishment of a hydroponic farm in Green Town, Trelawny.

During the annual report launch event, the Foundation awarded various stakeholders in the fields of special needs, education, and community development for their outstanding partnerships. Digicel staff volunteers were also recognised for their commitment and dedication to various community projects.

To learn more about the Digicel Foundation's Annual Report and its initiatives, visit Digicel Foundation’s website: https://www.digicelfoundation.org/jm/en