…While the Coalition and COLA hand out school supplies

While the Mahogany Police Cadets got some musical equipment, the Coalition to Save our Natural Heritage and COLA handed over school supplies to needy students just in time for the new school year. Duane Moody was present when the students, twelve years and younger, received the gifts.

Duane Moody, Reporting

Some twenty primary school children received much needed school bags and other supplies courtesy of Coalition to Save our Natural Heritage and Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action (COLA). It is a community effort by both organizations, who according to their representatives, are stepping away from the usual environmental advocacy and turning their attention to education.

Gilroy Usher Jr.

Gilroy Usher Jr., Vice President, COLA

“We also believe in an emphasis on education and promoting education for young people. And through this medium I think that that was highly highlighted; that we want these students to start their school year on the right track.”

Rochelle Reneau

Rochelle Reneau, Communications Officer, Coalition to Save our Natural Heritage

“We did it in an effort to reach out to the community; give back to the community and of course school is opening so this is a good opportunity for us to show our support for education. Education plays a major role in what we do. We advocate for a properly planed oil industry in Belize and of course whatever we do in the future starts with or students of today. So pushing for education is something that we need to do from now with the younger generation.”

Depending on their need, the students—both from the south and north sides Belize City, were selected to receive the donation. And both the parents and the students were elated to get that support.

Duane Moody

“Tell us about what you received.”

Dean Ramsey

Dean Ramsey, Recipient

“Books, pencils, water bottle, pens and wah t-shirt and a bag.”

Duane Moody

“And how it make you feel?”

Dean Ramsey

“Good.”

Delisiah Dawson

Delisiah Dawson, Parent

“It’s good because if yo neva had wah lee thing, well yo get it now. The finish touch…that’s just it.”

Duane Moody

“Ready for the new school year?”

Delisiah Dawson

“Oh yeah, well yo have to get ready for everything that comes your way.”

Both COLA and the Coalition plan to make it an annual donation. Usher said that next year, they would like to increase the number of persons getting assistance. Duane Moody for News Five.