“Not every child can learn when they’re hungry,” says Adrianna D., Grade 7 student. “When you’re in class and you’re hungry, it’s going to cause lack of focus.” 

With this in mind, the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) funded Christel House Jamaica’s nutrition programme in January and February. The CAD $15,000 (approximately JMD $1.7 million) grant for our Nourishing Minds project, provided breakfast, lunch and a healthy snack for 162 students in Grades 5–7, to strengthen students’ health and learning outcomes. 

The new menu, implemented in January, was designed by a nutritionist to meet the needs of our growing students—particularly girls entering puberty—helping ensure they have the nourishment needed to remain focused and engaged during the school day.  

To mark the close of the grant, representatives from the Canadian High Commission visited our campus to see the programme’s impact firsthand. The delegation included Mark Berman, High Commissioner of Canada to Jamaica and The Bahamas, Kemesha Swaby, CFLI Coordinator and Patrica Taylor, Political & Economic Officer. During their visit, the group toured the campus, and enjoyed lunch with CHJ’s Chief Executive Officer, Taneshia Stoney Dryden, Principal, Jason Scott, and some of our student leaders, while learning more about the programme’s impact. 

In addition to sharing a little lesson about the depth of Canada and Jamaica’s shared history, the High Commissioner had important advice for our students: “You’ve got to take care of both your minds and your bodies, what you’re putting into it. Drink water, stay hydrated, if you’re feeling sad, talk to someone about it.” 

CFLI supports small-scale, high-impact projects in developing countries by funding locally led initiatives that address key social and development priorities. 

Their visit highlighted how partnerships like these ensure our students have the nutrition and support they need to stay healthy, focused, and ready to learn.