About Me
Hi, I'm Joanna! Thank you for visiting this website that I created.
I recently graduated from St. Andrew High School for Girls in Jamaica, and now I am continuing my education overseas. I've been a volunteer with Project STAR since 2022 – participating in community outreach events, educational initiatives, and disaster relief efforts. Project STAR is an incredible Jamaican organization that supports underserved communities across the island.
When Hurricane Melissa devastated parts of western Jamaica, so many families lost so much. While I was volunteering to help package relief supplies of food and hygiene products for affected communities, I couldn't help but think about the families that would be receiving those supplies, and their children.
I thought about the students preparing for PEP, CSEC, and CAPE examinations. As a student myself, I know how stressful those exams can be under normal circumstances. I couldn't imagine trying to study after losing a home, belongings, and school supplies.
While many organizations were working hard to provide food, clothing, and rebuilding assistance, I was thinking about the more specific needs of students – the textbooks they needed for school.
I realised that donating textbooks would be challenging, as every student's booklist would be different depending on their school and grade level. I also knew that many persons were willing to make donations to those in need, but were not sure where or how, and they wanted reassurance that their donation would reach a real person with a real need.
That's when this idea was born. I decided to create a simple solution: a way to match donors with students who need help obtaining their textbooks.
I've asked Project STAR to partner with me, as they have active programmes within communities in the west, and would be able to identify students with legitimate need. Once booklists have been sponsored, STAR will also assist by delivering those books directly to the students.
I've been thinking a lot about the opportunities I've had, and these experiences have taught me something important: education can change lives, but only when students have the resources they need to succeed.
Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, regardless of their circumstances.
If you're interested in finding out more about Project STAR: https://www.projectstarja.com/
How It Works
Project STAR has carefully identified and selected students in need from underserved communities in western Jamaica. To protect the privacy and safety of these students, each student has been assigned a unique student ID number and their profile anonymized. There is no direct communication between students and donors.
You can browse through the student profiles and choose a student to sponsor. Each student profile shows the total amount needed to purchase their textbooks.
Donations are processed through SpurrOpen's secure donation platform. Whether you are in Jamaica or overseas, you can complete payment in JMD or USD.
Once you sponsor a student, you will receive a confirmation of your donation, and the student's profile will be marked as sponsored. Your sponsorship goes directly to purchasing the textbooks for the student you selected.
Project STAR will deliver the textbooks directly to the student, and you will receive an update so you will know your contribution reached the student you selected to help.
Why This Matters
A textbook may seem like a small thing, but for a student it can mean:
- Being able to complete assignments.
- Preparing for examinations.
- Participating confidently in class.
- Staying on track toward future goals and dreams.
For some students, a single textbook can make the difference between falling behind and moving forward.
A Personal Request
As someone who has benefited from educational opportunities, I believe strongly in paying it forward.
This project is not just about books. It's about hope, opportunity, and investing in the future of Jamaica.
If you are able, I hope you will consider sponsoring a student. And please share my website with your friends and family.
Together, we can help ensure that these students will have the tools they need to learn, grow, and pursue their dreams.
Thank you for being here and for considering helping to make a difference in a child’s future.
With gratitude, Joanna
Ready to make a difference?
Browse student profiles and sponsor the textbooks they need.