Trans-national kindness - Sunday Gleaner readers from around the world rally to help needy child go back to school

Tyrone Reid, Sunday Gleaner Reporter

From as far as the battle-fields of war-torn Afghanistan, the transnational kindness of total strangers could ensure that nine-year-old Jamaican boy, Richard James, goes back to school next month.

Last week, The Sunday Gleaner reported that barring a much-needed intervention, Richard would not be among the approximately 260,000 primary-level students expected to start the new school year in Jamaica.

The sad reality that he might not start grade four in September hits hard, often bringing the young child, who said school was his life, to tears. But, thanks to eight trans-national Samaritans and a handful of locals, Richard's tears may soon become tears of joys

Several pledges received

Since the publication of the article last week, a number of persons have called in pledges of assistance to send Richard back to school.

One of the pledges of assistance came from a Jamaican who is a soldier in the United States Army.

"I am stationed in Afghanistan. I was reading ... and was heart-broken at your article featuring Janet Jonesand her child who wishes to go to school," the soldier said.

He added: "I am a Kingston College old boy, and in the true spirit of the purple and white, I would like to help this kid, who seems to be talented, to get back to school."

Richard was forced to miss the last few months of grade three because his parents separated earlier this year.

Another reader - mother of two - was also moved by the story of Janet Jones and her sons, and pledged to help Richard and his five-year-old brother.

"I am writing to you because I would like to help Miss Jones' children. Please let me know how by emailing me," the note said.

Since the break-up, Jones and her two sons have had no fixed address.

"I am willing to offer her a room ... . I will also provide her with funds to help her kid to go to school," another reader offered.

A good Samaritan who called from the US told our news team that he "hates to see a child suffer" and was willing to put his money where his mouth was. "I would like to take up the tab for the upcoming school year," he pledged.

Touching story

Even our Caribbean neighbours got in on the act. A reader who said he was in Barbados sent an email asking how he could make contact with the family.

Local offers of assistance also poured in as one woman said she was "really touched by the story".

"I would love to help Janet Jones to send her children to school. There is enough crime and violence in my beautiful island, and one of the ways to get rid of it is to educate the young ones coming up," she said.

Names changed.