Uniform Donation Brings Back-to-School Relief at Stella Maris  

Back-to-school season brings excitement for students, but for many parents, it also brings the pressure of finding money for books, supplies, and uniforms. At Stella Maris School, one of those costs has been lifted. Through Belize City’s new sister-city relationship with Miramar, Florida, a nonprofit group has donated two uniforms for every student. It is a timely act of support that helps families breathe a little easier as the new school year begins. Shane Williams reports.

 

Shane Williams, Reporting

Bridge 501 set out to provide one uniform for every student at Stella Maris School, but community support helped double that goal. Now, all one hundred and forty-seven students will receive two uniforms, giving parents one less expense to worry about as the new school year begins.

 

Kaya Cattouse, Councilor

“A few weeks ago the Belize City Council had a Belize Day for the sister city relation that we recently signed on the Miramar City in Florida. And through that initiative a group of people within the diaspora called Bridge 501 have partnered and have since then assisted Stella Maris with some school uniforms today. I believe that all partners, all parties involved saw the need for school uniforms as it relates to kids, and of course, that is one of the most expensive things when preparing students for back to school.”

 

For parents, the support comes at just the right time, as the cost of getting a child ready for school can quickly add up.

 

Jeslyn Bennett, Parent

“It’s really generous, because it’s not easy being a parent trying to look for uniform for our kids. It’s not easy so the two uniforms that we’ve received is really a generous offer. It made me cry when I heard about it. I still kinda get goosebumps, because it’s a generous donation.”

 

But for Stella Maris Principal Doreth Pascasio-Griffith, the uniforms represent much more than financial assistance. Many of the students come from families that struggle financially and having a proper uniform can affect how a child feels about coming to school.

 

Doreth Pascasio-Griffith, Principal, Stella Maris

“Most of the kids at Stella Maris School are needy students, right? They don’t have it like that. And to always be coming in that rags, sometimes they don’t feel confident. And we all know when we dress up we feel confident. We want to be at school. So one of the greatest need that I said was uniform ’cause I wanted my kids to come to school properly dressed, just like a Belize Elementary, just like a Horizon, just like the other school. I wanted them to feel valued. I wanted them to feel love and to feel confidence when coming to Stella Maris School.”

 

Principal Pascasio-Griffith says the donation goes beyond clothing. For Stella Maris students, the uniforms help create a sense of belonging and show them that they are valued. Shane Williams for News Five.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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