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It goes without saying that the support of a community in uplifting the youth is a significant task which yields monumental results. When 15-year-old Learning Unlimited student Ki-Mani Olivacce set out on his benevolent endeavor to start a back-to-school drive for the less fortunate youth of St. Maarten, he never imagined the extent of the outpour of support he would receive. With the culmination of the drive, Ki-Mani would like to take the time and extend his gratitude for the tremendous show of support for his undertaking.

Due to the donations of a remarkable estimated 400 school bags and school supplies, Ki-Mani was able to supply numerous foster homes, non-profit organizations, and social services with supplies that were provided to the youths they oversee. Additionally, Ki-Mani distributed school supplies at House of Restoration Church, upon the invitation of Pastor Peart.

Ki-Mani Olivacce would like to personally thank those who helped in making this drive a success. Every detail from advertising, organizing and execution, sorting and making deliveries were met with eager members of the community who contributed in some form or fashion.

The donations were distributed among: Dr. Judith Arndell for the Ujima Foundation, HOPE Outreach, House of Restoration Church, Ms. Cassandra Gibbs for the I Can Foundation, Ms. Sally Benjamin for the New Start Foundation, and the All Children Education Foundation, Mr. Richardson, the Director of Foundation Judicial Institutes St. Maarten and Social Worker, Ms. Meredith Concincion.

The schools and institutions that received donations were: Ruby Labega Primary School, Marie Genevieve de Weever School, and Sister Magda Primary School.

In putting the dream to fruition, many thanks go to Meyers Group of Companies for being the initial sole propriety for drop off location of donations, followed by WIB. As a wonderful support and constantly encouraging his endeavors, Ki-Mani would like to give a special thanks to his aunt Mrs. Silvia Meyers-Olivacce, and his cousins Indira and Abdul Meyers for their generous donations.

For their recent donations and support, Ki-Mani Olivacce would also like to thank:

Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sports Mrs. Silveria Jacobs, Rotary Club of St. Maarten Mid-Isle, American University of the Caribbean’s Latino Medical Student Association, Mr. Dekembe Molina, Kooyman Megastore, Meyers Group of Companies, Mr. Michael Granger, Nagico Insurances, Pantophlet Vila Foundation, Prime Distributors, Safe Cargo Services

Sign Triple 9, Simply Masters Foundation, St. Maarten Cinemas, Travel Planners, Viva Signs

WIB, and Xerox. Thank you to Ayanna Richards and Xavier Hodge for their help in assisting with packing and distribution as well.

“Truthfully, I could not have made such a huge impact without you and I deeply appreciate your generosity. Thank you for your investment and valuable contribution to our community,” stated Ki-Mani.

“I thank my parents Joseph and Sharmaine Olivacce for the unconditional love and assistance, says Ki-Mani. “You’ve taught me to give by your examples and always encouraged me to think of others. The backing of my family meant a lot to me because the love and spirit of giving begins at home.” Their tireless dedication of time and resources in helping to make this drive a success was instrumental.

“I’m happy with the outcome of the back-to-school drive,” stated Ki-Mani. “Seeing the smiles and happy faces of children who received the supplies was the best form of appreciation. I want to continue every year and make each year bigger than the last so that more youth can begin every school year with the tools they need to succeed.”

Thank you to everyone who contributed! Your willingness to help the youth in the St. Maarten community made a huge difference in the lives of the children who truly benefitted.

Barbara-Jean Arthur