THE EDITOR, Sir:
THERE ARE those of us who seek to give back something, even a little, to the land of our birth. However, when some of us try to do so, we are seemingly rebuffed, ignored or stymied in our attempts.
About one year ago, I telephoned the principal of my alma mater seeking to assist at least one child entering the high school. I wished to sponsor a child from a needy family by paying the school fees (tuition, etc.,) for the four to five years of the child's attendance at the school. Apart from need, the only other stipulation was that the student should maintain good academic grades over the period.
The principal and the director of guidance were receptive to the offer and promised to identify such a student or students. The director of guidance also inquired if I would be willing and able to cover the outstanding tuition fee of a first-year sixth former whose parent or guardian was unable to do so. I sent the payment immediately and offered to pay for his second and final year in sixth form if and when they forwarded to me the necessary details.
FIRST PAYMENT
I know that the first payment was received from my cancelled cheque, but the school never acknowledged its receipt. Furthermore, despite several attempts, including correspondence at eliciting the required information from them, there has been no follow-up to my initial offer to date.
Similar prior efforts have also ended on an unsatisfactory note: lack of parental cooperation, unsatisfactory grades, even a pregnancy.
It makes me wonder if the recipients of financial or other assistance really need or appreciate the help they say they want and get. Their actions, or rather inactions, belie that. I am also deeply troubled by the attitude of the school administration and question whether they are truly interested in the welfare or well-being of the students who attend the school.
I am, etc.,
CLINTON A. LEWIS
Main Street
Ocho Rios, St. Ann
