Rise to Education | Non-Profit Organization | St. Andrew High School

The non-profit organization, “Rise to Organization” was started in 2012 by Garcia Simmonds (President/Founder). The organization was started by eager St.Andrew High School students hungry to make a difference, as their motto suggests “living to make a difference”. Garcia Simmonds, Ashanti Chambers (Vice President), Stephanie Daley (Secretary), Martina Gabriel (Treasurer) and Jhodi Webster (Web Advisor) came together as third form students with a dream. They wanted to make it easier for less fortunate children to gain an education in order to increase their chances to excel in their field of choice. The dream was always to volunteer at homework centres in various inner city communities to provide stationary and other essentials that cannot be bought by parents and to hopefully be able to provide small but beneficial scholarships to children. These young ladies do not want to give an occasional helping hand but want to build a relationship with the communities to which they are involved and provide as much help and support in their power.

It has been two years since the efforts have begun by these girls and they have had two treats and visits at homework centres for example The Greater Brown’s Town Homework Centre. There have been obstacles, as St.Andrew High young ladies, school and their grades they want to receive from their CXC:CSEC examinations was in the forefront. Because of this, their treat planning and visits had to be put on hold. All members passed their examinations with flying colours. They are now ready to balance all of their responsibilities and ensure that “Rise to Education” takes off and soars to new heights. They are eager to make an unforgettable difference with their upcoming treats and their presence in communities at homework centers.