Thirteen students of the Bocage Secondary School have received corrective eyewear through a donation facilitated by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF).
The students underwent vision assessments in January and February during the Kids Insight Medical Mission. Medical professionals identified vision challenges and prescribed corrective lenses.
On March 18, 2026, TEF officials visited the school to formally present glasses to the students, taking a significant step in removing a barrier to their learning.
For fifth-form student Brandon Abraham, the support followed a difficult period marked by vision problems that affected his schoolwork and comfort. He explained, “My eyes started troubling me, started scratching, started watering.” He described a worrying exam experience: “There was once when I was writing an exam and then I just started seeing blue and I was like, ‘what’s going on with my eyes?’”
Abraham said the condition worsened. “After a while it started itching and started to hurt.” Now, with his new glasses, he expressed relief and gratitude, saying, “God has blessed me with this new pair of glasses to see again, to see well.”
Tamara Amos, TEF technical officer for community projects, said the initiative reflects TEF’s broader commitment to youth development. “We are happy to be here today to deliver the glasses to the well-deserving students of the Bocage Secondary School.”
Amos explained the support was through the Kids Insight programme. “This falls under the Kids Insight programme which was held in February. A number of children islandwide were able to benefit from such a programme.” She emphasised the organisation’s enthusiasm in supporting such efforts, stating, “The TEF is really happy and elated to be part of such a wonderful initiative.”
Principal Cuthbert Elizee welcomed the help, emphasising its importance to student outcomes. He remarked, “We know that those glasses are going to go a long way in enhancing the students’ learning.”
Elizee pointed out that, in some cases, poor academic performance may have been linked to undiagnosed vision issues rather than a lack of ability. He explained, “We know over the years the students have been doing poorly, and it is not because they are not intelligent and they are not bright.”
He continued by highlighting the challenges faced by affected students, noting, “But their vision has been impacted and as a matter of fact, they are unable to see, to be able to read, to be able to write and do their tests and so on.”
The timing is crucial, especially for those preparing for regional exams. Elizee stated, “I think there are three Form Five students… I know they will be using those glasses for their CXC exams that are beginning very soon.”
Expressing deep appreciation on behalf of the school community, Elizee thanked the TEF for its continued support. He said, “I don’t think words can adequately say how we feel about the support that we are receiving for our children.”
