Tameka Hill Foundation changing lives in Four Paths

FOUR PATHS, Clarendon: MOST PERSONS look forward to receiving gifts on their birthday, but Four Paths, Clarendon resident Tameka Hill used the occasion to start a foundation where she could give back to the community.

The Tameka Hill Foundation which was established last December has already started impacting the community with an inaugural back-to-school giveaways and fun day.

Hill told Rural Xpress that she wanted to target illiteracy in the community.

“I wanted to do something special not just for myself, but for my community, and so the first thing I did was to give a scholarship to a young person in the community that excelled in terms of community involvement and educationally, so somebody was awarded,” she told Rural Xpress.

The next initiative the foundation has embarked on is a reading room where children and adults who are having difficulty reading can get assistance from retired and active teachers.

On Saturday, children from the community and nearby environs enjoyed themselves on the bounceabout while adults were engaged in a presentation on how to dress for success and maintain a healthy mind and body.

Hill, who was born in Four Paths and is a past student of Clarendon College, said as a child growing up, she was always taught to give back, and that if she is giving away anything, it must always be the best – and that has been the main force in her forming the foundation.

NO EASY FEAT

Hundreds of persons who are born in Clarendon migrate to Kingston and other places and turn their backs on their community.

But not Hill, who said being a former Festival Queen for the parish also helped in instilling in her the desire to serve.

“I do a lot of youth work. I was the Jamaica Youth Ambassador, a United Nations mentor and I am active in other youth initiatives ...,” said Hill.

She added: “It’s not easy juggling sometimes, but I am thankful for my family and friends who assist.”

Hosting the first-ever event as a foundation, Hill said there was no money in place to do it.

“I just opened my closet and looked at all the stuff and sold them. That ensured I had the money to buy most of the stuff, along with donations from friends,” she said.