FLOW assists 10-year-old robbery victim

The FLOW Foundation, after reading the news story ‘10-year-old robbed on his way to school’, published in THE STAR on December 1, has come to the assistance of the student involved.

The child, who is a grade-five student of Excelsior Primary, was making his way to school on November 30, when he was approached by a man on a bicycle, who robbed him of his cell phone and other valuables.

The incident occurred about 6:30 a.m., a few metres from the school.

Errol Miller, executive chairman of FLOW Foundation, reached out to our news team and immediate contact was made with Novelette Smith-Rickets, the child’s mother.

SEVERAL STORIES

“This case particularly touches my heart. There are several stories like this over recent times, and we at FLOW Foundation felt the need to make a difference, so we decided that we would help,” Miller told THE WEEKEND STAR,

When asked by THE WEEKEND STAR what could be the possible answer for violence against our nation’s children, Miller said that those ordeals are just simply painful and heart-rending.

“It’s just hard to understand why adults would prey on a helpless, defenceless child,” Miller said.

The boy received a new school bag, replacement phone from FLOW, and the foundation also contacted other entities that came on board to help with the initiative.

DURING THE INCIDENT

The young man’s books and reading glasses were also stolen during the incident. With the help of Kingston Bookshop those books have been replaced, and he was outfitted with a new pair of glasses from Eyeland Eyewear.

Smith-Rickets told THE WEEKEND STAR that she was very grateful for FLOW’s gesture.

“I am grateful. It came at a time of need. Supreme Ventures also made an offer, but FLOW had already answered the call,” she said.

Smith-Rickets also said her son was feeling better since the ordeal, however, she now takes him to school as a precaution.