Denbigh High student sees clearer path to learning
Denbigh High School student Jamaal Muirhead has received a pair of eyeglasses to help correct his short-sightedness.
“I’m very happy because sometimes it’s difficult for me to see, so it’s a kind of improvement for me, it’s an upliftment for me,” said a grateful Jamaal, who hails from Gimme-Me-Bit.
J. Wray & Nephew Foundation and Optical Elements recently partnered to provide the teen with the eyeglasses.
“Sometimes I cannot see well on the board (blackboard) and sometimes the teacher is going fast and sometimes because of the board size they have to rub it off and sometimes I miss some notes,” said Jamaal, explaining difficulties he has faced in the classroom.
He added: “My lowest grades are in English, that’s my weakness, because English includes a lot of reading, so I think the glasses will help me improve that.”
Now that his eyes have been fitted with corrective lens, Jamaal outlined: “I’ll be able to catch the notes quicker. Sometimes when they give the notes they explain it, so now I’ll be able to understand it more.”
Jadine Boothe, Jamaal’s mother, said he has been having problems with his sight for some time now.
“From he was in primary school in grade 5, he has always told me that his eye is giving him problems, but because I don’t have the money I couldn’t address it,” Boothe said. “I’m a single parent and it’s not easy on me. Some things he requires he doesn’t get.”
Jamaal’s story tells the irony of disappointment turning to good; given his unsuccessful application for one of the scholarships offered annually by the JWNF to secondary and tertiary students who live in communities surrounding JWN’s business operations in Kingston, Clarendon and St Elizabeth, to him receiving eyeglasses to correct disabilities in sight, and by extension, learning.
“Jamaal marginally missed out earning one of our yearly academic scholarships. At the time, we did not realise the effects of sight on his ability to learn, until he wrote to us and outlined the challenges. Consequently, we felt compelled to aid this young man, who had articulated his need so well,” said Tanikie McClarthy Allen, JWNF CEO.
Peta-Gay McDonald, optometrist at Optical Elements, noted that “the gift of sight is immeasurable”. She said her company is glad to be able to assist Jamaal.
Jamaal expressed feeling overwhelmed at what the likely improvements in sight will bring to his education.