Barbara Robinson helps to uplift Callaloo Mews Basic School
Uncomfortable with the looks of the Callaloo Mews Basic School compound, Barbara Robinson wrote to the D&G Foundation to ask for help for the school.
Robinson, a resident of Duhaney Park, St Andrew, said she would pass by the school on the way to church every Sunday, and she didn’t like the way it looked.
“I knew the response would have been positive.
However, I was surprised to the extent at which the
Foundation helped. I thought they would have only done one initiative, but they ended up doing more than I hoped for and will continue to assist the school.” The foundation granted her request, assisting the school to complete a classroom that is now used as a staffroom. Additionally, the foundation provided funds to the school, which helped it pay off some debts, and last Christmas, courtesy of the foundation and the Malta ‘Full of Life Army’, the school was treated to a Christmas fair at Funland, Hope Gardens.
“It might sound played out, but teamwork really does make the dream work. At the end of the day, no man is an island, and we can’t make the world go around on our own. We all have to fall in and make things happen,” said Robinson. “It was such a joy to see the children and staff forgetting their problems and just enjoying the day with smiles on their faces.”
The 53-year-old front-desk manager at Red Stripe is known for voluntarily going outside of her job description to ensure that her co-workers are comfortable.
“Barbara embodies the type of person who we all should strive to be. She is selfless and sees the best in everyone,” remarked Michelle Cunningham, junior brand manager for Stouts and Malta at Red Stripe.
Robinson believes that more Jamaicans need to care for and mentor someone if we are ever to have a peaceful society. With a 17-year-old daughter who wants to be a nurse, she is adamant that teaching children to love one another and instilling the importance of being kind-hearted will lead to more good in the world.