The launch is empowering educators, supporting students, and reigniting community responsibility.
The RISE Foundation is proud to announce the launch of its 2025 Back-to-School drive – a powerful, community-driven initiative aimed at equipping students and teachers with the tools they need to succeed this academic year. Guided by the theme “It Starts with Us: A Community Committed to Education,” this initiative will unfold throughout July and August with donation drives, in-school sessions and more.
Unlike traditional donation efforts, the 2025 program introduces a sustainable and empowering model by directly supporting teachers and creating lasting access to educational resources for students in need.
"We’re not just handing out supplies, we’re building systems of support," said Priya Misir, Project Leader for the 2025 Back-to-School Drive of RISE Foundation. “This initiative is about honouring the work of our educators and uplifting students in a way that lasts beyond the first day of school.”
A comprehensive approach to Back-to-School support
- Sustainable support for teachers: As part of this year’s enhanced strategy, RISE Foundation will deliver 10 Teacher Resource Boxes to selected primary schools. These boxes, filled with year-round classroom supplies, are designed to ease pressure on teachers and ensure students can access the materials they need.
- Student essentials – backpacks, supplies, uniforms & fees: Students will receive backpacks, school supplies, and assistance with uniforms or school fees. By removing these barriers, RISE Foundation helps children return to school prepared and confident.
- In-school educational & inspirational sessions: Through partnerships with the Nick Singh Foundation, Listen to Our Future, TM Entertainment, and Komodo Art, students will join creative and empowering sessions. These include group art projects, movement and affirmation-based dance, and student-led problem-solving circles – each designed to build confidence, encourage expression, and promote school readiness.
The project also offers free haircuts and hairstyles to help students feel fresh and empowered on their first day – recognizing that how a child feels can shape how they learn and engage in school.
The 2025 initiative will focus on the A.C.E. Foundation, Leonald Connor Primary School, and Oranje School.
Why it matters
As economic pressures grow, this initiative recognizes both the role of educators as first responders and the barriers students face without essentials. By supporting teachers and providing school supplies, uniforms, fees, and haircuts, RISE Foundation is addressing educational inequality in a tangible, holistic way.
Shifting from one-time giveaways to a sustainable model is a bold step toward restoring dignity, promoting readiness, and ensuring every child – and every classroom – is equipped for success.
“Teachers often dip into their own pockets to support students,” added Misir. “We want to change that narrative – this year and every year.”
How you can get involved
RISE Foundation welcomes individuals, businesses, and organizations to support students and educators in the following ways:
- Sponsor a child: Contribute to a student’s backpack, school supplies, uniform, haircut/hairstyle, or school fee.
- In-kind donations: Donate items directly or provide vouchers for supplies, uniforms, or fees.
- Corporate sponsorships: Businesses can adopt a school, sponsor students, or support classrooms.
- Volunteer: Help during collection days or at distribution events in August.
Whether through a $25 donation, a few hours of time, or a corporate pledge, your contribution can transform a child’s school year.
Timeline of events
- Now through August 9 – Sponsorship & Collection Period
- August 2, 9 (and potentially 16) – Donation Days at Carrefour Bush Road and Cost U Less
- August 21-25 – Back-to-School Activation & Distribution Days
To donate, partner, or get involved, contact RISE Foundation via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., phone +1 (721) 584-7473, or following on Facebook (@risesxm) and Instagram (@rise.sxm)
Pictured: RISE Foundation co-founders, from left: Josiah Lamothe, Priya Misir, Chiaira Bowers, and Kevin James.
