A musical fundraiser hopes to bring the community together this October to support a healthy meals programme for underprivileged students.

Sail Away Soca and Jumuiya Ya Afrika have announced that they will work together to host the Fuse fundraiser at Pier Six to help the meal programme at Dellwood Middle School.

The meal programme was first launched by Hafid James last year, with the support of One Communications, the Jamaican Grill and Sound Concept, offering healthy meals to students three days a week.

Mr James said: “I heard about the situation at Dellwood and it was heartbreaking but glad I was in a position to help.

“Since our initial talks with the school, the number of students have grown, which isn’t surprising as lower-income households are greater affected in this stormy financial climate.

“As a health coach, I know the importance of how no or lower-quality foods can affect learning, behaviour and performance and how, if not corrected, can have negative ramifications for the children of Bermuda down the line.”

The programme is funded by the events put on through Sail Away Soca, an event group started during the Covid-19 pandemic with Mr James and his friends Sheena Cholmondeley and Melissa Trott.

Jumiya Ya Afrika, an organisation dedicated to promoting African heritage in Bermuda, has joined the team for this year’s fundraising event, which will bring together Soca and Afrobeat artists including Rusty G, Korie Minors, Fire Wayne and DJ Choosen.

Henry Thomas, chairman of the JYA, said: “As Africans we respect the value of proper nutrition and believe everyone should have substantive meals consisting of, wherever possible, fresh produce.

“Preparing meals is a ritual we Africans take very seriously across the continent. Food is an integral part of almost everything we do and so we, like Hafid, also feel compelled to assist the Dellwood healthy meals programme.”

Organisers said that Butterfield, International Island Boys and the City of Hamilton have also signed on as community sponsors for the healthy meals programme, joining One Communications.

Dwayne Caines, CEO of the City of Hamilton, said the municipality was proud to join Sail Away Soca and Jumiya Ya Afrika’s efforts to support young Bermudians.

“We believe that investing in the wellbeing of our students today is investing in the future of our entire island,” Mr Caines said.

“Together, through efforts like the healthy meals programme at Dellwood Middle School, we can ensure a brighter, healthier tomorrow for all.”

The fundraiser is scheduled to take place on October 19 at Pier Six, with tickets available now at bdatix.com.

• For more information about the programme or to become a community sponsor, contact sailawaysoca@gmail.com or info@jumuiya.bm