Pupils of a school in Pembroke wore bright smiles when a group of supporters to schools across the island donated new supplies.

The gifts to Northlands Primary School from Support Public Schools, Bermuda included stationary that will be used by P3 and P6 students.

The handover was part of a two-day exercise in which the group planned to donate $31,085-worth of goods to schools around the island, thanks to the contributions of supporters, which included the Green family.

Tamica Darrell, the acting principal of Northlands Primary, thanked the group for the donation, which she said would make a lasting impact on the school.

She added: “These contributions play a vital role in enriching the learning experience and ensuring that every child has the tools they need to succeed academically.

“Beyond their generous donations, SPS goes above and beyond by organising and notifying schools about additional donated items from companies and organisations as they become available, a truly remarkable and thoughtful effort.”

She said the group’s dedication to addressing resource gaps aligned perfectly with Northlands Primary’s mission to empower students to focus on their education and dream big.

Ms Darrell encouraged other organisations and residents to support similar schemes, which she said have direct and meaningful impacts on the lives of children and their future.

“Together, we can make a profound difference,” she added.

This year Butterfield Bank donated $10,000 towards the programme.

Jody Feldman, the bank’s managing director in Bermuda, said: “We are proud to play our part in purchasing necessary supplies to help enrich the learning experience in Bermuda’s schools.

“Having worked with the Support Public Schools team since the beginning, we have seen the positive impact these contributions have had for students and teachers alike.

“We remain committed to investing in the future of our community and empowering our young people to thrive.”

The Green family has contributed $5,000 towards the venture this year and a spokesman said the family truly supported the initiative.

He added: “We are pleased to continue our commitment for a project that directly benefits Bermuda's primary school students, through resources that can enhance learning and promote success in public school classrooms for the teachers and students.”

This year, Butterfield & Vallis donated $5,000 towards the drive.

Takeysha Atwell, a human resource strategist at the food distribution company, said the business had supported the programme since 2021.

She noted: “By providing essential school supplies to public schools, we aim to ensure every child has the tools needed to thrive and enjoy the learning experience.

“We are honoured to contribute to this impactful cause, knowing that these investments help cultivate beautiful minds and build a vibrant, empowered community.”

Juliana Snelling, an organiser and founder of SPS, said: “Education is the best means to promoting socio-economic equality and positive educational outcomes — but not all schools are equal.

“Bermuda’s public school students don’t have access to the same resources as those at private schools.

“Our mission is to close that gap and provide essential resources for public school students to thrive and succeed in their educational endeavours.”

Ms Snelling thanked the organisation’s longstanding and new supporters whom she noted generously purchased and donated the supplies.

She said the group’s second-hand goods drive had been “incredibly successful” as donations, which included computer equipment, printers, office chairs and supplies, were handed out to all levels of public schools.

Ms Snelling added: “From our humble beginning in 2018, and now celebrating our eighth year, we have managed to supply almost $600,000 of new supplies as well as hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of second-hand supplies.”

She said the group’s work was testament to the corporate and private individuals who believed in its mission and in making a tangible difference in the lives of children attending Bermuda’s public primary schools.