During her 2023 dissertation research fieldwork in Jamaica, Kimberly Gilchrist was inspired to find a way to engage in charitable work to help Jamaican children. This led to the official creation of the Rocksteady University Charity in 2024 to address the needs of students in Jamaican communities and communities throughout the Caribbean.
Rocksteady University Charity is dedicated to empowering the future of the Caribbean through education and their mission is to provide educational supplies to children living in underserved communities and help with the maintenance and upkeep of urban and rural schools within the Caribbean. They work alongside community leaders to identify students who are in need of supplies, and with school administrators to determine what kinds of maintenance and educational projects need to be undertaken.
The organization envisions a Caribbean where every child can thrive in a supportive and well-equipped educational environment and their work is driven by the belief that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, fostering community development, and creating a brighter future for generations to come. By addressing educational disparities, they aim to build a foundation of opportunity that will uplift entire communities.
Rocksteady University is currently engaged in two projects in Jamaica in need of support:
1. Ceiling/Roof replacement for the Bellas Gate Basic School in Bellas Gate, St. Catherine, Jamaica.
The Bellas Gate Basic School is located in Bellas Gate, St. Catherine, Jamaica, a rural district situated in the hills above Old Harbour. Once a bustling town filled with families and community activity, it is now in need of redevelopment.
The specific piece of land on which the Bellas Gate Basic School sits was donated in 2008 by Jamaican playwright, Trevor Rhone, a former resident of the community. Originally named the McSyl Basic School after Rhone's mother, Rosomond McCalla, and his aunt, Mercella 'Syl' McCalla, in later years the name was changed to what it is currently.
Unfortunately, the school is in need of repair and maintenance. These needs have been made more urgent due to the damages faced as a result of Hurricane Beryl in 2024. In addition to needing a new water pump and re-painting, the ceiling/roof urgently needs to be replaced. Rocksteady University Charity is requesting donations to help facilitate these repairs and foster a safe space for learning.
Donations can be made through the Bellas Gate School, St. Catherine, Jamaica GoFundMe page -https://gofund.me/8459fecb or by contacting Rocksteady University Charity at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
2. Vere Technical High School's Track Team and Food Pantry
Rocksteady University Charity is also assisting with the efforts to raise funds and various items for Vere Technical High School in Hayes, Clarendon, Jamaica. The aim is to create a food pantry to help battle food insecurities faced by some of the students. They are seeking funds or donated items that can help contribute to the pantry, like a deep freezer, canned foods, and non-perishable items.
Additionally, the organization is raising funds for the Vere Tech Track Team. For over ten years, they have been without a title sponsor for the program. This has created a heavy financial strain on the school and has resulted in the athletes being deprived of some of the basic amenities required for optimal performance.
Donated funds will go towards the purchase of:
- Food items
- Non-perishable- ex. corned beef, canned tuna, canned sardines, Vienna sausage, breakfast cereal, instant cornmeal porridge, instant oatmeal, granola bars, rice, pasta, evaporated milk, cereal bars, packaged crackers, juices,
- A deep freezer
- Running gears- vest, short tights, long tights, shoes
- Jumping shoes- long jump, high jump, triple jump
- Throwing shoes- javelin, discus, shot-put
Donations can be made through the Support Vere Tech's Track Team & Food Pantry GoFundMe page-https://gofund.me/b6a25eef or by contacting Rocksteady University Charity at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Additional information on Rocksteady University Charity can be found on their website, https://rocksteadyuc.org/.
