22 BRONX, NEW YORK: THE ORGANIZATION for International Development – OID – is expressing gratitude to the diaspora for responding to the call for assistance with its renovation initiative at the Rusangu Basic School in Monze, Zambia, Africa. In a letter to the New York-based OID, dated September 25, and shared with this newspaper, principal Hamwata Kizita thanked the organization for its generous donation, resulting in the successful renovation of the Grade one classroom, ‘which had been in a bad state for some time’. “Our learners are now learning in a good and safe environment,” acknowledged principal Kizita. It all started in 2019, during an OID Humanitarian Mission at Rusangu University and a visit to the primary schools in the surrounding communities. During the tour, the team of volunteers led by Dr Roy Streete, observed the conditions of the classrooms and decided that help was needed, immediately. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic would redirect attention and focus, inevitably delaying help for the school. Marked as a ‘global Diaspora initiative’, OID conducted a second mission at Rusangu University last year (2024), and found that that the conditions of the Garde 1 and Early Childhood classrooms had fallen into further disrepair, presenting an unsafe and unconducive environment for both teachers and students. Having seen first-hand, what was needed, and after careful consultation with the school’s administrators, funds were disbursed to have the facility repaired, renovated and fitted with a new roof, windows, floor, freshly painted walls and soft (chalk) boards. Done in near record time, ‘the renovation has been phenomenal,’ offered Denise Soares, OID secretary. “Teachers and students now learn and work in a space that is safe, clean and well-ventilated.” For OID, the hope is that the much-improved environment will boost student morale, increase teacher confidence and heighten parental appreciation while restoring dignity to Rusangu Basic School and positioning the facility as a model for community support and sustainable education. Yes, it takes a village…! TORONTO, CANADA: ALTIMAN G. Davis is the proud author of an uplifting and deeply inspirational memoir titled Jamaican Barefoot Boy to Multi-Millionaire. From a barefoot boy in rural Jamaica to a successful businessman in Canada, Altiman Davis shares a deeply personal story of resilience, sacrifice, and triumph. Told with warmth, honesty, and humility, Davis invites readers to walk with him through the moments that shaped his character, celebrating the lessons of the past while offering hope for the future. Raised in a one-room house by a loving single mother, Altiman’s early life was marked by hardship but also by joy, discipline, and unshakeable family values. These values of perseverance, integrity, and a strong work ethic were instilled in him from an early age by a loving and hard-working mother. Despite the hardships she faced and the limited resources at her disposal, she had big dreams for her children. Her hope was not only for them to succeed academically but also to thrive in whichever fields they chose to pursue, always carrying with them the principles of diligence and purpose. These qualities would eventually carry him to Mico University College and later to Concordia University in Montreal, Canada, where he earned a degree in computer science. After completing his studies, he went on to establish his own IT consulting company, over time, becoming a successful real estate investor and stock market broker. As he shared with this newspaper: “It is more than just my story. It is a message of hope for all who read it. My greatest wish is for my fellow Jamaicans, both at home and abroad, to be inspired by my experiences and realise that where you start in life does not dictate where you finish.” This memoir traces his remarkable journey across continents. From humble beginnings in the Jamaican countryside to life in the heart of North America, navigating culture, career, family, and the quiet strength it takes to rise above systemic barriers. More than just a story of roots, grit, and gratitude, it is a testament to what is possible when love, discipline, determination, industriousness, and belief, intervene. “The purpose of writing this book is not to boast about my material success or wealth I may have achieved and is not only unique to myself but rather to serve as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the boundless potential within us all.” The book has been gaining remarkable attention and is now trending on Amazon Kindle, Kobo, Lulu, and IngramSpark. Jamaican Barefoot Boy to Multi-Millionaire, a memoir Cover of the book by Jamaican Altiman G. Davis, available where books are sold. CONTRIBUTED BOOK REVIEW US-based mission completes well-needed renovation of Zambia school SHOW ME YOUR MOTION. Students at the Rusangu Basic/Primary School, Monze, Zambia, Africa, going through routine stretching in their freshly painted classroom, courtesy of the NY-based Organization for International Development (OID). CONTRIBUTED LIKE NEW. Refurbished and painted Early Childhood Education (ECE) block, Rusangu Primary School, Monze, Zambia, Africa. CONTRIBUTED OID volunteers with diaspora help repair, outfit Rusangu Basic School THE WEEKLY GLEANER | OCTOBER 16 - NOVEMBER 13, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS
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