JIO donation- The Jamaican Infrastructure Operator (JIO), managers of Highway 2000, recently donated a Xerox photocopying machine and $100,000 to assist the Franklyn Town Community Development Project. Making the presentation is Nicole Kuster (second from left), senior administrative & communications chief officer at the JIO, to Andrew Geohagen (left), Michael Lewin (second from right) and Donat Booth (right) of the Franklyn Town Community Development Project. - contributed

The Jamaican Infrastructure Operator (JIO), managers of Highway 2000 recently donated $100,000 and a Xerox photocopying machine to the Franklyn Town Community Development Project.

"Although we usually contribute mainly to the communities surrounding the highway, we thought this a worthwhile cause especially since they are frequently faced with outbreaks of violence that negatively impact their daily efforts," said Nicole Kuster of the JIO.

Established in 2000, Franklyn Town Community Development Project, located in east Kingston, is geared towards empowering the community members while promoting peace.

Tough inner-city community

"Franklyn Town is a tough inner-city community. We were motivated to establish this organisation because of the high crime and violence, the high illiteracy rate in the community and the lack of a centralised body that would be the umbrella organisation for development," said project chairman, Andrew Geohagen.

He said the organisation has attempted to positively transform the lives of its residents.The fact that a verandah serves as the space for executive meetings has not deterred the organisation from working towards its dream of bringing peace to Franklyn Town.

The organisation also continues to face financial challenges. Grateful for the gift, Geohagen said the donations will go a long way in assisting the community members.

"Photocopying and printing is a major part of our organisation and we don't have the funds to do that, so this will really help even those students doing GSAT [Grade Six Achievement Test] and CXC [Caribbean Examination Council]. We would want to offer that service to our community," he said.