Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson, has praised the Integrity Children’s Fund for its longstanding contributions to the education and development of at-risk children in Jamaica and the United States.
“I am pleased to salute the Integrity Children’s Fund, which, through its effort of giving back, has helped to touch many lives in Jamaica in immeasurable ways,” Ambassador Anderson said during his keynote address at the organization’s annual gala, held June 21 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis.
The event, themed “An Evening of Glamour for Education,” celebrated more than 20 years of diaspora-led impact and Jamaica’s evolving role as a leader in education reform and innovation across the region.
Since its founding in 2002, the Atlanta-based nonprofit has disbursed approximately USD $1.2 million, supporting up to 600 students annually and impacting more than 8,000 lives—both in Jamaica and among immigrant families in metropolitan Atlanta.
Strategic partnerships and expanding impact
Founded by a group of visionary Jamaicans led by Major (Ret’d) Karl Chambers, the Integrity Children’s Fund has forged strong partnerships with schools and community organizations—from the Jones Town Learning Center and Operation Restoration Christian School in Trench Town to educational programs in Trelawny and Montego Bay.
Ambassador Anderson hailed Chambers, a “proud son of Excelsior High School,” for his “quiet strength and moral clarity,” noting that the Fund’s reach into Clarkston, Georgia, known as the “Ellis Island of the South,” underscores how Jamaican values are uplifting communities well beyond the island’s shores.
Alignment with national policy
The Ambassador also highlighted the Fund’s alignment with Jamaica’s national education priorities. He referenced Education Minister Dr. Dana Morris Dixon’s announcement that reading instruction will be reintroduced into primary school timetables starting in September. This shift, along with the National School Learning and Intervention Plan (NSLIP), aims to increase instructional time, provide psychosocial support, and integrate digital tools tailored to student needs.
Ambassador Anderson noted the potential for deeper collaboration between government reforms and diaspora investment, calling it a unique opportunity to “place Jamaica at the forefront of educational transformation in the Caribbean.”
A major focus of the address was the integration of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence and digital learning platforms, which are already in use through Integrity Fund-supported programs.
“These tools provide real-time feedback, personalised learning pathways, and access to quality resources regardless of location,” Ambassador Anderson said. “They position Jamaica to leapfrog traditional barriers and lead in tech-enabled learning.”
A model for the region
With a diaspora estimated at 2.5 million, Jamaica has a significant global advantage, the Ambassador noted. The Integrity Children’s Fund stands as a model for how diaspora engagement can drive sustainable progress, with its annual contribution of over USD $70,000 going beyond program funding to build capacity and foster systemic change.
From its start supporting a single school, the organization has evolved into a respected education partner, studied by other Caribbean nations aiming to replicate its success.
Ambassador Anderson closed by urging Jamaicans at home and abroad to become “co-authors of our nation’s future” and to support transformative initiatives like the Integrity Children’s Fund.
“The Integrity Children’s Fund proves that when Jamaicans unite around a shared purpose, no challenge is too great and no dream too ambitious to achieve,” he said. “When you invest in a child’s education, you are investing in their capacity to navigate the world. You are giving them the tools to shape their own narratives, to challenge inequity, and to lift others as they rise.”
The gala also featured a special awards presentation, recognizing outstanding Jamaicans in medicine, aviation, and leadership. Ambassador Anderson presented awards to Jamaica’s Consul General in Miami, Mr. Oliver Mair; Dr. Sharon Harley; and Mrs. Alrene Richards Barr, Executive Director of International Affairs at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
In a strong show of support, patrons contributed just over USD $35,000 at the gala, which will go toward continued educational programs in Jamaica and Atlanta.
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