Former Miss World Lisa Hanna has donated JMD $1 million to her alma mater, The Queen’s School, to assist mothers and their daughters with everyday school-related needs. The donation, made through the Lisa Hanna Foundation, is part of Hanna’s ongoing commitment to supporting women at risk, particularly mothers working to ensure their daughters can continue their education.
“When mothers are struggling, their children feel it,” Hanna wrote on Instagram. “Every year, I make a personal contribution of $1 million to The Queen’s School to support mothers with their daughters’ everyday needs, including food, transportation, and essential personal care. Because when girls are worried, hungry, or unsure how they will get to school, learning becomes difficult. Support is not charity. It’s stability. It’s dignity. It’s opportunity. And when we uplift mothers, we empower daughters, strengthening generations to come.”
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Hanna’s connection to The Queen’s School is longstanding. Born in Retreat, St. Mary, to Rene Hanna of Lebanese descent and Dorothy Hosang of African and Chinese descent, she attended Immaculate Conception Preparatory School before moving on to The Queen’s School in Kingston. At The Queen’s School, she distinguished herself academically and socially, serving as Head Girl before gaining international recognition as Miss World in 1993 at a ceremony held at the Sun City Resort in South Africa.
Beyond her pageant success, Hanna has had a notable political career. As a member of the People’s National Party (PNP), she won the St. Ann South East seat in the 2007 general elections, making her one of the youngest women ever elected to the Jamaican Parliament. She subsequently served as opposition spokesperson on Information, Youth, and Culture, and after the PNP’s victory in the 2011 general elections, she was appointed Minister of Youth and Culture. She later took on the role of opposition spokesperson on foreign affairs.
In 2020, Hanna ran for the presidency of the PNP but was defeated by Mark Golding. She later announced her decision not to contest the 2025 general elections, retiring from active politics and passing the St. Ann South East seat to Kenneth Russell.
Through her philanthropic work, Hanna has continued to prioritize education and empowerment, particularly for young women. Her annual contributions to The Queen’s School reflect her belief that supporting mothers directly translates into opportunities for daughters. By addressing basic needs like food, transportation, and personal care, Hanna’s initiative seeks to reduce barriers to learning and promote long-term stability for families.
Her donation is expected to benefit dozens of students and families, reinforcing the idea that education and opportunity are most effective when coupled with practical support for the home environment. Hanna’s efforts underscore her long-standing advocacy for women, children, and education in Jamaica.
