BASSETERRE – In a heartwarming display of community commitment, the William Marcus Natta Memorial Scholarship Fund visited three educational institutions on October 9, delivering a bounty of essential school supplies to support teachers and students in their daily learning endeavors. This annual initiative, now in its 15th year, underscores the fund’s enduring dedication to fostering academic success among the Federation’s youngest residents.
The visits to Tucker Clarke Primary School, Halliday-Smith Primary School, and Newtown Nursery were marked by enthusiasm and gratitude, as detailed in a recent social media update from the fund. Cabinet Secretary Dr. Marcus Natta, co-founder of the organization, shared the excitement of the day, emphasizing the collaborative effort with Ms. Carol Bernier and her family, whose partnership has made these donations possible year after year.
This year’s contributions to the primary schools included over 4,000 writing tools such as pens, pencils, and colored pencils; more than 400 notebooks; 200 rulers, 200 sharpeners, and 250 erasers; over 100 packs of crayons; and additional items to equip classrooms effectively. For the toddlers at Newtown Nursery, the fund provided age-appropriate resources like a high chair, baby wipes, activity organizers, storybooks, educational posters, and art supplies. These items are designed to nurture early development and create engaging learning environments from the ground up.
Established on April 8, 2010, the William Marcus Natta Memorial Scholarship Fund honors the memory of the late William Marcus Natta, a former army veteran known for his dedication to community service. Co-founded by Dr. Marcus L. Natta, the non-profit organization focuses on providing financial aid and educational resources to primary school students across St. Kitts and Nevis. Over the past 15 years, the fund has expanded its reach, offering annual scholarships, school supplies, and support programs that promote civic engagement and academic excellence.
In a nation where primary education forms the foundation for lifelong success, initiatives like this play a crucial role in addressing resource gaps. St. Kitts and Nevis boasts a literacy rate above 95%, but challenges such as limited access to modern teaching materials and infrastructure persist in some rural and urban schools. The fund’s efforts complement government programs, helping to ensure that no child is left behind due to a lack of basic tools.
For residents of St. Kitts and Nevis, events like this are more than charitable acts—they’re investments in the islands’ future. By providing tools that enable creativity and learning, the fund helps cultivate confident, capable leaders who will drive the Federation’s growth in tourism, agriculture, and emerging tech sectors. Parents and educators alike can attest to the difference a new notebook or set of crayons makes in sparking a child’s interest in education.
Dr. Natta’s message resonates deeply: “It’s a blessing to invest in our community’s future, one classroom at a time.”