The Bahamas – Hundreds of students across Grand Bahama and South Eleuthera received essential school supplies — and a boost of excitement — as Carnival Cruise Line continued its commitment to supporting local communities through its annual back-to-school drive, fueled by employee and partner donations.
Building on last year’s partnership with East Grand Bahama Local Government, and in conjunction with Urban Authority, Carnival expanded the program to reach even more families, delivering backpacks, lunch bags, uniform vouchers and vital learning tools alongside fun, food and festivities.
On August 30, High Rock Park in East Grand Bahama once again came alive as students from Freetown to Sweetings Cay enjoyed a day filled with treats and entertainment, including popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones, face painting, games and bouncy castles. Parents and children alike left with not only supplies but also a renewed sense of encouragement for the year ahead, according to Philcher Grant, Carnival Cruise Line director of public and community affairs for The Bahamas.
“The families of East Grand Bahama aren’t just neighbors of Carnival’s new flagship destination, Celebration Key — they’re also our friends and partners,” she said. “We want every child in this community to feel encouraged and prepared for a bright future. Helping to equip them for school is one way we can say: we believe in you, and we’re with you every step of the way. We are so grateful to our sponsors, Coca-Cola, Kiwanis Club of Eight Mile Rock and Rotary Club of Freeport, who gave their time and resources to help make this event a success for the students of East Grand Bahama.”
Senator Kirkland Russell, who is responsible for Urban Authority, added: “We are grateful to Carnival Cruise Line for partnering with Urban Authority and for recognizing the importance of providing our students with essential supplies. This support allows them to begin the school year well-prepared, ready to focus on learning and academic growth. Our communities have faced many challenges in recent years, and it is vital to take actions that inspire hope and offer tangible support.”
During celebratory events aboard Carnival Glory and Mardi Gras, Carnival Cruise Line team members including Carnival Contact Center staff and employees from Celebration Key, delivered school supplies to students from the Grand Bahama Children’s Home, the Beacon School, Holmes Rock Primary and West End Primary. This effort was supported by a back-to-school fundraiser hosted by the Carnival Contact Center, allowing agents who donated to send a special note to the student who received their backpack, wishing them well for the following school year.
“We exceeded our goal, filling over 200 backpacks with all the supplies the students need to kick off a successful school year,” said Monnika Jacobs, training specialist, Carnival Cruise Line. “Because of the unexpected volume of donations, Mardi Gras couldn’t bring them all, so Carnival Glory delivered two additional pallets of supplies.”
Holmes Rock Primary also received art supplies while West End Primary got 16 musical instruments. Both primary schools will get over 50 books for their libraries. Students at the Children's Home were presented with new clothes in addition to school supplies and hygiene products.
Meanwhile, Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay employees hosted a back-to-school giveaway event for students from Deep Creek to Bannerman Town. The event took place at the Charles Symonette Community Park in Wemyss Bight, South Eleuthera.
Across all events, children received backpacks filled with essentials such as composition books, pencils, highlighters, crayons, rulers, scissors, geometry sets and writing paper.
“Extending our back-to-school drive to include all students in the areas where Carnival operates was so important to us,” Grant added. “We are committed to fulfilling our role as a community partner in ways that have a lasting impact. What better way than by investing in the next generation of talented Bahamians?”
