Roseburg renews support as Rotary Sunrise Breakfast Program enters third year

GREAT BAY--The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise has renewed its commitment to ensuring students begin the school day with a nutritious meal, signing two Memoranda of Understanding with local vocational schools to continue its Breakfast Program for a third consecutive year.

The MOUs, signed on August 25, establish individual partnerships between Rotary and the participating schools, supported by longtime sponsor Sjamira D.M. Roseburg, Director of the Voice of the Community Foundation. Roseburg has supported the Breakfast Program since August 2023 and has again pledged to continue sponsoring the initiative for as long as possible.

“No child should go to school hungry,” Roseburg said, underscoring the motivation behind her continued involvement in the program.

The first MOU was signed with the St. Maarten Academy Vocational Business Campus, represented by Principal Monique Beek and Teacher/Social Worker Barbara Cocks. The second agreement was signed with the St. Maarten Vocational Training School, represented by Director Rita Gumbs and Teacher/Vice Principal Kerry Laurence.

Through the Breakfast Program, Rotary seeks to ensure participating students have a nutritious start to their school day, providing them with the energy and focus needed to learn, participate in class and make the most of their education. The initiative also encourages healthier eating habits that can benefit students beyond the classroom.

Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise President Jina Mamtani Mahbubani represented the organization during the signing. She emphasized the importance of maintaining partnerships between schools, community organizations and committed sponsors to sustain initiatives that directly benefit young people.

The club expressed its appreciation to Roseburg and the Voice of the Community Foundation, as well as the leadership and staff of both schools, for their continued commitment to the initiative.

Now entering its third consecutive year, the Breakfast Program reflects a shared effort to make sure students are not beginning their school day hungry, while supporting their ability to remain focused and ready to learn.

The signing of the two MOUs marks the continuation of that partnership and reinforces the commitment of Rotary, the schools and the Voice of the Community Foundation to investing in St. Maarten’s youth through practical support that reaches students where they need it most.

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