As Jamaica observes Child Month 2026, which centers the critical importance of children’s mental and emotional well-being, KFC Jamaica has turned the annual Read Across Jamaica Day into a heartfelt, community-focused initiative that reaches vulnerable young people in two very different settings: hospital paediatric wards and local primary schools.
Far from a standard promotional event or one-off reading activity, the fast-food chain’s programme was designed around a core goal: to build safe, welcoming spaces where children can set aside stress, participate freely in shared activities, and develop positive associations with reading and connection. This year’s outreach brought the joy of storytelling and small acts of kindness to two groups of children: young patients receiving care at St Ann’s Bay Hospital, and Grade 2 and 3 students at Tarrant Primary School in St Andrew.
At St Ann’s Bay Hospital, KFC Jamaica Marketing Officer Kandine West led a team of staff to host an interactive reading session in the ward’s dedicated playroom, specifically tailored to meet the needs of children who did not choose to be in a healthcare setting. The team prioritized creating a low-pressure, relaxed atmosphere that allowed young patients to go at their own pace, open up about their thoughts, and engage with stories on their own terms. Beyond the interactive reading experience, the KFC team also left lasting donations for the ward: a new collection of children’s books, plus food vouchers for the young patients, their attending nurses, and accompanying parents.
In an interview after the session, West explained that bringing the Read Across Jamaica Day initiative to a hospital was a fully intentional choice. “This is not a place children choose to be, so it was important for us to create a moment where they could feel relaxed, engaged and simply enjoy themselves,” West said. “Even if just for a little while, if we can bring a sense of comfort and a few smiles that means a lot. Especially during Child Month, when the focus is on mental and emotional well-being, these small interactions can make a meaningful difference.”
Debbie Ann Henry, operations manager at St Ann’s Bay Hospital, praised the initiative for its genuine care and positive impact on young patients. “Moments like these make a meaningful difference for our children. The team created an environment where they could relax, participate and simply enjoy the experience. We truly appreciate the time and care that went into this visit,” Henry said.
The outreach continued at Tarrant Primary School in St Andrew, where KFC Jamaica Marketing Manager Andrei Roper led interactive reading and discussion sessions for second and third-grade students. Designed to nurture public confidence and a lifelong love of reading, the sessions encouraged active participation and open dialogue, aligning with the Child Month focus on holistic well-being.
Roper emphasized that supporting children goes far beyond just encouraging reading skills. “Reading is an important part of that, but so is creating an environment where our children feel seen, heard and confident enough to participate. Especially during Child Month, those small moments of encouragement and connection can have a lasting impact,” Roper said.
This year’s Read Across Jamaica Day engagement is just one part of KFC Jamaica’s broader commitment to 2026 Child Month activities. Roper confirmed the chain has invested JMD $1 million into the National Child Month Committee’s nationwide annual programme of child-focused initiatives. Beyond this financial contribution, KFC Jamaica maintains a long-standing, on-the-ground commitment to youth development across Jamaica, with ongoing programming spanning education support, mentorship opportunities, and direct community outreach that prioritizes meaningful connection with the communities the chain serves.