Tajay Francis – a student charity founder giving much from little

Tajay Francis – a student charity founder giving much from little

November 24, 2019 0 By Horace Mills

Tajay Francis is still a student, but his heart in the right place.

He started the Tajay Francis Hope Foundation two years ago when he was 16 years old to help empower young people across Jamaica.

“I hope to be an inspiration to others so that they can see that you really don’t need to be born rich to make a difference. It starts with you just lending a helping hand,” he told The Beacon.

The youngster, who graduated from Spanish Town High School as Deputy Head Boy last year, is now in sixth form at Old Harbour High in St. Catherine.

His foundation is not yet able to give abundantly, but he finds happiness in giving the little that can be afforded.

Tajay, on November 18, donated six hand towels, soaps, and two packages of tissue to Junior Leaders Daycare Centre in Spanish Town, St. Catherine.

His foundation also volunteered to repaint Robert Lightbourne High School in St Thomas. In addition, it helped Davina Bennett Foundation to repaint the Lister Mair|Gilby High School for the Deaf in Papine, St. Andrew.

Tajay, who graduated last year with six CSEC subjects from the Caribbean Examination Council, said his philanthropy is rooted in his tough upbringing.

“As a boy growing up, I was really withdrawn from people. I struggled most of my primary school years,” added the Kitson Town All Age past student.

He told The Beacon: “My family struggled financially and it was very abusive. I think that’s what affected me while in primary school. My father tried hard to make ends meet while my mother would ensure that the family was well taken care of.”

Tajay, who now lives in Spanish Town, explained that, as a child, he benefited enormously from the generosity of his neighbours at Bendon district in Kitson Town, St. Catherine.

He said: “There were times when it was our neighbours who were the ones that provided food for me and my siblings, and provided lunch money… One thing I always noticed was that both Keisha and Miss Joy would always share food for me and my siblings first, and I think that’s what sparks the giving nature in me.”

Tajay said he intends to become a multi-billionaire, an entrepreneur investigating in financial stock, a television talk show host, as well as an author and a motivational speaker.

“It would be wonderful if, in relation to my legacy on this earth, I am acclimated the King of Humanitarianism and Philanthropy,” added the young leader, who also serves as General Secretary of the National Secondary Students Council.

He, in the meantime, encourages young people to always love themselves. “The minute you learn to love yourself, you won’t want to be anyone else,” Tajay further reasoned.


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