 The Effective Learning Institute, a regional organization committed to improving learning conditions for the underprivileged, has donated to families in need. The Institute, headed in St. Lucia by former educator Peter Ann Hughes, provides scholarships to students of underprivileged families. The scholarships cover the cost of uniforms, textbooks, school supplies, tuition fees, transportation and mail hampers. The provision of these essentials is intended to better equip and encourage students to stay in school. Peter Ann Hughes, Allen Co-ordinator of the Effective Learning Institute says the organization hopes to reduce the rate of school dropouts and, by extension, reduce unwanted social ills. Too often we have children going to school. They do not have what is required. And hence we have problems. So our organization, what we do is to help these parents, provide the children with what they need. What do we provide? I will remind everyone of our main objectives. And as I read from our document, which stipulates that the ultimate aim of our project of funding is to empower all the less fortunate and underprivileged children, those of low socio-economic status, children whose parents just cannot make ends meet. The scholarships provided by the Institute are funded via crowdsourcing. Felicita Flavius is the grandmother of three students who continue to benefit from the Effective Learning Institute. She made a plea to the public to contribute generously to the work of Mr. Ann Hughes and his team. Mr. Ann Hughes have been providing things for these children for many years. And I am asking the people out there, one day Mr. Peter Ann Hughes out there and he said he is asking for donation, please try and help because the donation is going a long way and with groceries and school supplies and I am thankful for that because he helps the grandchildren over the years. The Effective Learning Institute has on several occasions worked collaboratively with A.S. Mirage for the provision of school uniforms to the underprivileged. From the Government Information Service, Helmetti Mark reporting.