PHILIPSBURG:--- It was with great pleasure that The Rotary Club of St. Maarten-Mid Isle recognized Ki-mani Olivacce with a Paul Harris Fellow for his work in the community with his initiative of the ‘Back to School Drive’.
Ki-mani started his ‘Back to School’ drive in 2016 when he saw students going to school without school bags and supplies, and decided to help with getting them the supplies they needed for school. In 2016 he donated 300 school back packs, in 2017 he donated 350 back packs and in 2018 he donated 400 back packs and this year 2019 he would like to donate 500 Back packs. These back packs he splits into three sets: One set contained notebooks, highlighters, scientific calculator, geometry set, compass, ruler, sharpener, eraser pencils, pens, pencil case and an agenda for high school students: the second set contained compositions books, ruler, colored pencils, pencil case, eraser, sharpener, pencils, pens, an agenda, a binder with paper for elementary students and the last set for kindergarten children contained crayons, coloring books, pencils, lunch kit, and a small reusable water bottle. Over 1,000 students have benefitted from his initiative. Mid Isle feels very privileged and proud to have been a part of ki- mani’s ‘Back to School Drive’ initiative.
Ki-mani asked to speak to those present, the following are the words spoken to those in attendance by Ki-mani: Good night everyone. First, I would like to thank Rotary Mid Isle for this honor. I would like to thank them for their support through the three years with my back to school drive. When I started this drive, it was from my heart, I would like to continue contributing toward this well needed cause. This is my senior year and my plans are indeed to continue my studies in the US. However, I hope I will get the full support of the Rotary again this year. I will start this year’s drive in June. I hope that this year I can count on your support. I would like to thank the whole team for everything they have done for the back to school drive. Last but not least my parents and family, because without them I would not be the person I am today. Thank you’
To help kick start his initiative this year Mid Isle presented Ki-Mani with five pack packs donated to thems by ‘Friends in Action’ and other school supplies donated to them by the KI Britannia foundation.
The Rotary Club of St. Maarten-Mid Isle meets Tuesdays at 7pm at Pineapple Pete in Simpson Bay. For more information please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our face book page Rotary Club of St. Maarten-Mid Isle.
