Jamaican music icon Eric Donaldson, known for his decades-long dominance in the country’s Festival Song Competition, has taken on a new national role—this time, as a figurehead for youth and education. Donaldson made his public debut as the official brand ambassador for Give Back Jamaica during the organization’s annual Primary School Appreciation Awards ceremony held recently in St Catherine.
The event—hosted on the grounds of Lucky Valley Primary in Bog Walk—marked the third year of Give Back Jamaica’s effort to uplift and recognize excellence in Jamaican primary education. Lucky Valley emerged as the top honoree for its dedication to student success and community involvement, while St. John’s Primary and Friendship Primary were recognized as runners-up.
Donaldson, a native of St. Catherine and seven-time Festival Song champion, used the moment to affirm his commitment to education. “Being part of this initiative is deeply personal,” he said. “Our schools are the foundation of national progress, and I’m proud to contribute to a movement that uplifts our children.”
The awards are backed by Bold, Active, Determined Men 4 Christ (B.A.D.), a Christian men’s fellowship group based in New Jersey. Their sponsorship fuels the annual initiative that rewards the most-voted primary school with a donation of 50 pairs of school shoes. This year’s winner, Lucky Valley Primary, follows past recipients Harbour View Primary (2023) and Devon Primary (2024).
Principal Kenrick Bennett of Lucky Valley called the award “a celebration of everyone who pours into our children—the teachers, families, and the wider community.”
The programme—co-led by Give Back Jamaica President Hopeton Brown—featured live performances by student groups and entertainers like IBrave, highlighting the powerful link between education, creativity, and community.
Brown emphasized that Donaldson’s appointment was not merely symbolic. “Eric’s legacy speaks volumes,” he said. “But what moved us most was his consistent work off-stage—his humanitarian spirit and long-standing connection to the people. He reflects the very essence of what Give Back Jamaica stands for.”
Give Back Jamaica’s school appreciation initiative is more than an award—it is a community-wide rallying call. Families, educators, alumni, and friends vote to recognize schools making a meaningful impact, blending grassroots engagement with real, tangible support.
With Donaldson’s voice now echoing through the movement, the mission to invest in Jamaica’s youngest citizens just gained a powerful new rhythm.
