Friendship, Jamaica · Cincinnati, Ohio
The Melbourne & Michael Folkes Foundation is an international non-profit organisation with humanitarian initiatives in Jamaica and the United States. It carries the name of a farmer in Friendship, St Ann — and the vision of the grandson he raised.
“To help children and our youth to create their own pathway to success by recognizing and embracing the opportunities that exist around them and exhibit Mighty In Character traits with a no border no barrier mentality way of life.”
“To help children and our youth to create their own pathway to success by recognizing and embracing the opportunities that exist around them and exhibit Mighty In Character traits with a no border no barrier mentality way of life.”
This vision is becoming a reality through initiatives that improve educational opportunity, foster economic development, provide health and wellness programmes, and create a competitive platform for the students and wider community of Friendship, Jamaica and the United States.
“So, although the Foundation has a launch date, it has been many years in the making, and this is only the beginning…”
“The Melbourne and Michael Folkes Foundation, named in honor of my grandfather, was launched on April 14th 2014 at the Mount Waddy Primary School in Friendship, Jamaica. However, its history is deeply rooted many, many years before that date.
When I was a child my mother left Friendship and my sister and I were raised by my grandfather and grandmother, Melbourne and Clementina Folkes. My grandfather was the greatest role model a boy could have, and his influence and his Christian faith still run in my blood.
He was such a strong, positive role model to me, an inspiration, so although I was to experience hunger, abuse and poverty, I refused to allow these things to hold me back. It was his support and example that gave me the determination to succeed through desperate times, and to want to extend the same kindness he’d shown me, and to others. As the Bible teaches,
Matthew 25:40
As the years have gone by I have taken control of my own life and become successful by allowing my faith and my upbringing to guide me, and I have been told by many people that my story is an inspirational one. I have been thinking about leaving a legacy to help others and I thank my grandfather for his influence in giving me the strength of character that has remained with me from my youngest days.
Proverbs 22:6
The Foundation’s focus will be the health, well-being and education of children because the Foundation’s history is rooted in my own childhood and the training I received from my grandfather. It is my hope that the Melbourne and Michael Folkes Foundation will honor my grandfather whilst supporting young people in working towards their own success, leading fulfilling lives and contributing to their communities.
So, although the Foundation has a launch date, it has been many years in the making, and this is only the beginning…”
Mount Waddy Primary School and the surrounding community. Michael’s own primary school, and the centre of all four initiatives.
School supply drives and youth leadership work with partners including Envision Children and Fulton Elementary.
