From hardship to hope

For Marcelle’ Jackson, giving is not an act born out of abundance. It is born out of memory.

She remembers watching her mother struggle to provide for her and her siblings, as overdue bills and rent eventually led to eviction. The family returned to the rural Clarendon community where her mother grew up, depending on relatives for support.

Those difficult years could have hardened Jackson. But instead, she said, they taught her the profound value of kindness and inspired her to become someone who gives.

“Experiencing financial hardship taught me that the smallest act of kindness or support can mean so much to someone in need,” Jackson told The Gleaner.

Her journey to stability was marked by sacrifice. Determined to use education as her pathway forward, Jackson entered teachers’ college without knowing where her tuition would come from. Government assistance, borrowed money from neighbours, support from relatives and her mother’s relentless efforts helped her stay the course.

At one point, her mother washed clothes for neighbours for as little as $5,000 to help make ends meet.

Jackson eventually began working as a pre-trained teacher at May Pen Primary School in her hometown, while still owing tuition. Through perseverance, she said, she cleared her debt and earned her degree.

However the achievement meant more than academic success. It represented her mother’s sacrifices and the generosity of those who had helped her family when they were struggling.

Jackson never forgot.

The educator, justice of the peace and former youth parliamentarian began supporting children and families in her community and, on December 23, 2020, formally established the MJ Foundation. Since then, the organisation has impacted more than 500 children through initiatives including its Back-to-School Treat, Period Poverty Drive, Vision Empowerment Treat, Christmas Toy Drive and community outreach programmes.

‘Part of my purpose’

In 2023, she was awarded the Clarendon Honour Award for community service and volunteerism.

For Jackson, giving is not dependent on having excess.

“There are indeed times when resources are limited, and I may not have everything I would like, to do as much as I envision,” she told The Gleaner. “However, I believe that giving back is part of my purpose.”

When resources are limited, she seeks sponsorships and partnerships to make her initiatives possible. At other times, she makes the sacrifice herself.

Jackson said there have been occasions when she had money saved for personal needs, but chose instead to purchase school supplies and other resources for children and families.

“These decisions were not always easy, but I made those sacrifices because I understood that there were people who genuinely needed support.”

For Jackson, need extends beyond material assistance.

Having experienced hardship herself, Jackson knows that food, school supplies and sanitary products can provide more than physical relief. They can restore dignity, confidence and hope.

Her Period Poverty Drive provides menstrual hygiene products, while educating and empowering young people. Through her Vision Empowerment Treat and other initiatives, she reminds children that their circumstances do not define their potential.

‘Paying forward’

Jackson views the work as a continuation of the kindness once shown to her family.

“I see my giving as a way of paying forward the kindness and support that my family and I received during difficult times,” she told The Gleaner.

Her commitment to young people is also reflected in her career as an educator. She earned a master’s degree in educational leadership and management from The University of the West Indies in 2025 and continues to teach.

Despite recognition for her community service, leadership and youth empowerment, Jackson said her greatest reward is not an award or title.

It is seeing “a child’s face light up when they receive something they need”.

Philanthropy, she said, has become her way of reminding others, particularly children and families facing hardship, that they are not alone.

“Sometimes, one person believing in you is enough to help you believe in yourself,” Jackson said.

For Jackson, that belief is more than a philosophy. It is the legacy she is determined to build – one child, one family, and one act of kindness at a time.

olivia.brown@gleanerjm.com