Azan ... It's not just about making money. - File

At least 150 students from the inner-city community of Allman Town yesterday received assistance for the coming school year through a $500,000 donation from the Gassan Azan-run Bashco Foundation.

The donation is aimed at assisting with finances for those attending primary to tertiary-level institutions, living in the community. The official handing over was held at the St. Matthews Church in Allman Town.

Since 1999, the Bashco Foundation has been instrumental in assisting more than 700 students to the tune of $3.5 million.

Making life better

Mr. Azan said he was quite pleased with the achievement of the students.

"The greatest joy for me now is that a lot of the children have been passing with very high grades in the GSAT and have gone on to what we call 'top- notch' schools," he said. "It's not just about making money, it's about making life better for everyone in the long run."

Dawn Johnson, one parent who received assistance through the programme, told The Gleaner that the Bashco Foundation was instrumental in the education of her daughter who now attends Campion College.

"This is a very good programme because it helps with the high fees such as book fees and the school fee," she said. "I am very grateful for the help."

The programme in the Allman Town community was initiated seven years ago by the late Renford Shirley and Custos of Kingston Weeville Gordon. The Bashco Foundation works along with children and the elderly from inner-city communities spanning from west to east Kingston.