A new school year should begin with excitement, possibility and confidence. Yet for some families in Sint Maarten, the cost of uniforms, shoes and essential school supplies can make preparing for that first day a challenge.
To help ease that burden, Orco Bank Sint Maarten has partnered with RISE Foundation in support of its 2026 Back-to-School Project, an initiative aimed at helping 100 students and their families begin the school year prepared, confident and ready to learn. The project supports selected students, providing assistance with uniforms, school shoes, backpacks and essential school supplies.
For Orco Bank, the partnership is about more than providing school essentials. It is about helping children enter the classroom knowing that their community believes in their potential. “Every child deserves to walk into school on that first day feeling confident, prepared and excited about what lies ahead,” said Judy King-Richardson, Country Manager for Orco Bank Sint Maarten. “Having the right uniform, a good pair of school shoes or a backpack filled with the supplies you need can make a meaningful difference in how a child begins the school year. At Orco Bank, we believe that when we support our children, we are investing directly in the future of Sint Maarten. We are proud to stand alongside RISE Foundation and help give our students a strong start.”
Supporting Students Beyond the First Day
RISE Foundation developed the Back-to-School Project after hearing from educators about the challenges students face when starting the school year without essential resources.
Through its Classroom Support component, the initiative also provides participating schools with resources to assist students in need throughout the academic year.
Together, Orco Bank and RISE Foundation are helping students start the school year with an important message: your community believes in you and your potential.
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