The Pollyanna Project: A Legacy of Hope, A Future of Possibilities

"Helping One Hand at a Time"

In 1994, in a humble community known as Bun Grung, Bodles Crescent, St. Catherine, Jamaica, one woman looked beyond the poverty surrounding her and saw something far greater—potential.

That woman was Ms. Polly.

With little more than faith, compassion, and a determination to ensure that no child felt forgotten during the Christmas season, she organized a small gathering for just 34 children. There were no corporate sponsors, no grants, and no large donations. There was simply a heart willing to serve.

What began as one act of kindness has grown into an international humanitarian organization that has touched thousands of lives across Jamaica, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, and the United States.

Today, more than three decades later, that same spirit of compassion continues through The Pollyanna Project, led by Executive Director and CEO Ambassador Donna Moore-Stewart, who has faithfully carried forward her mother's vision while expanding its reach across continents.

More Than Charity—Creating Lasting Change

The Pollyanna Project has never believed that helping people means simply meeting today's need.

We believe in creating opportunities that change tomorrow.

For over 32 years, our organization has invested in children, families, schools, and communities through education, humanitarian relief, scholarships, disaster response, and sustainable development.

Our mission has always been simple:

Helping One Hand at a Time.

But that one hand has reached thousands.

Transforming Education

Education remains the greatest weapon against poverty.

That belief has guided our work for decades.

Thousands of children have received backpacks, books, school supplies, laptops, tablets, and educational resources through The Pollyanna Project.

In Jamaica, we have partnered with schools across the island, providing learning materials and technology that many students would otherwise never receive.

Libraries have been established.

Computer equipment has been donated.

Students have received Microsoft laptops, calculators, books, and classroom resources.

More importantly, children have received hope.

Because when you invest in education, you invest in generations.

Opening Doors Through Scholarships

Many brilliant young people possess the talent to succeed but lack the financial resources to pursue higher education.

The Pollyanna Project believes finances should never determine a student's future.

Through our scholarship initiatives, deserving students have been given the opportunity to continue their education and pursue careers that will positively impact their communities.

Every scholarship represents more than financial assistance.

It represents belief.

It says to a young person:

"Someone believes in you."

Standing Beside Communities in Crisis

Our work extends beyond classrooms.

When hurricanes devastated communities in Jamaica, The Pollyanna Project responded with clothing, blankets, tarpaulins, solar lanterns, school supplies, food, and other emergency relief.

When families struggled, we stood beside them.

When communities needed rebuilding, we showed up.

When children needed hope, we arrived.

Our commitment has never depended on headlines.

It has depended on compassion.

A Dream Realized in Sierra Leone

Perhaps one of the most significant milestones in our history occurred in Kakendema Village, Biriwa Chiefdom, Northern Sierra Leone.

For years, The Pollyanna Project has walked alongside the people of Kakendema—supporting schools, distributing books, backpacks, clothing, food, and humanitarian aid while building lasting relationships with village leaders and families.

But we knew that charity alone would never eliminate poverty.

Opportunity would.

That dream became reality with the official commissioning of the Pollyanna Project Empowerment Learning Center (PPELC).

The center is the first facility of its kind in the region, representing a transformative investment in the future of Kakendema.

Within its walls, young people and adults will gain practical skills that lead to employment, entrepreneurship, and financial independence.

Programs include:

Sewing and garment production
Computer literacy and digital skills
Hair braiding and cosmetology training
Entrepreneurship and workforce development

The PPELC is more than a building.

It is a promise.

A promise that future generations will have opportunities their parents never had.

Building Hope for the Future

The opening of the PPELC marks only the beginning.

The Pollyanna Project's long-term vision for Kakendema is to create a model community where education, vocational training, health, and economic opportunity work together to lift families out of poverty.

Future initiatives include:

Expansion of vocational training programs
Additional classrooms and learning spaces
Student scholarship opportunities
Youth leadership and mentorship programs
Women's economic empowerment initiatives
Agricultural development projects
Computer and technology expansion
Teacher development and educational resources
Community health and wellness initiatives

A Home for Tomorrow

One of our most ambitious future goals is the development of accommodations in Kakendema to support volunteers, educators, medical teams, corporate partners, and mission groups traveling from around the world.

This future facility will allow skilled professionals to live within the community while providing training, mentoring, healthcare, and educational support.

It will transform short-term missions into long-term partnerships.

It will create sustainability.

It will strengthen the local economy.

Most importantly, it will ensure that the work continues for generations to come.

None of This Happens Alone

Every backpack distributed...

Every scholarship awarded...

Every classroom equipped...

Every family helped after a disaster...

Every child who now walks confidently into school...

Every sewing machine installed...

Every computer switched on...

Every ribbon cut...

Has been made possible because someone chose to care.

Our donors.

Our sponsors.

Our volunteers.

Our churches.

Our corporate partners.

Our friends.

You are not simply supporting a nonprofit organization.

You are becoming part of a legacy that began with one woman's compassion in 1994 and continues to transform lives across the world.

The Journey Continues

The Pollyanna Project is not measuring success by the number of buildings we construct or the number of programs we launch.

We measure success by the lives that are forever changed.

A child who becomes the first university graduate in their family.

A mother who starts her own business after learning a trade.

A young man who discovers purpose through education.

A village that one day becomes fully self-sufficient.

This is our vision.

This is our mission.

This is our promise.

Together, we are not simply changing lives—we are building hope, creating opportunity, and empowering generations.

As we look toward the future, we invite you to walk with us.

Become a sponsor.

Become a volunteer.

Become a partner.

Help us continue writing the next chapter of this remarkable story.

Because together, we can accomplish extraordinary things—

Helping One Hand at a Time.

"A HEART LIKE THINE 4" FUNDRAISING AWARDS GALA

HELPING ONE HAND AT A TIME

Team Members