Flow Jamaica has once again demonstrated its commitment to community service through its annual Mission Week, a time when employees of Flow and its parent company, Liberty Latin America, dedicate their efforts to give back to the communities they serve. This year’s Mission Week, scheduled from November 13 to 17, features a range of activities designed to strengthen the relationship between the company and the community, focusing on three key pillars: Learning, Broadband Access, and Disaster Relief.
In the lead-up to Mission Week, Flow volunteers kicked off their activities by reaching out to those in need. Under the theme ‘Lunch & Lyme,’ Flow employees visited the Marie Atkins Night Shelter in Kingston, where they provided meals to 60 homeless individuals and engaged with them, listening to their stories and offering companionship. This initiative underscored Flow’s commitment to not only meeting the physical needs of the less fortunate but also supporting their emotional well-being.
Mavis Farquharson, Inspector of the Poor and Manager of the Shelter, expressed her gratitude for Flow’s involvement, highlighting the positive impact such interactions have on the residents’ mental well-being. “As the Manager for the Shelter, we welcome activities which cater to our residents while leaving them with their dignity intact. I like that the Flow volunteers didn’t just feed the residents but spent time talking to them. Sometimes that is even more valuable than the meals that are served,” Farquharson shared. She also appreciated that Flow included the shelter’s staff members in their activities, recognizing the importance of caring for those who care for others.
One resident of the shelter echoed this sentiment, expressing heartfelt thanks for the meal and the engagement. “I know I can speak for all of us and say how much we appreciate this treat. You know us Jamaicans always want a little something different, especially on a Friday evening, so getting this KFC meal from Flow was extra special for us. We really enjoyed it and a heartfelt thanks to Flow.”
Courtney Bell, Community Programmes Coordinator at the Flow Foundation, emphasized the company’s belief in the importance of community involvement. “Mission Week stands as a beacon of Flow’s dedication to community engagement, reinforcing our belief that true growth is measured not just in connectivity and technological advancements, but in the positive impact we create in people’s lives,” Bell said. He noted that interacting with the residents at the shelter provided Flow volunteers with valuable insights into the lives of the individuals they were helping, reminding everyone of the importance of compassion and empathy.
Flow’s Mission Week activities extend beyond feeding the homeless. Under the Learning pillar, Flow is organizing a job preparation seminar for students at Northern Caribbean University, a School Based Assessment development workshop with four high schools, and a Connected & Protected Internet Safety talk at Foga Road High, in collaboration with the Office of the Children’s Advocate. These initiatives aim to equip young people with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a digital world.
Under the Broadband Access pillar, Flow will enhance connectivity at critical community sites. These include the Bellevue Hospital Learning Centres, the Jackie Norman Youth Entrepreneurial Programme, and the Cross Keys Community Centre. By providing reliable internet access, Flow is helping to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that underserved communities have the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly connected world.
Flow’s Mission Week is a testament to the company’s ongoing commitment to making a positive difference in the communities it serves. Through acts of kindness, educational support, and technological empowerment, Flow is fostering a spirit of community, underscoring its role as not just a telecom provider but a true partner in the social and economic development of Jamaica and the wider Caribbean region.