There was reason to celebrate in the remote community of Quickstep, St. Elizabeth, as Quickstep Primary School emerged as one of only two schools across the island to achieve 100% literacy and numeracy in the 2025 Primary Exit Profile (PEP).
The remarkable achievement was announced by Minister of Education, Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, and quickly made waves throughout the parish. Among those celebrating was Randy Griffiths, founder of the nonprofit organisation Pencils4Kids, who described the success as a powerful testament to the impact of partnership and giving back.
Griffiths, now based in the United States, is a proud past student of Quickstep Primary. Having personally experienced the challenges and limitations of growing up in the area, he has channeled those experiences into action. Through his foundation, Pencils4Kids, and with the help of dedicated friends and supporters, Griffiths has invested millions into the school community — beginning with the construction of a library, one of the school’s earliest major development projects.
“I can’t tell you what this means to me. All I can say is that we’ve come a long way. To see the students achieving this milestone is truly special,” Griffiths shared in an interview with Freedom Come Rain.
He also made a heartfelt appeal to others to invest in education, noting that there were times when he had to dig deep into his own pockets to make up for shortfalls in donations. “I’d do it again in a heartbeat — just to see the smiles, and to witness these kinds of results,” he said.
Reaching the 100% literacy and numeracy mark required a community-wide effort. Teachers played a critical role, working closely with parents and finding innovative ways to reduce screen time, and, instead, engage students through reading and math activities. Griffiths emphasised the importance of such creative methods, saying, “A lot of schools don’t have proper libraries, but I remember how adventurous reading was for me. Books took me places — right from my bedroom.”
While he acknowledges the benefits of technology, he warned that without balance, it could become a hindrance rather than a help to young learners.
Griffiths, who beamed like a proud father during the school’s graduation ceremony on Sunday, July 6, said the event held special significance. “This ceremony is a testament to how far we’ve come. These accomplishments are not just numbers — they represent lives changed and futures brightened.”
Looking to the future, he shared plans for upcoming initiatives under Pencils4Kids. “Our next mission trip in December is to complete the soccer field we’ve been working on, so the children can enjoy outdoor activities. While our core focus is education and offering as many scholarships as possible, we also recognise the raw athletic talent here — in football, track, and cricket. We want to give those children opportunities too.”
He explained that this forms part of a broader vision for a comprehensive sports complex. Phase one — the installation of a new playground — is already complete. Phase two, currently underway, involves the development of a soccer field. And next year, the plan is to launch phase three: a track and field area, along with a cricket pitch.
For Griffiths and the community of Quickstep, the journey is far from over. But with every milestone reached, hope grows stronger — and so does the belief that with the right support, even the most remote communities can achieve excellence.