In a powerful community outreach initiative, bmobile Business joined forces with the Hearts and Minds Foundation and the US-based Second Half Sport Foundation to distribute 250 school bags to at-risk youth in several underserved communities across north Trinidad and Tobago.

This collaborative effort aimed at supporting students in need by providing resources to aid their educational development. The initiative underscores bmobile Business’ ongoing commitment to fostering youth empowerment and community engagement, particularly for students facing socio-economic challenges.

The partnership was spearheaded by Second Half Sport Foundation, a charitable organization founded by Trinidad and Tobago football legend Shaka Hislop. Hislop connected with bmobile Business after being approached by the Hearts and Minds Foundation, the community outreach arm of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), a unit of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service. The goal: secure sponsorship for school bags to help build trust between law enforcement and local communities.

Hislop’s foundation has long focused on supporting underprivileged youth, particularly through sports, but this latest initiative emphasizes education as a crucial pathway to success. The school bags, provided by bmobile Business, are meant to alleviate financial burdens on families while promoting the value of education.

Darryl Duke, bmobile Business’ Assistant Vice President of Business Sales, expressed excitement about joining forces with both foundations for such a meaningful cause.

“At bmobile Business, we understand that education is the cornerstone of a sustainable future for both individuals and communities,” said Duke. By partnering on initiatives like this, we aim to remove barriers that hinder young people’s access to learning. Supporting these communities is part of our commitment to ensuring every child has an opportunity to succeed, regardless of their circumstances. These efforts reflect our ongoing investment in the people and communities where we live and work, and we see it as a way to contribute meaningfully to their future.

This is far from bmobile’s first foray into supporting education. The company has a long history of helping students in need, particularly through its Book Buddies initiative, which donates textbooks and school supplies to children’s homes throughout the country. This year’s school bag drive builds on that legacy, showcasing bmobile Business’ steadfast commitment to social responsibility.

Police Constable Emmanuel Nurse, a representative of the IATF’s Hearts and Minds Foundation, highlighted the critical role this initiative plays in connecting law enforcement with youth in at-risk communities.
“These school bags will go a long way,” said Nurse. “There are still children who carry their books to school in plastic bags. With bmobile Business stepping in, we were able to distribute these bags to those in need, helping bridge the gap between the police and the communities we serve. We hope more corporations will follow bmobile Business' lead in making a difference in these communities.”

Shaka Hislop, the former standout goalkeeper for Trinidad and Tobago’s 2006 World Cup team, was thrilled to align his efforts with bmobile Business and the IATF foundation. Hislop’s Second Half Sport Foundation has already shipped nearly 2,000 pairs of football boots, over 1,000 footballs, team uniforms, and other sporting equipment to support community sports programs run by the IATF.
For Hislop, the partnership with bmobile Business reinforces a shared vision of balancing academic achievement with athletic development.

“I graduated university before I started professional football, and I’ve always believed in the balance between academics and sport,” said Hislop from his U.S. base. “bmobile Business has played a key role in helping me close that loop with the school bags, and their support has been instrumental in fostering education and sportsmanship across communities in need.”

Hislop further praised bmobile Business for its role in advocating for communities that are often marginalized. “It’s inspiring to see how bmobile Business continues to invest in our people. It sets an example for other corporations on the island and beyond,” he added.

Through this collaboration, bmobile Business, the Hearts and Minds Foundation, and Second Half Sport Foundation are not only meeting immediate needs but are also planting the seeds for long-term societal change by supporting the next generation.

The communities that benefited from this initiative include:
• Beverly Hill- Block 8 Police Youth Club
• John John Police Youth Club
• St Paul Police Youth Club
• Hearts and Minds Academy
• IATF Police Youth Club
• Roxborough Police Youth Club, Tobago
• Oropune Police Youth Club
• Blanchisseuse Police Youth Club
• La Horquetta Police Youth Club