Annual initiative provides assistance to families facing back-to-school expenses

Local entrepreneur Quinn Peterss is continuing his annual effort to assist families struggling with back-to-school expenses, spending more than TT$4,500 from his own pocket during the first phase of this year’s initiative.
Peterss shared details of the initiative on Facebook, explaining that the assistance was directed towards people he knew were experiencing financial difficulties as families prepare for the new school term.
A receipt included with his post shows a purchase of TT$4,566.75 at Ishmael M Khan and Sons Limited on High Street, Princes Town, dated August 25, 2026.
Peterss described the assistance as the first phase of his back-to-school drive and said helping families at this time of year is something he regularly undertakes using his own money.
“This was part one of my back to school drive assistance for the people who I knew that was struggling,” Peterss wrote in the post.
He has already announced plans for a second phase of the initiative, with the next round expected to focus specifically on recommended single parents who have not yet received assistance.
Peterss acknowledged that he would not be able to assist everyone who may be experiencing difficulties but said he would try to help as many people as he reasonably could.
“As usual I do this every year out of my own pocket. I cannot help everyone but I’ll try to do the best I can,” he said, while inviting people to contact him privately.
The initiative comes during a period when parents and guardians across Trinidad and Tobago are preparing for the financial demands associated with the reopening of schools, including uniforms, books, stationery and other necessities.
While Peterss has publicly shown the value of the purchase made for the first phase, he did not state in the post how many families received assistance or provide a breakdown of the items purchased.
His initiative nevertheless highlights an individual community effort aimed at easing some of the financial pressure facing families as students prepare to return to the classroom.