Oliver Samuels to launch global foundation on his birthday

Internationally celebrated actor and cultural icon, Oliver Samuels, is looking forward to the launch of his non-profit organisation which is committed to advancing access to post-secondary education for youth of Caribbean heritage across the globe.

The launch of the Oliver Samuels Foundation takes place on November 4, at the Arlington Estate in Toronto, Canada. The evening will not only commemorate the inauguration of the foundation, but also honour the legendary legacy of Oliver Samuels and fittingly, on the very day he celebrates his birthday.

At its core, the Oliver Samuels Foundation will provide scholarships along with mentorship opportunities to students of Caribbean descent pursuing post-secondary education in Jamaica, Canada, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and throughout the Caribbean diaspora. Its mission is to dismantle the financial barriers and to provide critical support to students who are ready to lead, create, and serve.

“This foundation is my way of giving back so that no student with promise and passion is left behind. This foundation is my way of saying we see you, we believe in you and we are here to help you rise to be the best you can be,” Samuels said.

With a career spanning over five decades, Samuels has captivated audiences around the world and elevated the richness of Caribbean culture through stage, screen, and social advocacy. The launch of the Foundation marks a new chapter in his enduring legacy; one rooted in opportunity, mentorship, and education.

One of the Foundation’s first recognised educationalinstitutions is the Kingston-based Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in Kingston, which is renowned for its excellence in the arts and its deep cultural significance within the Caribbean.

The Oliver Samuels Foundation aims to provide annual scholarships to help cover tuition and academic costs for post-secondary students enrolled in accredited colleges, universities, and creative institutions such as Edna Manley College and Toronto Metropolitan University School of Performing Arts.

The milestone launch event will bring together business leaders, philanthropists, artistes, and admirers from around the world to celebrate a legacy built on laughter, love, and lifelong learning. The gala will raise critical funds to support the foundation’s first class of scholars and will shine a spotlight on the powerful role that education plays in shaping future generations. Tickets are available at oliversamuelsfoundation.com