FFP GIVES BANISTER BASIC NEW HOME

ONLY a year ago, the administrators of Bannister New Testament Basic School in Old Harbour, St Catherine, were contemplating closing the school's doors — having grown tired of keeping classes in the church building.

It had been 17 years too long, and the space had become quite inconvenient for the staff and 30-odd three- to six-year-olds enrolled at the institution.

Donnette Swearing (right), principal of Bannister New Testament Basic School, and teacher Tamice Simmonds pose outside what will be the school’s new home when completed later this year. The building, which is 70 per cent complete, is a donation from charity organisation Food for the Poor. (PHOTO: JOSEPH WELLINGTON) 

"This has proven to be a difficult task as the school population continues to grow, and also to accommodate the students, teachers have to physically remove and then replace church furniture whenever classes are completed for the day," principal of the school, Donnette Swearing, told the Jamaica Observer in a February 2012 interview

"The situation is so serious that, if we are not able to secure a place to call home any time soon, we may be forced to close down our operations," she declared.

Today, thanks to Food for the Poor (FFP), the school is well on its way to its own building in the churchyard. The charity organisation came the school's aid after the situation was highlighted in the Observer.

The new building, which is about 70 per cent complete, consists of three classrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen area, and an administrative office.

"Food for the Poor read about our problems and came on board," Swearing said.

The new building is expected to be completed in time for the start of the new school year in September. Among the work left to be down, Swearing shared, is the laying of tiles and installation of fixtures.

Last week, the charity organisation declined to say how much is being spent on the new building. However, the Observer was told that residents in the area helped in the construction.

The smile teacher Tamice Simmonds wore last Wednesday was in stark contrast to her facial expression last year when the school faced closure. At the time she pleaded for help from the Ministry of Education and "anyone" who was interested. Today, she is thankful.

"I, too, am very happy with what has happened. Last year we were on the brink of closing down. This year things have improved tremendously," Simmonds said as she supervised her students who were playing near the unfinished building.

Meanwhile, residents in the community, particularly parents whose children attend the school, were overjoyed by the positive development.

"To see that the teachers had been struggling so long, and to see that they are finally getting help makes me really happy," said Natasha McCalla, mother of one, who resides in Bullet Tree Square, which is in close proximity to the school.

Her sentiments were shared by Donald Whyte, who also expressed hope that the completion deadline would be met.

Original Source: Jamaica Observer - March 11, 2013

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