Donor representatives of 'Friends of Jamaica', Jef and Eileen Christian and their children, display the thank you cards which were made for them by the students of Grants Mountain Basic School. Dorothy Berrick, Principal of the school, who made the presentation on behalf of the students, shares in a camera moment with the Christian family and her students.
Food For The Poor Opens 13th Basic School Under Its Jamaica 50 Programme
Grants Mountain, St. Ann - June 20, 2013: After struggling with a less than desirable learning environment for over 10 years, the Grants Mountain Basic School in St. Ann now has a new home. Food For The Poor (FFP) brought glee to the Grants Mountain community today with the official opening of the new school.
This early childhood education institution is the second to be constructed and opened in St. Ann within a month by the charity, under its FFPJamaica 50 Programme, which seeks to build and or upgrade 50 basic schools islandwide, in commemoration of Jamaica’s fiftieth anniversary of Independence.
The new facility comprises three classrooms, a sickbay, office, kitchen, and sanitation area. It has a population of 25 students, but can accommodate up to 100 students, and the teaching staff is expecting an increase in the number of student. Recounting that the community was troubled by the absence of perimeter fencing and adequate bathroom facilities, at the old school, Dorothy Berrrick, Principal stated, “We are confident that more parents will send their children to the new school, because of the very secure, modern and appealing school which we now enjoy, thanks to ‘Friends of Jamaica’ and Food For The Poor,” She pointed out that the community is overjoyed at the new facilities.
Jacqueline Johnson, Executive Director, FFP Jamaica, told participants in the opening ceremony that the charity is pleased to give the children of Grants Mountain – in the three to six year old age group, an opportunity to gain quality education in a spacious, comfortable learning environment. “We are happy that we could build the community a new early childhood institution to alleviate your concerns over the insufficient spacing, inconvenient environment and inadequate sanitation facilities at the old church building, which has served as the home for the basic school,” said Mrs. Johnson.
She expressed the hope that the new building will facilitate another generation of dedicated service by the teachers to the children of the community. The FFPJ Executive Director extended appreciation to all the donors and partners who have been assisting with the Jamaica 50 Campaign, while singling out the US-based ‘Friends of Jamaica’ for their generous donations for the construction of the Grants Mountain and the Agape Basic Schools. “You have certainly been of great assistance in helping to transform the dreams of the Grants Mountain community and its environs,” Mrs. Johnson remarked.
She also applauded the role that the Florida-based FFP Inc. and Grants Mountain Primary played in making the project a reality. The Grants Mountain Primary School has allowed the new basic school to be constructed on its property.
The FFP Executive Director outlined that among other child-centred initiatives being implemented by FFP is the Angels of Hope (AOH) Programme which supports 21 children's homes in Jamaica with a regular supply of clothing, food, school and medical supplies, furniture, and financial donations; as the need arises. Outside of the AOH Programme, FFP provides food for school feeding programmes islandwide. “To date, approximately 4, 200 schools fall under this programme with over 150, 000 students benefiting,” Mrs. Johnson announced. “Many schools have reported to us that as a result of this programme, there is increased attendance; better student performance and many students are displaying a greater attention span in classes.”
The Most Rev. Bishop Burchell McPherson, Bishop of Montego Bay and Board Director of Food For The Poor Inc. pledged his organization’s continued efforts in implementing development projects for needy Jamaicans. He urged citizens to give their prayerful and other support to the charity. The Bishop also did the blessing/dedication of the new school.
Eileen Christian, Donor Representative, ‘Friends of Jamaica’ expressed satisfaction that her family and friends were given an opportunity to make the basic school a reality for the people of Grants Mountain. The school presented the family of Eileen Christian with two large thank you cards made by the students.
Karian Hamilton, Development Officer, Early Childhood Commission (ECC), has expressed delight at the new Grants Mountain Basic School. Deeming the new facility, a “safe, nurturing environment” and commending the teachers on their availing themselves of improved training, Mrs. Hamilton expressed optimism, “I know you will find that the quality of the programme will improve and the children who leave here will excel.” She is of the view that the new facility will assist the school in complying with most of the ECC guidelines with regard to the equipment, physical learning environment and sanitation. She added, “With this help from Food For The Poor, Gants Mountain Basic School will more likely be among the first (early childhood education institutions) to receive certification of registration from the Early Childhood Commission.”
Among those delivering remarks at today’s event were: Keith Walford, Member of Parliament, St. Ann South Western and Joy Cover, Senior Teacher, Grants Mountain Primary School. The students from the community’s primary and basic schools provided entertainment.
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Food For The Poor (FFP)-Jamaica is the largest charity organization in the country. Food For The Poor Inc., located in Florida, USA, was named by The Chronicle of Philanthropy as the largest international relief and development organization in the United States.
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