It's three down and two to go for Kind Hearts Limited. The non-profit organisation, run by young adults dedicated to giving back to communities within Jamaica, embarked on the ambitious mission to build five basic schools in five years, in observation of Jamaica's 50th anniversary which was celebrated in 2012. The latest school to be constructed in the 'drive for five' was the New Wine Basic School in Snow Hill, Portland (about 30 minutes from the popular San San). Chair of Kind Hearts, Christina Lechler, said there were 19 volunteers working alongside a team of 10 Food For The Poor workers.
"Our volunteers were the members of Kind Hearts, friends and some students of Hillel Academy, who will receive community service hours for their participation," she said. "We had a great team who worked tirelessly and we were able to complete the school in two days. On the third day, we had the handover/opening ceremony, where students and members of the community performed for us and took possession of the school."
PROJECT COST
The school cost approximately US$57,000 to build. The work consisted of three classrooms, principal's office, sickbay, kitchen, bathroom, playground and fencing. Additional cost of execution (including meals, accommodation and transport) totalled US$ 2,000.
"We would like to thank Food For The Poor; without their organisation and team we would not be able to accomplish such a great feat in such a small time," said Lechler. "Their team is hardworking and professional, amazing at what they do. We would like to thank everyone who helped us achieve this dream by making donations, whether large or small. The other volunteers were Amanda Lechler, Timothy Stewart, James Lechler, Richard Lechler, Jacqueline Lechler, Nikolas Hudson, Shannon Boorman, Adam Vaz, Sarah Misir, Akiode Odunton, Adam Ziadie, Tayla Ziadie, Zacre Davidson, Kiy Graham, Max Murphy, Sofia Asher and John Paul Asher.
Lechler said she hoped persons would see that they are truly trying to make a difference and continue to donate towards the Richard and Diana Stewart Foundation, created by her grandparents.
In September 2013, Kind Hearts Ltd built a basic school in Top Hill, St Catherine. Before that, they constructed a school in Greenvale, Manchester, in association with Food For The Poor. Kind Hearts was started in 2009, with the building of two homes for two needy families in St James.
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20141229/news/news1.html
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