Victoria gets New Basic School

Students in the community of Victoria in Northwest Clarendon are the beneficiaries of new basic school, which has been constructed by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF).
The school, which was built at a cost of some $3.45 million, was officially handed over to the community at a ceremony held in Victoria on October 1.
Operations Manager at JSIF, Omar Sweeney, said that their goal of completing and equipping the basic school has been fulfilled.
“At JSIF we see early childhood education as very important to the nation and as a result, we continue to invest in this worthwhile part of our country’s development,” he said.
Mr. Sweeney explained that the project involved completing and equipping the new school, as well as providing new desks and chairs for the students and staff.
The two-classroom structure also has new sanitary conveniences and the kitchen has been equipped with a refrigerator and a stove.
The Operations Manager pointed out approximately one third of the projects carried out by his organization were education related, with over $837 million spent on the various projects.
He charged the students, parents, teachers and the wider school community to ensure that the school facilities and all the new equipment are properly maintained.
Joyce Rattray, Principal, expressed appreciation to the JSIF for completing the basic school.She pointed out that the Victoria Basic School was established in 1935, with the original structure built to accommodate only 20 students. The new facility will house about 85 students.