Rotary Club builds office for principal

MANDEVILLE — Students at the Waltham Basic School in Manchester now have more space, as the   section used by the Principal as an office will now be used as a classroom.

This has been made possible through the generosity of the Rotary Club of Mandeville, which has constructed an office for the Principal.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony on June 14, Chairman of the school Board, Reverend Barrington Soares said the children will benefit from the new building, and that the gift is a continuation of  the support that the Club has given to the institution over its over 30 years existence.

“This will go towards the advancement of the education of the children,” the Chairman said.

Principal of the school, Paulette Dennis said the gesture of the Rotary Club will result in an environment that is more conducive to learning.

Meanwhile, President of the Rotary Club of Mandeville, Keith O’Gilvie said the office for the principal is just one of the many projects that they have delivered at early childhood institutions in their quest for children to receive a firm start in education.

“Rotary concentrate on three areas – health, sanitation and education – and early childhood education is one of our focus, because when you lay a good foundation for a child that will last for a long time, and they can build on it. In this instance, we have constructed an office for the principal, and at other times we donated water tanks to basic schools in the parish and books for the children,” he informed.

Parent, Collette Miller told JIS News that with the principal getting an office, the children will have more space for the teachers to interact with them. “We are very grateful for this building from the Rotary Club,” she said.

Building materials for the project were sourced from businesses in the parish, while labour was provided by members of the Rotary Club and persons in the community.

By GARFIELD L. ANGUS, JIS Reporter