New Building for Students of Reliance Basic School

The 50 students, three teachers and other staff members of the Reliance Basic School, in Braeton, Portmore, have been provided with a new structure, courtesy of Food For the Poor (FFP).

The institution was handed over on November 28. It is part of the FFP’s Jamaica 50 Programme, which seeks to build 50 early childhood schools over 50 months.

A collaborative effort of FFP Jamaica, FFP Canada, Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation and the Braeton Citizens’ Association, the complex comprises three classrooms, a sick bay, office for the teaching staff, kitchen and bathrooms.

“Now that the institution has been so beautifully constructed, we are all now more motivated to work harder, learn and be successful in anything we dream about, anything we are passionate about to realize rewards and lead more fulfilling lives,” said Development Officer with the Early Childhood Commission (ECC), Debbie-Ann Pryce Hoo Fung, while addressing the handing over ceremony.

Principal of the school, Judith Royal-Gardener, told the gathering that many persons shared a dream of getting a new building, and were unrelenting in their effort to see this happen.

“This building is much more spacious and ventilated with individual classrooms. Food For the Poor has also ensured that our children are catered for in every way. So, they gave us the prescribed furniture to ensure the comfort of our children,” she said, noting that the organization has also given them a refrigerator and a stove.

For his part, Councillor for the Braeton Division, Anthony Wint, said citizens must continue to work for other developments at the school for the children that are there now, and the many who will benefit in years to come.

“We must see to it that they realize their goals by protecting this building, by ensuring that it is maintained by giving support to the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), and the other organizations that work with the school,” the Councillor said.