JSIF Hands Over Upgraded Canteen to Trelawny School

The Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), yesterday (Nov. 5) officially handed over an upgraded canteen to the Brampton All-age School in Trelawny, which will ensure that students receive at least one hot nutritious meal on school days.
The upgrading work was done at a cost of $2.7 million and is in keeping with the Government’s school feeding thrust.
Operations Manager at JSIF, Omar Sweeney, in his remarks at the handing over ceremony, underscored the fact that children who are hungry cannot focus and concentrate on school work. He said the upgraded canteen is already having a positive effect on school attendance and learning, with the principal reporting an improvement in students’ grades.
“Through the school feeding programme, the school has been able to provide at least one nutritious meal each day, which attracts the children to school. Enrollment has been bolstered, and regular attendance is promoted,” he stated.
Mr. Sweeney further commended the school community for maintaining the building since the work was done, and urged them to protect it so it can continue to serve future generations.
Regional Director in the Ministry of Education Region 3, Maxine Headlam, emphasised the importance of nutrition in the teaching/learning process. She congratulated the Brampton Benevolent Society and JSIF for their joint efforts in providing the upgraded canteen.
She urged the community to continue to work together, especially in the nurturing of the children in the community.
Member of Parliament for North Trelawny, Dr. Patrick Harris, in his remarks, also charged the community to work to protect the facility.