Kendal Basic School gets Improved Water Facility

Students and teachers of the Kendal Basic School in Hanover now have improved access to water for drinking and sanitary purposes.

The National Child Month Committee (NCMC) erected two large water storage tanks at the school on Friday (May 25), which was the 2012 National Action Day project. Residents of the community came out to assist with the works, which included building stands for the tanks and connecting pipes and fittings.

Chairperson of the NCMC, Dr. Pauline Mullings, said the committee decided to assist after receiving a request from the principal and seeing firsthand, the challenges being faced at the school, which does not have access to piped water.

“Looking at the need that they had, we were very concerned for the children to have safe water to drink, and we figured that this would be a good project to invest in. We brought them two huge water tanks, and by Monday, they should be able to turn on the pipes for the first time and see water running; that’s our gift to them,” Dr. Mullings stated.

School Principal, Genese Peterkin, expressed gratitude, noting that the provision of the water tanks will better enable the school to carry out its mission of “providing quality education in a friendly and enriching environment."

Early Childhood Commission Officer, Faithlyn Lyle, commended the residents for assisting with the project, and implored the students and teachers to take care of the facility.

She urged the principal to “engage the members of the community, talk to them about the importance of these tanks and let them know how important they are to the running of the school”.

Mayor of Lucea, Councillor Shernett Haughton, made a call for concerted focus to be placed on inspiring children to achieve their best.

She said that during the celebrations for Jamaica's 50th anniversary, all stakeholders should ensure that children’s issues “are placed on every agenda, so that the education and long-term development of children can be accepted as a national and community priority."

"I implore us as policy makers, teachers, parents, caregivers, neighbours, to be guided by the inspiring principle that all children can do great things if they get the chance.  It is our responsibility; give them that chance,” the Mayor urged.

By Garfield L. Angus, JIS Reporter