Maldon Basic School gets Facelift

The Maldon Baptist Basic School in St. James has received a well-needed facelift through the efforts of the Social Development Commission (SDC).

Members of the organisation and community members came together on November 13 to clean the school grounds, and replace and paint damaged ceilings throughout the property. A cupboard was also built and installed in the kitchen.

The refurbishing work is among 14 national projects being undertaken by the SDC to mark Community Month in November.

Principal of the School, Delvera Loban, expressed gratitude on behalf of the 33 students and four teachers.

"I feel delighted, I am grateful. I am happy for what all the different agents have come and done for the school. It helps to uplift the school and give the environment a better look. It is good for learning, and when parents see work like this, they will have a better mind to send their children to this school,” the Principal said.

Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Glendon Harris, also commended the SDC and the residents, who volunteered their time and efforts.

He said the school is important to the area as it also houses an Information Communication Technology (ICT) training facility, and an evening institute, which prepares persons for external examinations.

SDC Parish Manager, Randy Dale, said he was pleased at the support from the community. “Residents came out in their numbers. This epitomizes the level of volunteerism within this community,” he stated.

He noted that the facility serves all the communities around Maldon and “we are here showing the rest of Jamaica that the SDC is on the ground working within communities, and enhancing developmental initiatives."

SDC Development Officer for the Maroon Town Development Area, Tracy-Ann Phillips-Thomas, said the response of the residents demonstrated that “the agency is with the people."

"I am overwhelmed at the support this project has gotten. It has been one of the agents of change in this community, and we are trying to sustain what is here now,” Mrs. Phillips-Thomas added.

Also on hand were representatives from the Ministry of Health, who provided HIV, blood sugar and blood pressure tests. Representatives from the Programme for Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) also provided information and registered persons for benefits.