Manchester Community Honours Basic School Principal

The district of Swaby’s Hope in Manchester on Sunday (Feb. 22) honoured the community’s basic school principal, Desrene Richards, for 29 years of service to the institution.
At the event held at Swaby’s Hope Shiloh Apostolic Church, Mrs. Richards was lauded for her outstanding work at the school and in the wider community.
Pastor of the Swaby’s Hope New Testament Church of God, Ernie Nelson, commended the community for organising the event. He lauded Mrs. Richards for her continued high level of service, even after losing a leg to diabetes.
Mrs. Richards, in her response, said that even though her ambition was to become a nurse, she had no regrets about her 29 years in education.
“I did not have any intention to stay in basic school, but when I saw the children I said; ‘they are so nice, they are so loving, they are so obedient,’ and I enjoyed my 29 years working with children. I encourage everyone here this afternoon, especially the young people, to make the best of your youthful days, and you will be richly rewarded,” Mrs. Richards stated.
Meanwhile, Operations Manager at the Santa Cruz Branch of the Jamaica National Building Society, Alethia Peart, who was the guest speaker at the function, lauded the honouree as a dedicated servant, who, despite limited resources, was able to get the best out of her students.
“I am a proud past student of this institution, and we recognise our teacher, who through her hard work and dedication, braved hardships and minimum resources to train children, to teach children the things that parents should have been teaching them to help to influence positive values and indeed, to make Jamaica a better place. I applaud you Mrs. Richards for the many things that you have done, and I have learnt a lot from you,” Ms. Peart stated.
The event was organised by the Swaby’s Hope Citizen Association and Community Sport Club.