Manchester School Gets Help from SDC/Past Students

KINGSTON — The Social Development Commission (SDC) has teamed with New York-based past students of the Pike All-Age School, Manchester, to ensure that its 164 students and 13 teachers return to classes, in January, in an improved physical environment.

The project included painting the building, repairs to the driveway and air conditioning unit in the computer laboratory and minor electrical repairs, as well as the erection of a retaining wall by the past students.

“We are grateful. A lot of parents turned out to support, and other members of the community,” said Acting Principal, Miriam Henry, while speaking with JIS News.

The repaired driveway will be welcomed by motorists, as the area was a constant cause for complaints. Twenty staff members of the SDC joined scores of residents in the refurbishing.

“As parents, we are grateful for the effort and we thank them, wholeheartedly,” remarked President of the Parent-Teachers’ Association (PTA), Janet Clarke.

Manager of the Manchester Parish office of the SDC, Beverly Booth, pointed out that the school had recently won a sectional prize in the Best Kept Community scheme. She decided to get a first hand look, to see how they could contribute to the institution. She discovered the needs and mobilized support for the workday.

“This was a worthwhile project to do as a community outreach. It feels like you are doing community development, in helping a group of persons to take charge of their community,” she remarked.

She urged other communities to call the SDC, at 625-3231, and the Commission will be there to work with them.

“Jamaica can only be better, if we take charge of the space we occupy,” she stated.

BY Garfield Angus, JIS Reporter