Mikael Phillips Focused on Education

Member of Parliament for North West Manchester, Mikael Phillips, is placing emphasis on education, through a number of initiatives to enhance the nutrition of students, and improve sanitary facilities and the school environment.

Mr. Phillips, who was making his contribution to the 2013/2014 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on May 14, said he will be working with the Jamaica 4-H Clubs, community groups, the Parent Teachers’ Associations (PTA) and the wider community, to expand the primary school gardens.

“This is so we can have a better school feeding programme in all our schools,” he stated.

He noted that the initiative is important as the statistics show that there is better attendance at schools when meals are provided.

He informed that the Jamaica 4-H Clubs has conducted a survey of all gardens in the constituency to determine the size and capacity of the farms.

The Member of Parliament also cited a plastic recycling project to be undertaken in collaboration with the principals association and the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA).

“All schools will receive garbage receptacles where the students will be encouraged to dump all PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles and anything plastic in the receptacles provided by NSWMA. We are trying to impart, to our students, the small things we can do in saving our environment,” Mr. Phillips stated.

He further informed of a project being undertaken in conjunction with Food for the Poor to improve sanitary facilities at institutions.

“At the Medinea Primary School, before the new school year starts in September 2013, we will be removing the pit toilets and replacing them with new water closets,”

Mr. Phillips said. He noted that by the end of 2013, all schools will have modern toilet facilities.

Contact: Latonya Linton