MoBay Basic School Gets Support from Kiwanis and Community

Refurbishing and upgrading work on the Whyms Road Basic School, St. James, financed by the Kiwanis Club of Providence, Montego Bay, will ensure that the school’s 40 students and three teachers face the new school year in a more learner friendly environment.
With the refurbishing and upgrading completed, the upgraded institution was officially handed over on Tuesday (September 8). The work was financed by the Kiwanians, while labour was provided by the community at a reduced cost. The project took some six months to be completed, at a cost of approximately $750,000.
The scope of work carried out involved the installation of bathroom facilities for students and teachers, the construction and furnishing of kitchen facilities and painting of the newly constructed and refurbished areas, bringing it up to Ministry of Education (MOE) required standards.

Kiwanis Club of Providence Director, Mervina Smith (left), being assisted by Principal of the Whyms Road Basic School, Jennifer Bell (right) to cut the ribbon to mark the official handing over of the new kitchen facilities at the school, while (at centre)some of the students look on. The club spent approximately $750,000 to put in new bathroom and kitchen facilities so as to meet required standards set by the Ministry of Education.

Early Childhood Education Officer in the Ministry’s Region IV, Patricia Haughton, said that the Kiwanis Club of Providence’s gesture was timely, as it has assisted the institution in meeting MOE standards.
“The Teachers, students, parents and community members are very grateful and happy today, because the children now have cleaner bathroom facilities to use, they can now be provided with hot, cooked meals, prepared on the spot, and not only was a kitchen established, but it was also fitted with appliances which include a refrigerator and a stove,” she pointed out.
Appreciation for the work carried out on the school was also expressed on behalf of the students, teachers and the school’s board by the Principal, Jennifer Bell.