New Day Residents Urged to Contribute to Basic School Project

Residents of New Day in St. Elizabeth are being urged to play their part by contributing to the construction of a modern and more spacious basic school to serve the area.

The appeal came from Chairman of the institution, Sharon Dasman, at the official contract signing ceremony held recently at the United Pentecostal Church in the community.

The school is being constructed on the site of the existing building, which had become rundown.  The $20 million project, which is being undertaken through funding from the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), will create a more comfortable teaching/learning environment, with features and amenities to meet the standards specified by the Early Childhood Commission (ECC).

Ms. Dasman called on residents, past students and other stakeholders to make their contribution to the project.

She noted that as part of the contract, the community is required to provide 10 per cent of the project cost, in cash or kind, and appealed for their support.

“It is our community; many of us have benefited from it (the school) and it makes sense for us to contribute. People will be coming in to do their jobs, but you also have to make your contribution to show that we have benefited,” she stated.

ECC Supervisor, Blanzie Blake, lauded JSIF for its continued commitment to the development of early childhood institutions.

She said that the ECC remains steadfast in ensuring high standards in the operation of schools across the island, and adherence to established regulations and best practices, for the optimal development of children.

“The realisation of this mission will be possible with everyone coming on board and being counted as partners in the development of early childhood education. It is paramount that we start them right and make them bright,” she stated.

New Town Early Childhood Institution, located near Black River, has an enrolment of some 47 students and four staff members.

The 25-year old institution serves several communities in the area.

By Garfield Angus, JIS Reporter