Oberlin High School Receives Hydration Station

Oberlin High School in St. Andrew has received a hydration station, providing students and staff with access to clean, safe and chilled drinking water.

The facility was officially handed over during a ceremony at the institution on Friday (September 18).

Director of Donor and Partnership Management at the National Education Trust (NET), Keisha Johnson, said the initiative highlights the critical role of partnerships in helping to address gaps within the education sector.

She noted that the hydration station, provided through Newport Water Limited’s Hydrate Caribbean initiative, will give students access to purified water, with reusable bottles allowing them to refill throughout the school day.

Ms. Johnson encouraged students to take care of the hydration station and ensure that it remains available for future generations of learners.

Newport Water Limited Project Lead, Sheridan Greaves, said the initiative seeks to promote healthy hydration habits among students while reducing the use of single-use plastic bottles.

He encouraged students to incorporate use of the hydration station and reusable bottles into their daily routine, noting that reducing plastic consumption can also contribute to environmental sustainability.

Mr. Greaves further encouraged the students to drink water, stay active and make healthy lifestyle choices, pointing out that “this is a healthy habit that you can start building from now.”

For her part, Senior Education Officer for Region One in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Janet Walsh-Davis, said the installation represents an investment in students’ health, well-being and capacity to learn.

“We know that a hydrated child… is a healthier child… and a healthier child is better able to learn,” she said.

Mrs. Walsh-Davis noted that access to clean, safe and chilled drinking water can enhance students’ concentration levels, support physical activity and reduce reliance on sugary drinks.

She also encouraged students to take ownership of the hydration station, use it responsibly and help ensure its longevity for the benefit of current and future users.

Meanwhile, the Senior Education Officer commended Newport Water Limited, the Diabetes Association of Jamaica, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and NET for partnering to deliver the initiative.

“We look forward to replicating this model across more schools in Region One and Jamaica,” Mrs. Walsh-Davis added.

Principal of Oberlin High School, Michelle Spencer, expressed appreciation for the donation, noting that the hydration station will support the health and well-being of students and staff, particularly during periods of hot weather.