PACE Canada Donates to Paul Island Basic School

MONTEGO BAY — The Paul Island Early Childhood Institution in Westmoreland has benefitted from approximately $32,000 (CAD$365) in support from PACE (Project for the Advancement of Childhood Education) Canada under the organisation's Adopt-a-Basic School initiative.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Marlene Malahoo Forte, recently presented the cheque to Chairman of the School Board, Ralph Jathan. The money represents one dollar per day in support for the year.

Senator Malahoo Forte, who is a past student of the school, told JIS News that she was “extremely” pleased to make the presentation on behalf of the Diaspora organisation.

She said the donation is another example of the Jamaican Diaspora working in partnership with the Government for the country’s development.

The State Minister, who has responsibility for Diaspora affairs, noted that the Government could not provide all the resources that every institution of learning needs, and she was pleased that projects like PACE were stepping forward and filling the gap.

"I am so very delighted. As you can see, it’s a small school and I am sure that this small amount will go a far way in helping the students in some way," she said.

Mr. Jathan, in expressing appreciation, said it is important that support is provided to students at the early childhood level.

"If Jamaica is to move forward then the population must be empowered through education, and what way to begin than at the very early stage, at the early childhood level. Again, thank you PACE Canada," he said.

PACE's Adopt-A-Basic-School programme provides assistance to Jamaican basic schools in response to needs identified by local community and educational committees.

A minimum of CAD$365 per year is provided to assist with the needs of the institution.

By GLENIS ROSE, JIS Reporter