Trees Planted at Mineral Heights Primary

Some 30 trees were planted at the Mineral Heights Primary School in Clarendon on October 3, World Tree Planting Day, as part of activities to mark ALCOA’s Worldwide Month of Service, celebrated annually during October.
The Jamalco team, assisted by the school’s Cub Scouts, Brownies, and Environmentalists, planted the 30 trees at strategic points on the school’s compound, where they will serve to provide shade, food or beautification for the institution.
Jamalco team leader, Silvio Porter, said the experience was an interesting one, which demonstrated the benefits that could be derived when there is a co-operative effort.
Principal of the school, Dalton Sharp, told JIS News that the school is generally involved in efforts, which are geared toward the preservation of the environment. He added that the Ministry of Education has mandated that schools across the island participate in this activity, in a conscious effort to instil in young Jamaicans the all-important role each must play to slow down the rate of deterioration of the environment. He expressed gratitude to Jamalco for assisting in this regard.
During October each year, ALCOA celebrates a month of service at its 200 locations across the world, including Jamalco. This year’s activities are being observed under the theme: ‘ALCOA in the community: People making a difference’.
As a result, 150 Jamalco workers will plant 200 trees, refurbish community facilities, and take part in various outreach activities to better the lives of thousands of Jamaicans, particularly in its operating areas. The company projects that by the end of 2008, some 5,000 trees will have been planted.