Westmoreland Schools Receive Donations from Charity Organisation

Some 350 students from eight primary schools across the parish of Westmoreland have been presented with school uniforms, shoes, school bags, books and toiletries by the Save the Children Fund.
One of eight schools in Westmoreland that were assisted by the charitable organisation is the Little London Primary School, which is located in the western section of the parish. The school has a student population of 928 and 23 members of staff, in addition to one guidance counsellor, a drama teacher and a clerical assistance.
In addition to the 63 most needy students who were selected for special assistance, a number of parents were also singled out for aid, receiving mattresses, roofing material and food items.
Speaking to JIS News, Principal of the school Adassa Brooks, said the Save the Children Fund had a positive effect on the school population, significantly improving students’ attendance, particularly on Fridays. “The intervention of the Save the Children Fund in this school has boosted the attendance and motivated students especially those whose parents were most economically challenged,” Mrs. Brooks noted.
She added that, “giving these children uniforms, shoes and other items have boosted their attendance at school and has encouraged them to come out to school more often, even on Fridays,” the principal reported. Mrs. Brooks expressed appreciation to the Fund for also having rehabilitated the sanitary conveniences at the school, replacing malfunctioning toilet bowls and face basins.
Meanwhile, according to Investigating Officer for the Fund, Lorna Williams, the organisation has also done extensive refurbishing work on the Negril Health Centre, replacing a badly damaged roof and installing new windows.
“Over 362 fishermen who lost their fish pots during the passage of Hurricane Ivan, were assisted by Save the Children Fund. These fishermen received wires and other fishing equipments, in order to retool themselves for their occupation,” Mrs. Williams told JIS News, adding, “Save the Children Fund did tremendous work in Westmoreland and I believe the schools, the principal, the parents and the students all appreciated what the fund did for them”.
The Save the Children Fund visited over 12 communities, including Peggy Barry, Moreland Hill, Delfland, Beaston Spring, Good Hope, Retreat, Silver Spring and White Hall and handed out 150 mattresses and roofing material to a number of families that were most affected. In addition, the families received gift packages of food, toiletries and hygiene kits.
The charitable organization spent an estimated $27 million in the parish, in an effort to transform the lives of those affected by the Hurricane Ivan in September of last year.