Students in the Theatre Arts and Fashion departments of Montego Bay High School for Girls have more room to learn, thanks to the generous donors of Food For The Poor-Jamaica.
The charity handed over a new building at the school on November 22 as part of its classroom expansion project.
The ribbon-cutting took place during the school’s annual prize-giving ceremony, which was attended by Senator Ruel Reid, Minister of Education, and Ministry officials as well as teachers, students and parents.
The building, painted blue and yellow, was blessed by Archdeacon Justin Nembhard.
David Mair, Executive Director of FFP-Jamaica, said the building was named in honour of two former Vice Principals and past students of the school, the Rev. Thora Levy, one of FFP-Jamaica’s donors, and Dahlia Hewling Robinson, who attended the ceremony.
Prior to the new building, students in the Theatre Arts and Fashion departments did not have their own space, “which caused great confusion,” said School Principal Gairy Powell.
Powell said teachers and staff have warmly welcomed the new building. “The teachers were so eager to use it,” he said. “In fact, eager is an understatement. The impact will be felt right across the school.”
For 36 years, Mair said, FFP-Jamaica has been working to improve education with overseas and local stakeholders and the support of its donors.
One of the charity’s goals is to “uplift the materially poor and renew the poor in spirit through education,” Mair said.
During the ceremony, Mair encouraged parents and guardians to be involved in their children’s education.
“Education is a necessary obligation of parenting,” Mair said. “It is not enough to leave it to teachers alone. You must invest your time. You are the mirror through which your children see life.”
Education is one of FFP-Jamaica’s key areas of focus. This year, more than 250 students from basic to tertiary level have benefited from back-to-school grants. Since 2012, more than 100 basic schools have been built islandwide, numerous water projects installed, and 78 schools have received modern bathroom facilities, replacing pit latrines. The charity also has trained more than 400 students in music under its band summer camp initiative.
Jamaica Highlights 