Quickstep celebrates completion of new basic school

Cheers filled the air in the deep rural St Elizabeth community of Quickstep last week Friday as international charity Pencils4Kids and students cut the ribbons to open a newly built basic school.

It was bright smiles all around as parents, students and stakeholders were in high spirits, celebrating the completion of the project in time for the new school year.

“Our work is done,” said a proud Randy Griffiths, founder and CEO of Pencils4Kids, as the $10-million project, which was completed in less than a year, met its deadline.

“It’s just part of the step we are taking. We have a library, a basic school. What’s next? Let’s continue to work, let’s continue to build Quickstep,” Griffiths said, introducing his next project for the community – a sports complex.

In his keynote address at the opening ceremony, Griffiths, a son of the soil who migrated to the United States and is now a fitness consultant, encouraged citizens to move past waiting for the Government and politicians to enhance their way of life.

Having also attended the Quickstep Basic School more than 40 years ago, he noted that, up to the start of construction last October, the weakened structure was a shadow of its old self.

“We have to do it ourselves. It starts within one individual. Don’t think that you can’t do something. Start it, someone will help. It’s all about progress, it’s about the kids, it’s about the future,” he said to thunderous applause.

Griffiths lauded his donors and volunteers, who pooled resources to make the project successful.

Already, parents beyond the Quickstep district have enrolled their children at the institution.

Icylyn ‘Cherry’ Green-Whitfield, spokesperson for Pencils4Kids and a resident of Quickstep, said the community was very appreciative of the work done by the charity over the past five years.

Pencils4Kids had previously built a community centre, a library, a garage and donated a school bus for children to have safe passage to and from their home and school at no cost to parents.

“I think we need someone from the HEART/NSTA to come in and teach us something that the community can benefit from. We have access to the building, maybe twice a month. We thank Mr Griffiths and his team for the new building and hope we can continue to do more for the best of the community,” Green-Whitfield said.

The new building is larger than the original structure and now boasts larger windows for better ventilation.

The school has also been retrofitted with a sickbay, computer rooms, separated bathrooms for girls and boys, a kitchen, and more spacious classrooms.

Quickstep Basic School Chairman Carol Lynch said the community was again beaming with light.

“Shots are being fired in our community, but not by the gun. Shots of accomplishments, shots of success, shots of progress in every aspect with respect,” Lynch said.

The Early Childhood Commission (ECC) inspector for Region Five, Faithlyn McKulsky, said it was quite evident the Quickstep Basic School has a long and rich history in the community and acknowledged the amount of work put in to make the project a success.

“We at the ECC are quite aware of the effort that is extended in ensuring that the school operates in compliance with the standards stipulated by the ECC … . Teachers, we therefore challenge you to make the best of the opportunities that will come your way hereafter. Aim for the stars so that, if you fall short, you may land on a cloud,” she said, thanking Griffiths and his team at Pencils4Kids.

andre.williams@gleanerjm.com