American Women's Group opens homework centre, plans Super 'Escape

Fresh from the construction of a homework pavilion at the St Martin de Porres Primary School, the American Women's Group (AWG) is setting its sights on doing more for the Gordon Town-based institution.

"Escape is our major fundraiser for the year," explained president of the AWG Claudja Alexander. "And out of those funds, we hope to do more things here at St Martin de Porres school, including their library and the fencing that is in desperate need of repair."

The pavilion and mini stadium seating area where students can watch sports, were built after a collaborative effort between AWG, the Canadian Women's Club, and various corporate sponsors and partners.

Escape 2016 will be held at the American International School in Kingston, College Green, Hope Pastures on Saturday, June 11. For the persons who have never been to the AWG signature event, Alexander promised that persons would get value for money for their $6000 contribution.

"This year we have Freddie McGregor and Fab 5 as the entertainers," she said.

"It's an all-inclusive event and it's lots of fun, food, music, dancing. I'm hoping it's going to be a great time." Persons can get tickets at Cannonball Cafe outlets, In Skin Beauty Salon and Ashley's Treasures, both in Midspring Plaza, or from AWG members.

Homework pavilion

The homework pavilion will provide a place for students to do homework, wait for transportation after school and watch sports, says principal Fay Buchanan.

"This is a fantastic effort by the various groups, and we hope that there will be more collaborative efforts so that we can build on what is here. I am absolutely sure that the students are going to be using it to facilitate various groupwork," says Buchanan.

AWG president, Claudja Alexander says there were challenges during the project, but she is glad it was successfully completed.

"It's been an uphill battle, but it's always great to see the end result. When you say you can do it, when you want it to be done, when it's the right thing to do, God sort of makes everything come into play."

Construction of the pavilion took six months with help from Berger Paints, Toyota Jamaica, the Canadian Women's Club of Jamaica and the Canadian High Commission.The pavilion is the latest construction to the school after a garden and bathroom.

For more information, contact the group at awgjamaica@gmail.com.