Balaclava Primary 125 not out - Past students reaching out for help for St Elizabeth-based school

For more than a century, Balaclava Primary School in northeast St Elizabeth has used the little resources it has to turn out many students who have risen to the top of their professions across the island.

The impressive list of graduates include Minister of Education Ruel Reid, chairman of Lasco Group Lascelles Chin, and executive director of the Legal Aid Council, Hugh Faulkner.

This year, the school celebrates its 125th anniversary under the theme 'Honouring the Past ... Building for the future', having opened its doors in 1893 to some 40 students.

The institution started out as Wallingford School with a change in name to Balaclava Government School, in 1962. The name was then changed to Balaclava All-Age School and in the early 1970s to the current Balaclava Primary.

President of the Past Students' Association, Carla Morris, says the school has grown in population since its early years and now faces a pressing the need for more classrooms and other infrastructure.

"In 2018, we still have blackboards separating some classes. As such, the grade six classes had to be removed to another section of the school, to give the students who were about to sit the Grade Six Achievement Test not only space but comfort in which to study and concentrate. However, that is not enough," Morris told The Sunday Gleaner.

"We were hoping that with the money generated from the events of this year, we will be able to erect four new classrooms, a staff room, a principal's office and a teachers' lounge," added Morris.

No corporate help

She said before a church service on January 21 to mark the start of the 125th anniversary celebrations, the past students reached out to corporate Jamaica, but to date they have had no positive response.

"To get the events going, we have been reaching out to the same group of past students who are always willing to assist. We do envision other past students coming on board and assist not only with the events but to help the school in all areas," said Morris.

She noted that the school, which has no playing field of its own, has acquired an adjacent property to create one. However, there is still a need for a proper sporting ground and equipment for the physical education department.

Past students donations

Morris added that past students have been stepping forward to provide well-needed computers and other equipment for the area which is being used as a general office.

She said a computer lab, which was installed some years ago, is now in need of an upgrade and expansion to provide Internet access for the students.

"We would love to have our students technology-savvy, just even the basic knowledge. There is so much that this 125-year-old school needs, and we are hoping that other past students and corporate Jamaica can assist in making this year a memorable one and helping to provide the school with the infrastructure that is now needed," said Morris, as she noted that the past students have also embarked on fundraising activities.

"Recently we hosted an event dubbed 'An evening of Love,' but this was not well attended and very discouraging. But when we think about the children and the needs of the school we look at it as a loss and continue to push forward," added Morris.

She is appealing to all the past students of the Balaclava Primary School who are able to assist to come on board to help build the classrooms and other infrastructure needed.

"We are positive that most of us will not be around for the next 125 years but we would love to leave a legacy that can enhance the education of a wonderful community and a county at large," said Morris.