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SAJ fetes students at adopted school

Published:Monday | January 9, 2017 | 12:00 AM
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The children at the SAJ’s adopted school were treated to an end-of-term party.
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SAJ stevedore Allan King is as happy to give as this youngster is to receive her Christmas present.
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SAJ volunteers William Raby, Allan King, and Robert Michelin ensure that every one of their charges gets a tummy full.
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Dionne Mason Gordon, operations manager at the SAJ, and this young student bond over a Christmas present, while SAJ volunteer Jodian White (right) marshalls the gifts.
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Shipping Association of Jamaica volunteers, comprising stevedores, shift monitors, and secretariat staff, join the teaching staff at the Marcus Garvey School for a photo following the association’s annual Christmas treat for the students.
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In a time-honoured tradition, stevedores and administrative staff at the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ) gave of their time to spend a day with the young students of their adopted school in Greenwich Town over the holiday season.

The eager children were allowed to enjoy themselves thoroughly on the final day of school, courtesy of the bounce-about provided by the SAJ. They were treated to meals, complete with ice cream and cake, which was served by the volunteers. To top it off, each student received a Christmas gift from the SAJ.

The school, formally known as the Marcus Garvey Early Childhood Institution, offers a solid academic foundation for children from the communities surrounding the SAJ head office. This basic school, which is run by the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, has been the primary focus of the charitable efforts of the SAJ for several years as it grew into the exemplary institution it is today.

 

FEEDING PROGRAMME

 

The port workers and staff of the secretariat of the SAJ fund a feeding programme for the students out of their own pockets. The association also pays teacher salaries, in addition to periodic capital costs for the school.

The academic performance of students at the institution has improved over the years, with the school earning accolades from the Ministry of Education, including an award for major improvements in its academic standards. Marcus Garvey was also listed as the leading basic school in its zone.