GLENGOFFE, St Catherine:
Hundreds of volunteers converged on the Lucky Hill Basic School in Glengoffe, St Catherine, and rebuilt the institution that has been in a state of disrepair for quite some time.
The project designated as the parish project for Labour Day, saw participants from various youth groups and the St Catherine Municipal Corporation coming together to work on what has been considered a significant project.
Principal of the school for the last 17 years, Sandra Walters, said she is delighted that the parish Labour Day committee selected Lucky Hill Basic School for the parish project.
"We don't receive subvention from the ministry, so it was difficult for us to effect any meaningful repairs to the structure that was becoming extremely dangerous for the students," she stated.
"The work has just started. After this, we will have to tile the floor and put in the desks and chairs."
Walters disclosed that she got commitment from Food For The Poor to provide these facilities.
Trecia Montgomery, a parent, lauded the project as important both for the security of her four-year-old and other children who attend the 52-year-old institution which was first started by the United Church of Jamaica and Grand Cayman.
"I am very happy to see this, it was in a bad state. We in the Lucky Hill community are thankful that our children can start their early school years in a decent building," Montgomery told Rural Xpress.
Phillip Keane-Dawes, chairman for the civic affairs committee of the St Catherine Municipal Corporation, disclosed that it was essential that the project fit into the theme for Labour Day 2017, 'Restore, Preserve, Beautify'.
"Lucky Hill Basic School fits this profile. It was in a terrible state and something had to be done. The basic amenities were absent."