Beulah All-Age School gets new resource room

NEW LONGVILLE, Clarendon:

Hard work really brings success, and it has resulted in a spanking new resource and technology room at Beulah All-Age School in New Longville, Clarendon.

This resource room could easily be considered as the school's gift to itself for moving from 56 per cent to achieving 86 per cent mastery in literacy for the 2015 academic year.

The principal Antoinette Banton Ellis, who has been at the helm of the school's affairs for the last eight years, said the institution has been growing academically, so it was decided that the next step is to meet the needs of the students using technology as its base.

"We realised that we needed to provide them with an environment outside of the regular classroom to provide them with this technological need that is especially needed for visual learners so they can do their reading and extra work outside of the regular library setting that we have. So in keeping with the ministry's vision for the use of technology, we decided that we needed a technology room. So we approached Food For The Poor and they provided us with two computer kits which consisted of 15 monitors," she told Rural Xpress.

SEVERAL DONATIONS

Furniture was provided by the Ministry of Education and several donations of books and other learning materials, inclusive of two laptops, were given by past students.

Mayor Scean Barnswell shared in the moment, noting that he was happy to witness the opening of the school's resource centre. He encouraged the students to take the best care of the room and the equipment so it can serve other family members and friends after they are gone.

Senior education officer with the Ministry of Education Region 6, Lloyd Kelly, commended the efforts of the school as it is soon to be expanded to include infants and will be upgraded to the Beulah Primary and Infant School.

"For 2015, the Ministry of Education achieved its target in terms of literacy which is 86 per cent nationally. As a region, we are helping the schools and giving support to the leadership and management of the schools so that will translate into progress into the classroom, as the most important thing that happens in a school is what happens in a classroom. Be disciplined and consistent and you will see the rewards of your hard work," Kelly urged.

Member of Parliament Pearnel Charles added that the school represents how education has evolved.

"This school in the production of its technological department, is doing what many schools would like to do. This resource room will assist greatly in how the students learn as many children tend to learn better using audiovisual aids." He said that children learn what they see and hear and will have to demonstrate it at some point in time anywhere in the world they are.

The contribution of the parents and sponsors, which was used to purchase and install the air conditioning unit, is also noted as they too assisted with the school's fundraising events.

"It's a grand exciting feeling. It's a great achievement because its one of those moments as a principal when you think I'm getting it right for my children and for the community. This is my vision and the staff is with me all the way. We hope that with this new environment, we can make it to our target of 90 per cent literacy this year and maintain that average," said the elated principal.

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