Rasbert Turner, Star Writer
Two students of Hartlands Basic School in St Catherine take a look at the flooring for the new school building. - Ricardo Makyn
Spanish Town
The more than 20 students of the Hartlands Basic School, in St Catherine, are breathing a sigh of relief as they will soon have a new school in which they can learn.
The old board structure, located on the Church of God of Prophecy compound, will be replaced by a bigger and more sturdy building, according to Principal Glendon Simpson.
$500,000
Simpson told THE STAR that work has started on the new structure. He showed the team the full layout and the frame of the new building being built at a cost of about $500,000. "We are glad that work has finally started on the new building. And I must thank the community members who turned out to give their support in mixing concrete and also helping with the structure of the building."
Simpson thanked the Ministry of Education which gave its support in form of 24 chairs and eight tables and also cupboards and other basic amenities for the children to learn in a more comfortable environment.
He is also thankful to Dr Dennis Jones from Old Harbour, St Catherine, who was instrumental in getting building materials such as plywood and zinc.
Dr Jones told THE STAR, "It was a sad situation in which the children were forced to learn and as such all efforts were concentrated on getting them a better building."
Community gratitude
Several community members expressed gratitude. "I send my two children there and I hope that the new facilities will aid them in their learning, as children like to be comfortable all the time," said Marcia, a parent.
Others had high praise for Simpson who did not give up on his dream to make the schoolroom better for those who attend.
In 2006, THE STAR highlighted the challenging conditions under which the students were forced to learn. They had to abandon the board structure and used the church as their classroom.
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