By Rasbert Turner, Star Writer

Principal of Job Lane Seventh-Day Baptist Basic school. - Ian Allen

Spanish Town

Founder of the Seventh-Day Baptist Basic school in Spanish Town, St. Catherine, Millicent Jennifer Smith, is more than just the average teacher.

Smith, who holds a level one and two Early Childhood Teaching Certificate, told THE STAR that her passion to see the growth in children allowed her to become a part of the teaching fraternity and this all started with a dream in 1994.

"When I started the school, I went to Food for the Poor with $300, I was given 25 desks and chairs. I started also with 10 children, however, this was just the beginning of what was to come," Smith recalled.

Born-again Christian

She added that the member of parliament, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, was instrumental in the realisation of the school and it is for this reason that she (Smith) works as teacher, cook, nurse, guidance counsellor, along with the small staff complement that was given. Within three months, the school got recognition from the Ministry of Education.

"I then decided to formalise my training and that's when I got involved with the HEART programme and I realised then I am better able to impart knowledge to these blessings," she said.

The growth of the institution, which is situated at Job Lane in the old capital, has encouraged the born-again Christian to continue training. The school has since employed several trained teachers to help with the day-to-day running of the institution.

She added that teaching early childhood education is quite fulfilling and it is for this reason that she has also written a book on the subject. The book, she said, is commonly used in schools. It gives an insight into a course of counselling and child psychology. Smith said this only proves that teaching involves far more than just the classroom.

Smith was born in Prospect district, St Elizabeth, as the fourth of 12 children to Muriel Sain and Henry Gayle, a farmer. she said it is her father's undying love for children that has helped her to cope with the constant pressure of moulding the minds of the future - a task she said she relishes.