Rasbert Turner, Star Writer

Children and community members watch as the new structure for the Hartlands Basic School is officially opened. - ian allen

spanish town

Students at the Hartlands Basic School in St Catherine, will not only be seeing a new school year but also a new classroom when school opens next week.

THE STAR brought the condition of the school to light in 2007 and continued to highlight its deplorable surroundings. At one point, more than 20 students had to use the dilapidated structure and would even get wet whenever it rains. The school has been operating from a churchyard since 1966. This new building, which took nearly one year to be completed, cost almost $700,000.

Thanks to efforts by residents of the community and other persons including Andrea Wilkinson, a Jamaican living in Canada.

A labour of love.

Miss Wilkinson was contacted after the first story came out and her efforts proved to be a labour of love. "It is strange that I was in Canada and wanted to do something for Jamaica when I received a call from Dr Dennis Winston Jones, who spoke about what he read on the condition of the school. I then set about doing fund -raising and personnel from the company I work with gave donations that made this evening possible," she told THE STAR at the official opening of the new facility recently.

Run around

Students are given books and other supplies at the opening of the new school.

Although it is encouraging for the philanthropists, she expressed disappointment in a number of local companies who kept giving her the run around and not even bothered to answer some of the letters and enquires that she hadmade. "It was only RBTT that gave $50,000 towards the building of this school and I am really thankful," said Wilkinson.

Students were given school items, such as books, pencils and other back-to-school supplies by Wilkinson and her group, at the opening.

Residents said they were thankful for the new school. "I am proud because when my children use to come here, it did not look as good as it is now," remarked Lydia Francis, a resident. Her views were echoed by former principal Kaye Small, who taught there from 1990 until 2001. "I feel pleased. It's a milestone for Hartland, it is something that we have been trying to get for so long. Thanks to Mr Simpson," she said.

Glendon Simpson, the current principal, had simple words for the new school. "It is God's blessings and we thank all who made it possible, including the Star newspaper," he said.