Needy school receives assistance

Principal of the Simon Primary and Infant School in St Catherine, Nova-Dean Samuels-Lee, was overjoyed as the institution received a $50,000 donation for its breakfast programme.

The investment in education was made by philanthropist Pauline Beecher, director of the Beecher Foundation, last Thursday at the Charlemont Open Bible Church in the parish.

"Giving back to our communities has become less popular over time, so I am pleased with the Beecher Foundation for helping the school," said Samuels-Lee. "We are a small school in a challenged community, so it is with great delight that I accept this gift of kindness."

Samuels-Lee noted that the school has an enrolment of 90 students, and although there are no face-to-face classes at this time, the funds put them in a state of readiness for the reopening of the physical school plant. During the function, three students were also given backpacks with school supplies including pencils and books.

"This donation will help to ease the financial problem as I have two more children going to school elsewhere," Myrtle Manderson, a parent said.

The Charlemont Open Bible education programme was also gifted with a $50,000 donation to continue its own outreach pursuits.

"We (the church) help a great number of persons. We currently have 40 (persons) on our programme, where we pay for educational expenses, so this is a blessing," Reverend Noel Bowen said. Six high school students also received tablets.

Beecher said the foundation was driven to help in whatever way possible and the decision was taken to focus on education.

"It is good to give, and we will continue. It's our sixth donation to the church education programme and it is a great honour to serve mankind. The least we can do is give to education. It is truly fulfilling," Beecher said.