PwC Jamaica donates instruments to Holy Family school

An high tempo, upbeat tune is emanating Holy Family Primary and Infant School's (HFPIS) music club following an $800,000 investment in resources by PwC Jamaica.

PwC contributed 49 new instruments, including melodicas, soprano recorders, triangles, a five-piece drum set and a 61-key portable keyboard to the club. The financial services organisation also and facilitated the repair of eight hand drums.

Located in the gritty central Kingston area of Laws Street, HFPIS's music club has contributed significantly to the children's development. However, the space that houses the club was repurposed during the heights of the COVID-19 pandemic and used as a sick bay.

Dwayne Pryce, music teacher at HFPIS, said the music club struggled with low membership prior to the pandemic due to a lack of resources.

"We have lots of children who are eager to learn music and have the talent for music, but we've had to turn them away due to a lack of instruments, which has been a sore point for us for many years," said Pryce, while expressing gratitude for the donation.

"There is so much that music can do for a child's development whether academically, creatively, or socially; it's tried and proven. Music is a major part of Jamaican culture and history and with this donation from PwC our students can look forward to the sound of music at our institution."

Gail Moore, partner and environment lead at PwC Jamaica, said that the benefits far outweighed the costs when deciding to invest in music education at HFPIS.

"We recognise that the children in our community are often navigating difficult, if not challenging, experiences daily. PwC is very focused on building healthy and safe social environments or experiences for them in addition to helping to close any learning gaps. We understand the importance of creative outlets for the development of children, and we know this donation will allow them to learn and express themselves in a positive manner," she said, adding that the music club will help to foster team building and help students to build stronger social skills.

Meanwhile, HFPIS will undergo a much-needed upgrade as eight outdated double French windows are set be replaced with double sliding ones to prevent injury to students. The structural upgrade, which will not only enhance the modern aesthetics of the institution, but will also prevent potential injuries.

Acting Principal Phillipa Williams McGregor said it was a 'right-on-time' intervention.

"At Holy Family safety comes first as a school that is safe and secure creates a conducive environment for teaching and learning. And as we assess and make plans to develop our school to better serve the students and community, the windows were at the top of the list of matters to address, as we not only saw but unfortunately also experienced some of the potential risks," she said.

"The truth is we are at a disadvantage to more traditional institutions with more resources and more robust alumni and so we do rely on our corporate partners and stewards such as PwC to help us effect sustainable change," she added.