PwC supports Holy Trinity’s literacy drive

PwC Jamaica has reaffirmed its commitment to education and community development through a donation valued at $2.1 million to the Holy Trinity High School.

The gift is geared towards enhancing the institution's Academic Intervention Programme (AIP) that was developed to provide specialised attention to students who are reading below their grade level.

Funds were used for the beautification of an enrichment centre, where AIP classes are held, as well as the installation of a new air conditioning unit and the purchase of eight desktop computers.

"The right resources are essential in achieving any goal," said Gail Moore, partner and environment lead at PwC Jamaica as she commented on her organisation's support to the Kingston-based school.

Moore said that the AIP plays a crucial role in helping students to perform at a higher level. She said that PwC recognised that the enrichment centre required upgrades to ensure that the programme achieves its desired outcomes.

"Last year we donated seven desktop units, 30 tablets and 100 software access keys, and this year we added an additional eight desktop computers. I am thankful to my colleagues who continue to see a need and meet it; to ensure that the programme meets its target of 25 computers," Moore said

Father Carl F. Clarke, principal of Holy Trinity High School, said the AIP has been contributing significantly to the lives of the students in the programme. He said that 24 grade nine students started out reading at grade one level and below. However, since being placed in the AIP, one student is now reading at the grade five level; two students are reading at the grade four level; eight students are reading at the grade three level; two students reading at the grade two level; and five students are reading at the grade one level. The principal said that two students are still reading at the pre-primer level and another two were unavailable for testing.

Clarke said the school has engaged The Mico University College for diagnostic testing for 50 students to see what additional interventions may be required.

"Sometimes as we work with students it's important to know where they are. The strategies that we're using may not be sufficient because there may be other factors, situations, or conditions that we are ill-equipped to assist with," the principal said.

Father Clarke thanked PwC for its commitment to the struggling school.

"You came in 2020 Christmas, and we said at the time we trust that this would not be a one-off experience, but it would be a relationship for life. Well... we don't know about the life business, but certainly you've come, you've come, and you've come again. And we're so grateful for that, for expressing your confidence and belief in us. We're so happy that you're leading the way for various persons in corporate Jamaica in adopting being, with schools like us. We are indeed very grateful for that," the principal said.