THE Jamaica Social Investment Fund has constructed a new $4.7 million school building that will benefit the 120 students at the Montpelier Basic School inside Eastern Hanover.

The facility, which was officially opened on Wednesday, consists of:

. two classrooms and a sick bay;

. rest rooms for teachers and students; and

. a kitchen area.

In addition, 60 desk and 120 chairs were provided under the project.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Dr Donald Rhodd, has applauded JSIF for its efforts at poverty alleviation, making special mention of the Fund’s work not only in the construction of basic schools, but also in improving the physical infrastructure and teaching/learning environment in schools.

He added that at least 50 per cent of a child’s mental and cognitive development occurs by age five and that, as such, every effort should be made to ensure that this period of development was enhanced and given priority treatment.

“Early childhood development in Jamaica is going to be the single most critical factor in national and sustainable development and the thrust towards a learning society and lifelong learning. The nation, in its macro plans, has to assert that investment in young children’s education, care and development is the most vital cost-effective investment that can be made at this time,” he said.

He also encouraged Jamaicans to support the schools in their communities, and more particularly, the preparatory and basic schools.

Meanwhile Milton Harper, a social appraisal officer with the JSIF, said that the 43 year-old Montpelier Basic School was among 20 poverty alleviation and community development projects that had been completed in the parish.

“In the last eight years we have invested almost $66.9 million in Hanover. This amount has financed projects which have provided much-needed services for the most under-served communities in the parish; projects including road rehabilitation, water supply, sanitation, education and community facilities,” he said.