TWO schools in Westmoreland got needed facelifts in time for the new academic year, thanks to the staff at Beaches Sandy Bay and Beaches Negril resorts.

The management team from the two resorts visited their adopted schools – Mount Airy All-Age and the West End Early Childhood Institution to assist with needed repairs, landscaping and painting before the reopening of the schools in September.

General manager of Beaches Negril, Carl Hendriks, said it was a natural decision for them to get involved.

“It was an obvious decision to have our management team come out in their numbers to assist with the well-needed cleaning and repairs of the school. We do have team members at the resorts who have children attending the school. As such, as a company, we wanted to play a part in the educational process by ensuring that the educational facilities are up to standard,” he noted in a release from the resort.

Hendriks added that there is still more to do in the interest of the schools.

“Beaches Resorts will continue to play their part in maintaining the relationships with the schools and provide assistance when necessary,” he said.

Funding for the effort was provided by the Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International.

Painting of the walls and signs, landscaping and deep cleaning of the school’s library were done at Mount Airy All-Age. At West End Early Childhood Institution, repairs were done to the reading room and classroom, as well as painting and landscaping. The school also received Sesame Street signs for placement across the compound; and desks for the principal and the reading room.

Principal of Mount Airy All-Age Dorretta Guthrie expressed gratitude for the resorts’ contribution.

“Beaches Sandy Bay has been there every step of the way and I applaud the team for their support and commitment towards the development of education in Negril,” she said.