CHRISTMAS 2010 will be one to remember for teachers and students of Mile End Basic School, thanks to the Sandals Foundation.

The foundation has built for the institution a new kitchen and cafeteria, and donated computers as well as classroom supplies. It also staged a Christmas treat, which included a visit from Santa.

“We are overwhelmed. I wish you could cut my heart open and see all the happiness inside,” said Mary Francis, principal of the school, which is one of seven in the Ocho Rios region adopted by the foundation.

“A few months ago we were all very sad and gloomy due to a personal family tragedy involving one of our teachers, but what the Sandals Foundation has done has totally lifted our spirits. We are happy, the parents, students and the school board are overjoyed at the donation. We are now more comfortable and in a much more healthy environment,” she added.

Prior to the addition of the new buildings, students had to eat meals at their desks. However, following the construction of the kitchen, they now have hot meals prepared in a clean, healthy environment while the new cafeteria provides a comfortable seating area for them, as well as their teachers.

Francis noted that visitors to the school had been making glowing comments about the cleanliness and appropriateness of the new buildings. At the same time, she cited the importance of the new computers, stressing that they would help to make the students computer literate from an early age and also aid in the teaching of a number of subjects.

“Sandals Foundation, by donating the computers, shows just how committed they are to education in Jamaica,” she said.

All the students at the school also received meals and toys from Santa Claus during the Christmas treat staged at the school. It was a special occasion for a number of the kids as this was their first experience with Santa.

“We are very pleased to provide this upgraded kitchen and dining facility as well as new school supplies to the Mile End Basic School. The new facility will ensure that each child receives a hot, healthy meal daily whilst the supplies will assist the teachers and stimulate the classroom interaction,” said Heidi Clarke, director of programmes for the Sandals Foundation.

“The Sandals Foundation believes that improving the environment and equipment of our adopted schools will go a far way in enhancing the learning process for our nation’s children, and we are committed to extend our assistance wherever possible,” she added.