TWENTY-FIVE early childhood institutions received fire safety equipment last month through the United Way of Jamaica’s Early Childhood Safety Initiative.  

The equipment was handed over at the Touch of Love Kinder & Preparatory School in Savanna- la-mar, Westmoreland and the Discovery Bay Basic School in St Ann.

Early childhood institutions from Trelawny, Hanover, St James, St Ann and Westmoreland benefitting from the Initiative were Cave Mountain, Baulk, Roaring River, Cedar Valley, Bog, Mango Hall, Shrewbury, Touch of Love Kinder and Prep, Paradise Day Care, Kinloss, Wilson Run, New Concept, Hertford, Higgins Land, Lydford Community, Gibraltar, Barnstaple, United Church of God, Thicketts, Waltham Abbey, Farm Town, Queenhythe, Discovery Bay, Liberty Hill and Elgin Town basic schools.

The Initiative, launched in 2009, is to assist 250 institutions across Jamaica to meet a safety requirement stipulated by the Early Childhood Commission. The organisation has since equipped 62 schools, creating a safer environment for just over 2,480 children.

United Way of Jamaica says it believes that education is one of the critical building blocks to an improved quality of living.

The organisation has been investing in the projects supporting the development of early childhood education across Jamaica for over 26 years.

“Education is an important factor for growth and development in our society and United Way will continue to partner with the Early Childhood Commission to support projects in this area,” said Chief Executive Officer Winsome Wilkins.

“Our children are important to the future of our country and it is important that we continue to invest in their education.”