TEACHERS at St Simon’s Basic School located in the tough inner-city community of Jones Town, Kingston, have seen their fair share of problems.

Officials from the educational institution say spiralling crime and limited resources to provide vital services to students have been a burden for several years. But thanks to work by and assistance from organisations such as the Moore Keys Lodge, the school continues to stay operational.

Principal Beverly Brown said the institution has been assisting the school for the past 15 years.

Brown said during the years of association, group members have introduced a number of initiatives to the school, one of which is a daily school feeding programme.

“Because of the work done by the Moore Keys Lodge, through initiatives such as their school feeding programme, children in this community continue to receive much-needed nutrition, which is very important for learning,” said the principal.

Brown said members from the group also make a special visit to the institution every year to bring cheer to children during the Christmas season. On Friday, the group repeated the practice, much to the delight of the staff and the approximately 65 students.

During the visit, several gifts were presented to the excited infants who celebrated loudly and showed their appreciation by singing several Christmas carols. The sounds of cheerful voices drew the attention of residents from the community, many of whom were seen at the fence trying to get a glimpse of what was taking place.

Michael Benjamin, master of the Moore Keys Lodge, could not hide his joy.

“I am elated at the opportunity to serve this community. This is part of efforts from members of the organisation to give back to the children and to the community,” he said.

Danville Walker, managing director of the Jamaica Observer, was part of the group and he, too, was pleased with the experience.

“It was a good experience, as always. It is always wonderful to make children smile,” said Walker. “Children in these communities need a lot of assistance to give them a fighting chance; even with that, it is a tough world out there,” said Walker.

He was supported by colleague members Colin Leslie and Derrick Dyer.

Walker went further to explain that the Moore Keys Lodge, through its long-term association with the school, also helped to provide scholarships for students up to the tertiary level.

Marilyn Miller, a teacher who has worked at the school for 29 years, said efforts made by the group has changed the lives of many students.

“Gone are the days when our community would be plagued by violence. Criminals have even ventured into the school, but through it all, the group has stuck with us and has returned each year,” said Miller.

Marie Williams Palmer, another teacher, shared similar sentiments.

“The contribution and continuous efforts of the group has been a blessing as it has made our efforts to reach out to the students easier,” said Williams.

Several parents had their own words of encouragement to share.

“The work that the group members continue to do has been a blessing. When I heard about what members from Moore Keys Lodge are doing, it has left me feeling very inspired. In fact, it’s not every day you see ‘big people like these’ come into communities like ours, it makes me very proud,” said Sarah, a parent from the area.