MANDEVILLE, Manchester — The recent upgrading of facilities at Frankfield Primary and Infant School in South Manchester was a particularly impressive feat for stakeholders.

It reportedly met three objectives of the School Improvement Plan in one venture.

Principal Marcia Lewis-Brown said the project was conceptualised out of a need to address the safety and security of students and teachers, beautify the school’s compound and improve the kitchen facilities for the infants.

The plans were realised — thanks to the support of Dr Bridgette Barrett, the local representative for the Canadian Fund For Local Initiatives and the C$31,280 donation — and the facility is now being dubbed the new-and-improved Frankfield.

The institution, located about 12 miles from the town of Mandeville, was established in 1881 by the Methodist church and now operates as a Government-aided institution.

It has undergone several changes over the years, moving from a single classroom to currently boasting a principal, guidance counsellor, nine teachers — including a vice principal and two senior teachers — two cooks, a janitor, a caregiver for the infant department, and a daily average attendance of 260 students.

Infrastructural developments have included a play area for the infants, a library, upgrading of the teachers restroom and upgrading of the doors, windows, guttering, and roof of the school building.

The rugged terrain of the schoolyard was of great concern.

“Initially, the schoolyard was unpaved and consisted of irregular and in some areas jagged limestone and large boulders. Many students have been injured due (to) falls in the schoolyard,” said written background information on the institution.

Part of the roadway leading to the school was paved from the Canadian funds, in addition to areas around the school compound.

“Never before did the sight of black tar being poured on a roadway seem so beautiful. With God as the captain, everything was done to specification…. The risk of injury to students during play has been dramatically minimised. Our school grounds are now more beautiful and more conducive to learning,” said the principal.

“Nationally, partnership is a buzz word, but for us at Frankfield Primary and Infant it is much more than a buzz word, it is reality. To

our partners, we will remain eternally grateful,” she added.

Nadine Leachman, regional director of the Ministry of Education Region Five, described the venture as a master project which came about because of visionary leadership.

She said that many times they wondered if the “glorious plans” outlined in the School Improvement Plan would be achieved, but the success at Frankfield Primary and Infant School has proven that it is possible.

“Motivate, collaborate and inspire to achieve dreams,” she said.

Robert Ready, Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica, in a short address to the gathering on the school grounds said that Jamaica and Canada shared “people-to-people ties” that go back several generations.

He said that his work is geared towards development and support in different areas in Jamaica, but it does not often involve him meeting many people outside of Kingston.

“I am happy to be here to celebrate the completion of this project. I think it has made a difference,” he said.