$36.5 million upgrade for Haddington Basic School
THE Basic Needs Trust Fund — a project of the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) — has completed the expansion and equipping of Haddington Basic School in Hanover, creating more space and better facilities for 57 students and four staff members.
Financed by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the scope of works included upgrading of three classrooms and students’ bathrooms, kitchen and storage areas, as well as the construction of a cafeteria and play area. Additionally, the project included fencing of the play area and installation of two water storage tanks.
Managing Director of JSIF Scarlette Gillings noted at the official handing over ceremony on April 19 that JSIF, as an agency of the Government of Jamaica, is “committed to increasing opportunities for social inclusion for the most vulnerable in our society”.
“The agency is dedicated to using resources available for human capital development, with specific focus on improving the quality of the educational experience at the early childhood level,” she said.
Under JSIF’s programmes, one-third of all resources are used for education in communities where there is need. In Haddington, residents have limited access to adequate social services and amenities.
The beneficiaries of basic school expansion were 57 students and four members of staff.