HADDINGTON, Hanover — The Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) recently formally handed over the Haddington Basic Schoo,l which was expanded, refurbished and equipped at a cost of $36 million.

The school, which is located in Eastern Hanover, is bordered by several communities including Great River, Ramble, Hopewell and Anchovy and is the result of a merger between the Host of God Basic School and the original Haddington Basic School. It is home to 57 students and three teachers.

In 2011, JSIF awarded a contract for the project through its Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF). It was funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and was completed in March 2012 by contractors ShereCon Construction Company Ltd.

Of the $36 million, the community gave $4 million dollars in cash and kind.

The project involved the construction of three classrooms, a cafeteria, gazebo and a play area. The play area was also fenced and equipped with play tools, while the principal’s office, classrooms and the kitchen were furnished. Two water tanks were also installed on the property.

Councillor for the Hopewell division Devon Brown, the Ministry of Education Region Director Hillary Foster, School Chairman Hudson and Leslie Moncrieff, representing Member of Parliament DK Duncan, who is recovering from surgery, all encouraged the community to care for and protect the institution.

Guest Speaker Rev O’Neil Brown, who is chairman of the Bethel Primary and Junior High and past treasurer of the St James Early Childhood Board, challenged the gathering to develop their abilities and to be self-managers.

“Put passion and commitment into your community development and you will have a community that you can be proud of,” said Brown. “Stop waiting on the politician, stop waiting on outside help, learn to be a self-manager, develop your own abilities and others will learn to respect you,” he added.