WOODLAND, Hanover – THE Woodland Basic School in Hanover has had its fair share of challenges since its inception 26 years ago.

The school, located in a small community with predominantly low-income earners, has been finding it extremely difficult to provide lunch for the 26 students on roll, and to hire teachers.

Additionally, the institution has been lacking in valuable teaching aids and furniture.

But thanks to the St James-based Junior Plus School, the students at the early childhood institution are now functioning in a better learning environment.

According to Lillieth Brown, the principal of the Woodland Basic School, Junior Plus recently donated furniture, books, toys, and learning aid to her school valued at $600,000.

The donation also included the remodelling of the interior of the school, and the replacement of doors and windows.

A multi-purpose area and upgraded toilet facilities were also provided, while electricity infrastructure was put in place, making it possible for the school to receive electricity for the first time.

Additionally, a concrete play area was constructed with the participation of area residents. The project was undertaken over a three-week period in April.

“To be honest, I am very happy, not only me, but the students and the parents. In fact, the entire community is very, very happy,” a seemingly elated Brown told the Jamaica Observer West.

Junior Plus principal, Jane Harper, said the funds for the project were made available from the hosting of the school’s annual sports day activities earlier this year.

“Every year we make sports day into a fund-raising event, so the students raised funds based on the points they earned on sports day; they find sponsors and every year we choose a project to use funds on. So, this year we chose two basic schools, the Woodland Basic School and also the Bamboo School in Hanover,” explained Harper, noting that Woodland got the lion’s share of the proceeds.