A new school in Ritchies, western Clarendon is being seen as a major boost for early childhood education in that area.

The Ritchies Early Childhood Institution, built to Early Childhood Commission (ECC) standards, is the 10th early childhood facility completed in the last 12 months by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF).

The Government has invested $200 million into the sector during the period.

Speaking at the opening of the school on April 2, JSIF’s General Manager of Finance Orville Hill noted that approximately 2,554 residents of Ritchies, Sunbury and surrounding communities in western Clarendon are beneficiaries of the $29-million project, which was funded by the Government and the Caribbean Development Bank under the Community Investment Project.

He said that while Ritchies has been a household name for over 20 years, moulding young minds in the hall of Beulah Missionary Church, the school population ballooned over the years, exceeding the capacity of the original location.

The new school boasts three new classes and student chairs, a new kitchen, sickbay, administration area, sewer, drainage and sanitary facilities, fencing and water storage. A play area has been equipped with a jungle gym, slides and swings, providing a safe and stimulating place for children to learn through play and exploration.

Hill said the school is now better able to accommodate students from districts including Liewood, Belcares, Coffee Piece, Cumberland, White Shop, Spalding, Lesterfield, Sanguinette and Fairview Crescent.

He also commended community members for their part in the project including the provision of employment co-ordinators, helping to bush and clear the site before construction, and providing storage for material and equipment and sanitary facilities on site.

Residents were trained under the project to maintain the facility.