TEACHERS at Parry Town Primary School in St Ann now have suitable seating courtesy of Guardian Life, which donated 17 chairs to the rural institution last week.

Branch manager of Guardian Life Ocho Rios, Oral Davis, said the donation to the school was a part of the organisation’s initiative to give back to society.

“The need was put forward to us (and) without hesitation we jumped on it,” Davis explained.

According to Davis, the project was approved by the head office in record time, given its importance. The company, he said, was made aware of the teachers’ needs and moved quickly to assist.

Insurance advisor at Guardian Life Ocho Rios Racquel Mitchell who explained the requirements of the school to her company, was also present for the handing-over ceremony.

“This is an initiative to give back as good corporate citizens,” she said, adding, “We are not only taking but giving.”

Mitchell pointed out that the teachers spend most of their days at the institution and should be as comfortable as possible.

“We know that the government can’t do everything, so this is one of our many projects that we have been undertaking,” Davis said.

As a former educator himself, Davis said he was happy to participate in giving back to the school as teachers often work without the necessary resources.

“I don’t think we have been given the resources to create miracles sometimes,” he said.

Regional Director Region Three in the Ministry of Education Maxine Headlam, who was present at the handing-over, was among those who applauded Guardian Life for their donation.

“I am enthused to be here to share in this handing-over,” Headlam said, adding that she was grateful for the partnership Guardian Life was establishing in education.

Principal Beverley Rose expressed her appreciation for the chairs as she noted that the teachers would be much more comfortable.

“Teachers will be better able to deliver,” she said, adding that the donation was a big gesture for the school.

– Renae Dixon