CHILDREN of Tranquility in western Portland, and their teachers, are now benefiting from a new basic school which was constructed by Food for the Poor (FFP) recently in the parish. The school was handed over earlier this month.

Volunteers from Kind Hearts and FFP took three days to construct the school on the grounds of the Tranquility Primary School.

Christina Hudson, director at Kind Hearts, is hoping that the facility will be beneficial.

“I’m a mother and the importance of children getting a good start in life has never been more thrilling. To the tutors, parents and teachers of this beautifully built basic school, I hope this school will bring you closer to achieving your dreams.

“Education can never be taken away from you and with your education, dedication and hard work, you can do anything that you set your mind to,” Hudson said.

The school will serve 23 students aged three to six years old.

“For the fifth-consecutive year Food For the Poor has partnered with Kind Hearts — a non-profit organisation operated by young adults who are dedicated to giving back to communities within Jamaica — to build their fifth school in the island,” said FFP Executive Director David Mair.

“Our wish from Food for the Poor is that this community will provide ongoing support for its children to help them succeed against all odds,” he added.

Patricia Cary, development officer at the Ministry of Education, praised FFP and Kind Hearts for the school and noted that “this is?a step in meeting the ministry’s criteria for early childhood education”.