WHITEHOUSE, Westmoreland — The 39 students enrolled at Baulk Early Childhood Institution (ECT) in Westmoreland are in a more comfortable space following the installation of new bathroom facilities at their school.

The project, which was spearheaded by Sandals Whitehouse Stewarding Manager, Anthony Rowe, was funded through Sandals Foundation’s Team Member Support Project Initiative.

For the past 27 years the students had to venture outside under close monitoring to use a pit toilet. Now, with three new bathrooms, including a proper restroom for the teachers added to the school’s pre-existing infrastructure, children can take bathroom breaks in comfort with little or no supervision.

“We are extremely grateful to the Sandals Foundation for these new facilities which we’ve dreamt of for some time now,” said principal of Baulk ECI, Rose Rashford.

“The new facilities are a big help to the children, especially when it rains.”

Rashford further noted that the new facilities are also a welcomed addition for the school’s public health inspector, who has said the school has come a long way.

For Sandals representative Rowe, who played an integral role in making this dream a reality, the opportunity could not have come at a better time.

“I’m a very active resident of the Baulk community. Actually, the pit latrine that the school used prior to getting these new facilities was on my property. I really thought a new bathroom added to the school building would be more convenient and safer for the kids,” Rowe explained.

“I had put out a challenge to the parent body to assist in building new bathrooms, but money is often a challenge. Once I learnt of the opportunity afforded by the Sandals Foundation’s Team Member Support Project Initiative, I knew this was our chance.”

The Sandals Foundation recognises the sterling contribution made by team members, who have tirelessly served the needs of communities in every region, securing the mission and mandate of the foundation.

Through Team Member Support Project Initiative, the Sandals Foundation provides financial support to a project awarded to each hotel annually, after submissions are made by Sandals & Beaches Resorts employees and approved by the foundation’s advisory board. The selected projects satisfy the criteria of supporting the mission of the Sandals Foundation in Education, Community and Environment.

Meanwhile, director of programmes at Sandals Foundation Heidi Clarke has expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the initiative.

“We are pleased with the progress this project has had over the past three years, perpetually adding value to the lives of our community members across the Caribbean region. For this period, the Sandals Foundation has implemented over 45 projects valued at over $12 million across the Caribbean region,” Clarke noted.