Deep rural St Mary school Camberwell Primary has received an upgrade to its restrooms with the replacement of its pit latrines with flushable toilets.

The upgraded facilities were made possible through a donation from the JN Foundation and Food For the Poor under the Flush For Life Programme, which is geared towards eradicating pit latrines in schools.

The facility was officially handed over to the school on March 14.

Stephanie Thomas-Christie, acting principal of Camberwell Primary, commended the JN Foundation and Food for the Poor for their donation.

“Our children welcome the change. This is a refresher for them and they are enjoying the facility. They are learning how to conserve water, keep the bathrooms clean, and that personal hygiene is important. I commend the JN Foundation and Food for The Poor for making this replacement possible,” she said.

The students have also applauded the new facility. A Grade 3 student, Allijah Stewart, said, “We love the new bathrooms because they can be flushed, and we are not afraid to fall in.”

Saffrey Brown, general manager of the JN Foundation, said the programme is a demonstration of the importance of socially focused partnerships, which aim to find solutions for problems plaguing specific sectors and groups. The programme, she noted, is especially important as it targets children, who are the most vulnerable in the society.

“We are joining forces to create a safe and comfortable environment in which our children can thrive,” she explained. “Therefore, the JN Foundation has consistently partnered to spearhead initiatives which change physical spaces, as our children access academic resources, in a safe, comfortable and supportive learning environment.”

Michael Matalon, director of Concrete Construction at Food For the Poor, said his organisation was happy to partner with JN Foundation to implement the programme.

“I believe it is a great programme, as it teaches children life skills and gives them security and privacy,” he stated.

Other schools which will benefit from Flush for Life are Penlyne Castle All-Age and Woburn Lawn Primary in St Thomas. Those facilities are scheduled to be completed in April.