IN continuing its support for local schools and ensuring they are more conducive to learning, Sandals Foundation ambassadors from Sandals and Beaches Negril resorts recently donated fans to the Broughton Primary School in Westmoreland.

In welcoming the donation, Principal Marva Clarke said it came at a well-needed time and will improve the learning conditions in the classrooms.

According to Clarke, the school of more than 256 students has been facing a prolonged challenge of humid classrooms and that the uncomfortable classrooms have proven to be a hindrance to learning.

“The Broughton Primary School has had an exceptional relationship with the Sandals Foundation for many years; we are grateful for the recent donation of fans as the classrooms are extremely hot and this has made concentration and learning difficult for many of our students. The fans will alleviate the heat issue and create a better learning and teaching environment for our students and teachers, respectively,” said Clarke.

In the meantime, parent Kimberely Williams said she was grateful for the donation from the Sandals Foundation and that this has impacted the students including her son in a positive way.

“The recent donation of fans benefited the students a lot; they are better able to focus in their classes, especially after being out in the hot sun during recess. This has brought a significant change for the students who may have health issues that are triggered by the heat.

“My son who has eczema is less focused when he is hot and with the new fans, his quality of work has improved and has expressed that he is more comfortable and less fussy,” said Williams.

As the philanthropic arm of Sandals and Beaches resorts, the Sandals Foundation says it is committed to facilitating the development of quality education in Jamaica and the Caribbean by upgrading school infrastructure, investing in learning resources and providing skills training for educators.

“Light, ventilation and the organisation of classrooms play an active role in the ability of students to stay alert, open and excited about learning,” said Patrice Gilpin, public relations manager at the Sandals Foundation.

“By eliminating factors that impeded comfort, teachers and students can enjoy the learning process — gaining more from the experience,” added Gilpin.