In a significant boost for The Christians Early Childhood Academy, Desnoes and Geddes (D&G) Foundation has donated a state-of-the-art industrial stove to address a critical need long before the start of the next school year.

The academy had been facing challenges due to a failing stove, which impacted the students’ daily nourishment and well-being.

The much-needed equipment was officially handed over recently marking a new chapter in the school’s commitment to providing quality care and education.

“Mr Beckford, I was not expecting this,” said Principal Sherica Francis-Christian, her voice trembling with emotion as she accepted the donation from D&G Foundation accountant Dennis Beckford

“Mr Beckford visited us on Read Across Jamaica Day and made a generous cash donation covering half the overall cost. Just the other day, he and I agreed to visit the store later in the week to explore our options, so you can imagine my surprise and overwhelming gratitude when he arrived shortly thereafter with a brand-new stove,” added Francis-Christian.

The academy had been facing multiple issues related to its kitchen, with both the stove and refrigerator requiring urgent repairs. The dilapidated stove, with its slow burners and electrical problems, forced the cook to arrive early each day, resulting in lost productivity and delays in meal preparation. This impacted the school’s ability to meet the nutritional needs of the students effectively.

Undeterred by these challenges, the school decided to initiate fund-raising efforts and distributed sponsorship requests to address these issues.

“Our school community is growing, and these appliances are crucial for operating efficiently and caring for our children. As a teacher, sometimes doubt creeps in, and you want to give up, but being supported like this makes you appreciative and motivated. With this new stove, no more late lunches.

“I’m beyond grateful to the D&G Foundation. They have always shown up for us in impactful ways, and we couldn’t be more appreciative of their consistent support over the years. No matter the occasion or the ask, they will try to lend a helping hand,” added Francis-Christian.

Since 2019, the D&G Foundation has been a dedicated supporter of Christians Early Childhood Academy, contributing significantly to the school’s development and well-being.

The foundation’s extensive support includes conducting major renovations, such as roof repairs and the replacement of deteriorating plyboards, constructing an isolation centre in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, assisting with various painting projects; and providing cash donations for the purchase of new workbooks for the school’s curriculum; among other initiatives.

“The D&G Foundation is deeply committed to impacting lives and enriching communities as part of our love and passion for Jamaica. Our mission, embodied in our ‘No Mind Left Behind’ programme, drives us to support initiatives like those at Christians Early Childhood Academy,” said Beckford.

“Over the years, we’ve seen the tremendous growth and dedication of the academy, from a small team of three teachers and 35 students to a thriving community of over 80 students and eight teachers. We are honoured to support its ongoing efforts and look forward to continuing our partnership to facilitate their growth and success,” added Beckford.