IN an act of community support, the students of Franklin Town Primary School in Kingston have been given a fresh start with the refurbishment of their school library, which had been unusable since a devastating fire in October 2023. This initiative, part of CIBC Caribbean’s Adopt-A-Cause programme, managed through its ComTrust Foundation, aims to create a new world of learning opportunities for the 147 students enrolled at the school.

The project, led by Debbie Henry, branch manager of the King Street location, and supported by eight branches and units of CIBC Caribbean — King Street, New Kingston, Portmore, Manor Park, Finance, Human Resources, Country Management Committee and Port Antonio —was designed with the students in mind. The newly refurbished library now features fresh carpeting, newly painted walls and bookshelves, three laptops, a printer, computer desk, and child-friendly seating. The space is also air-conditioned, creating a comfortable and inviting environment for students to read, learn, and explore.

Established in 1891, Franklin Town Primary is not just a school but a cornerstone of the community. Many of its students come from challenging socioeconomic backgrounds, and the school has been a client of CIBC Caribbean since 1980. Over the years, the bank has consistently supported the school, and this latest Adopt-A-Cause project reflects its ongoing commitment to nurturing young minds.

The fire had caused extensive damage to the library, including water damage from the cooling operations that followed. For more than a year, the students were left without a functioning library.

“This project is all about the students — their future, their education, and their dreams,” said Henry. “We are proud to give them a space where they can learn and grow. CIBC Caribbean believes in the power of education to transform lives, and we’re thrilled to be part of this chapter for Franklin Town Primary.”

For his part, Nigel Holness, managing director of CIBC Caribbean, said they are deeply committed to fostering education and empowering young minds, particularly in communities like Franklin Town where access to resources can make a significant difference.

“By restoring this library, we are not only investing in the future of these students but also helping to create a space where learning and curiosity can thrive. We are proud to support Franklin Town Primary in this meaningful way,” Holness said.

Expressing his gratitude, Rohan Treleven, principal, said the new library is a game-changer for the students.

“It’s not just a room filled with books and computers — it’s a symbol of hope and opportunity. Many of our students don’t have access to resources like this at home, and now they have a beautiful space to learn, to dream, and to grow. We are truly grateful to CIBC Caribbean for their generosity and their commitment to our school’s future,” he said.

The official handover of the refurbished library took place on Friday, October 25.