TRELAWNY, Jamaica – As part of efforts to preserve Jamaica’s cultural spaces and empower young people, Sandals Foundation with support from Coca Cola Latin America has donated approximately US$70,000 to support the restoration of the historic Enid Beale Home Economics Centre at Westwood High School in Stewart Town, Trelawny.

The iconic building, recognised as a heritage site by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT), serves as an essential training ground for over 700 young women, ages 11-17, enrolled in the school’s Home Economics programme.

The restoration of Westwood High School’s Home Economics Lab was essential due to structural aging and deterioration, particularly in the roof and verandah columns. The comprehensive repairs included replacing the old roof, reinforcing support columns, installing new fascia boards, and addressing necessary electrical and plumbing works to ensure a safe and functional space for students.

“We are deeply proud to contribute to preserving a piece of Jamaica’s rich heritage,” said Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation. “Investing in spaces like the Enid Beale Home Economics Centre while an investment into the continued skills training of young people is also about creating lasting connections between the past and our future, ensuring our youth are aware of and carry forward the unique culture and traditions that have opened opportunities for so many who have passed through its doors.”

The restoration is in its final phase, with completion anticipated soon. Westwood High School’s principal and the Westwood Old Girls’ Association notes the transformative impact this investment will have on students and the broader community.

“Thanks to this partnership, we’re able to protect an invaluable part of our school’s legacy while empowering our young women with essential skills,” said Margery Campbell, President of the Westwood Old Girls Association. “The Enid Beale Centre’s restoration is a powerful example of how collaboration can preserve the best of our history for future generations.”

The Enid Beale Centre, a cornerstone of Westwood High School’s curriculum, has long been a vibrant space for cultural and community engagement. Built in 1944, the Domestic Science Centre—fondly known as “DS”—served as a hub for culinary learning, where students developed practical skills that resonated deeply with the cultural fabric of the time. During the 1940s, the centre’s significance expanded beyond education, as it became a gathering place for both students and adults. By day, students used the space, while adults participated in evening sessions, fostering intergenerational exchange.

Over the years, this historic building has been a stage for countless culinary events, bake sales, and community concerts, making it a symbol of shared knowledge and growth. Renamed in 2002 to honor Enid Beale, a former vice-principal who helped shape its development, the Enid Beale Home Economics Centre continues to serve as a cultural landmark, bridging generations and providing a space for life-enhancing skills and community connection.