THE approximately 25 students at Port Royal Basic School now have a newly rebuilt place to call home. The school, which was severely damaged by a fire last year, was officially handed over this week thanks to the efforts of the Barita Foundation in partnership with the Early Childhood Commission (ECC), TzuXing Foundation, and Gen JA, who successfully secured approximately US$60,000 for the restoration project.

According to Tanketa Chance-Wilson, executive director of the Barita Foundation, the reconstruction is part of the foundation’s ‘Raising the Standard’ effort, aimed at meeting certification requirements for early childhood institutions.

She emphasised the foundation’s long-standing commitment to enhancing early childhood education in Jamaica through efforts to improve literacy and numeracy, provide teacher training, and encourage parental involvement.

“We are incredibly proud to witness the reopening of the Port Royal Basic School. This facility is a testament to our dedication and collaborative efforts, transforming a setback into an opportunity for growth and learning for the children in this community,” stated Chance-Wilson.

Meanwhile, Freda Mirklis of the TzuXing Foundation said the rebuilding reflects the power of community and collaboration.

“Together, we have made significant strides in ensuring our children have access to quality education in a safe environment. We are honoured to support this initiative and look forward to seeing its positive impact on the students’ lives,” she said.

The newly renovated building incorporates improved design features, including a higher roof for better ventilation and enhanced safety measures such as lightning arrestors and advanced electrical wiring. The ECC has played a crucial role in this project, ensuring the rebuilt school meets its standards. Donated learning materials from the ECC have brought vibrancy to the classrooms and supported age-appropriate learning.

“The reopening of the Port Royal Basic School is a momentous occasion for our community. Education is the foundation of our future, and I am thrilled that we can now provide our children with a safe and inspiring space to learn. I commend the Barita Foundation and all partners for their dedication to this project,” said Philip Paulwell, Member of Parliament for Port Royal.