WESTMORELAND, Jamaica- A long-awaited dream has finally come true for students and staff at Sir Clifford Campbell Primary School in Westmoreland, as a rehabilitated play area has been officially handed over to the institution, bringing immense joy, relief, and a renewed sense of pride to the school community.

For years, students and teachers at the school battled with clouds of dust that would rise from the bare, unpaved grounds, especially on dry and windy days.

But now, thanks to the intervention of the Bluefields Foundation in partnership with Project STAR, that struggle is a thing of the past.

“This means a lot,” said principal Natalie Hamilton. “For years we were struggling with the dust. When the place was dry and windy, we ate dust — everything was dust. Now, the children are enjoying the space to the max. It feels like a rebirth. It’s new, it’s fresh, and this is the only area they have to play.”

Hamilton noted that the upgraded space has already begun to positively impact both the academic and social life of the students.

Structured physical education classes are now more enjoyable, as both students and teachers feel more motivated to engage in outdoor activities.

“Before, teachers were hesitant to go out because of the dust. Now they are willing, the students are happy in their PE (physical education) uniforms, and events like Jamaica Day feel healthier and more vibrant,” she said.

The reaction from parents and the broader school community has been equally enthusiastic.

“The tagline is now ‘no more dust’,” Hamilton remarked.

“At least I won’t have to take my daughter to the doctor so many times. Even our staff, half of whom were once down with the flu because of the dust, are healthier now,” said one parent.

Grateful for the support, Hamilton extended heartfelt thanks to Project STAR and its partners.

“Thanks, is a small word to say, but we are saying it with all our hearts. Thank you for coming our way when many others didn’t. You’ve given us something we’ve been yearning for for many years,” Hamilton stated.

The Bluefields Foundation, which made the project possible through an investment of over $8,400,000 from the Rita Adrosko Trust, expressed its satisfaction with the transformation.

“We believe every child deserves a safe, healthy space to play and grow. Supporting this project with Project STAR aligns perfectly with our values,” said Debbie Moncure, chair of the Bluefields Foundation. “Seeing the joy on the children’s faces and hearing the impact from the school community reinforces why partnerships like this matter.”

In addition to the newly paved space, the area now features new planters filled with beautiful shade trees and other dense foliage.

Project STAR also shared its pride in the outcome.

“This is exactly the kind of transformation we strive for,” said Clayton Parchment, chair of the Project STAR Community Transformation Board in Savanna-la-Mar.

“The new play area not only supports the health and well-being of the students but also fosters a stronger learning environment. We are proud to stand with the community of Sir Clifford Campbell Primary as they continue to grow and thrive,” said Parchment.

Sir Clifford Campbell Primary, located in Savanna-la-Mar, has been serving the community for approximately 56 years. Built on land leased from the Catholic Church, the school, formerly called St Mary’s Academy, was renamed after Jamaica’s first Governor-General, Sir Clifford Campbell. The school currently caters to 440 students.

Despite facing academic challenges, particularly in literacy and the Primary Exit Programme (PEP) preparation, the school continues to strive for excellence.