PORT MARIA, St Mary — Nine Oracabessa schools that will share $3.3 million donated by GoldenEye Foundation plan to do special projects that will improve their infrastructure and provide students with a better learning environment.

Among them is Cross Roads Basic School whose Principal Oliveen Harrison recalls all too well how a previous donation saved the early childhood institution (ECI).

“We were at a location and given short notice to leave, and just in time the GoldenEye Foundation came and rescued us. We were given $300,000, and with that and a little assistance from others we made a new building that can accommodate over 100 students. We did a section of the flooring and also added some playground equipment,” she said, noting that parents were pleased with the progress.

Harrison said plans have already been made for the $300,000 grant received Thursday.

“With this grant we will be completing the classroom for the two- to three-year-old students between now and September so we can accommodate more children,” she said happily.

Harrison was among those who attended a ceremony to mark the third official grant handover. Seven ECIs received grants of $300,000 while Oracabessa Primary and Oracabessa High received $600,000 each.

Social Development Commission community development officer for Oracabessa Kimone Robb speaking during Thursday’s handover of $3.3 million in grants from GoldenEye Foundation to nine schools in Oracabessa.

During the event on the lawns of Lovely Spot Villa in Oracabessa, Harrison and other principals poured out their heartfelt gratitude to GoldenEye Foundation.

Race Course ECI has plans to revamp a section of its dilapidated roof.

“We will use the funds to fix the roof of the classrooms for our five-year-olds, to ensure they have a safe and nurturing environment. This project will protect our students from harsh weather conditions. GoldenEye Foundation’s investment will have a lasting impact on not only our students but the entire community,” said teacher Shauna Kay Patrickson.

GoldenEye Foundation’s school support programme is aimed at strengthening collaboration across early childhood, primary and secondary institutions; supporting infrastructure development to meet schools’ certification standards and improvement goals; and ultimately improving educational outcomes for students in Oracabessa.

Member or Parliament for St Mary Western Robert Montague, who was at Thursday’s event, applauded GoldenEye Foundation Manager Travis Graham for the impact it has made over the years.

“The GoldenEye Foundation has been doing tremendous work, and I want to congratulate them. When I look at some of the projects being done, they are innovative. And one of the things I like with the programme is that it allows the schools to choose their goals rather than the foundation telling you what to do,” said Montague.

“I’m happy that GoldenEye is including the early childhood institutions in this programme,” he added.

In his response, Graham spoke of the foundation’s dedication to the development of the coastal town.

“We’re playing our part in supporting educational outcomes in Oracabessa. Our partners and donors are really happy with what is happening in Oracabessa — and hearing from the schools how the programme is impacting them is inspiring,” he said.

There were also commendations from Social Development Commission community development officer for Oracabessa Kimone Robb.

“I want to thank the GoldenEye Foundation for supporting our youth in Oracabessa. I’m confident that the resources provided by the GoldenEye Foundation will be effectively used by each institution to provide the environment ideal for better education,” she said.

The Ministry of Education’s regional supervisor for early childhood commission in St Mary, Dr Kasia Archer Howell pointed to the importance of GoldenEye’s commitment to the area’s growth.

“The cheques that are being presented today represent more than just a financial contribution — it is a symbol of hope, partnership and shared commitment to enhance the quality of life in Oracabessa,” she said.

Educators from early childhood institutions in Oracabessa gather on the lawn of Lovely Spot Villa in Oracabessa, St Mary, Thursday for GoldenEye Foundation’s grant handover ceremony.Photos: Akera Davis

Cross Roads Basic School Principal Oliveen Harrison (left) and teacher Ruchelle Franklin expressed thanks to GoldenEye Foundation for its dedication to the school’s development.