Bethany Primary gets water tanks
...51 primary schools across the island now benefiting from the distribution
FIFTY-ONE primary schools across the island are now benefiting from the distribution of water tanks, under a multi-year initiative funded by the United States Southern Command Humanitarian Assistance Programme and facilitated through the National Education Trust (NET).
Valued at approximately US$40,000, the donation is aimed at improving access to reliable water supply in schools, particularly those located in vulnerable and underserved communities. The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the resilience of the education sector by ensuring that schools have access to adequate water for daily operations.
By providing the 1,000-gallon tanks, the programme is expected to support safe and sanitary learning environments, enhance student health and well-being, and enable uninterrupted teaching and learning.
The latest handover took place on Wednesday at Bethany Primary School in Manchester, where two tanks were officially presented.
Prior to this, a total of 38 tanks were distributed between June 2022 and 2023. In the coming days, three other schools in the parish will officially receive their tanks.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Rhoda Moy Crawford described the initiative as a powerful demonstration of partnership and shared commitment to Jamaica’s children.
Crawford emphasised that access to safe and reliable water is a necessity, fundamental to health, dignity and education.
United States Chargé d’Affaires to Jamaica, Scott Renner, said the water tanks represent more than just physical infrastructure, describing them as tools that enable meaningful impact.
And Principal of Bethany Primary, Prudence Bennett-Blake, welcomed the donation, noting that the school and surrounding community often struggle during periods of drought.
Meanwhile, Executive Director of NET, Latoya Harris-Ghartey, reiterated that access to water is a fundamental human right and essential to the functioning of schools. She noted that in some communities, the presence of a water tank can determine whether a school remains open.
Harris-Ghartey emphasised that the partnership-driven initiative reflects a broader commitment to building resilience within the education system, ensuring that resources are directed to schools with the greatest need.
