MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica—Phase one rehabilitation at Holland Primary School in St Elizabeth is now 90 per cent complete, says State Minister in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information Rhoda Moy Crawford.

Speaking to JIS News during a visit to the institution on Thursday, September 10, to get a firsthand look at the progress of the works, she said that the project is “progressing rapidly”.

The first segment is focused primarily on repairing hurricane damage, including completely re-roofing the main classroom block, bathrooms, and the principal’s office. The classrooms have also been fitted with ceiling fans.

Phase two works will address other longstanding needs at the school.

Crawford said that students are being accommodated in tents until the rehabilitation works are completed.

An additional tent will be provided, as well as the installation of temporary timber classrooms, which is expected to be completed by the end of the week.

Crawford said students have expressed satisfaction with the temporary arrangements, including the tents, which she noted are well ventilated.

“Some students in grade one, I believe, or grade two students, were just expressing to us how much they love the tents and how cool the tents are, and we’re assuring them that we are working hard to have their classrooms reconstructed and ready,” she told JIS News.

The state minister clarified that the school’s use of outdoor classes earlier this week was not due to a lack of temporary classroom space, noting that outdoor learning is part of an existing practice at the institution.

“The use of outdoor spaces for teaching and learning was not born out of a need; it was a choice. The teacher decided that she wanted to take the students out,” she told JIS News.

Principal of Holland Primary School, Simone Doctor, explained further that the school established an outdoor “reading nook” in March as part of a photo challenge to identify an area on the compound that could be rehabilitated and used for educational activities.

She said the space has since been used for teaching and learning and was utilised during the week.

“So, the students were very comfortable there, the teachers were very comfortable there, and teaching,” she noted.

“Our students are at school, they are happy, they are learning, and they look forward to coming to school every day,” she told JIS News.

Doctor expressed gratitude to the Ministry for its response to the school’s needs following Hurricane Melissa, noting that rehabilitation works began in January and are continuing.

“I’d like to commend the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information for the response and the effort towards the reconstruction of our school,” she said.

Doctor also acknowledged the support of Region Five Education Officer, Collette Morris Plummer, who she said has been involved with the institution since the reopening of school and assisted with preparations.

-JIS