Project Introduction and Welcome Message
October 15, 2008
Dear Supporters and Members of ACCESS:
During a trip back home to Jamaica, I took the time to visit the school that I attended 36 years ago. Polly Ground Basic School is the equivalent of a pre-school in North America for 3 to 5 year olds. It is located 2 1/2 hours east of Montego Bay and 2 hours west of Kingston, right in the middle of the Island. It is in what is considered a rural area.
As I walked through the doorway, I instantly noticed how crowded it was; desks where close to the doorway. I would have loved to have that seat when I was here instead of the one right beside the teacher’s desk. The one room school had now been divided into 3 classes, by 2 blackboards.
Although many of the children were already at school early, the majority had not yet arrived. There appeared to be little room for others. I also noticed the difference between the outside temperature and the temperature inside the school. It was hot, even for Jamaica, and it was not yet 8:30 am.
I introduced myself to the first adult that I saw. She happened to be the teacher and also the principal of the school. I told her that I was a former student and just wanted to see the school. She allowed me to look around and speak to the children for a few minutes. After making conversation with the principal about how little things have changed she asked if I was in a position to assist her with increasing the size of the school. She went on to say they are in need of the basics things like books, pencils, paper and even toys for the kids to play with. But the most important thing she mentioned was increasing the size of the school. I asked, “Isn’t there a school board that is supposed to look after these things?” She said we would be better trying to do what we can for ourselves. I told her I was not in a position to assist her by myself, but that perhaps I could ask some others to assist.
She requested, “Maybe you could get us a fan”. I said, “Sure, I can do that”. She asked, “can you get three since we have 3 classes?” By this time all the children had arrived for school. The small one room school was now housing over 50 students. The schoolroom was full, it became hotter and the noise level was incredible. I was shocked to see that there were 6 kids sharing the same desk simple because there was no space to but another one. I went to the market later that day and purchased 3 wall mounted fans and installed them the next day. When we turned them on and the papers started to fly around the children started to laugh. The all said ‘thank you’. The feeling I was left with was like they had given me a million dollars. It was awesome!
The school is currently 1300 sq, ft. The goal is to build an additional 800 sq. ft so that the children will have a better learning environment. Any help that you are able to give will greatly benefit this cause. Thank you in advance for your support!
Kindest regards,
Ken Cooper
Project Coordinator, Jamaica
ACCESS: Allowing Children a Chance at Education, Inc. |
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You can download a printable, 1-page document about ACCESS by clicking here, or learn more by visiting our main website here.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We really appreciate your support in this ongoing initiative!
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