Basseterre, St.Kitts, November 26th 2016 (BNTF): This past week the Cayon Primary School’s (CPS) newly rehabilitated assembly hall was put to use with not one, but two, important ceremonies. On Wednesday 23rd students and faculty gathered for its annual Prize-Giving Ceremony and on Thursday 24th for the official Handing Over Ceremony of its Rehabilitation Project.
The Handing Over Ceremony commemorated the rehabilitation works that were undertaken from July 18 to September 30, coinciding with the start of the new school year.
In a community needs assessment undertaken by the Basic Needs Trust Fund office, it was noted that the St. Mary’s parish suffered from one of the highest poverty levels in St. Kitts and therefore had a direct effect on the children of its community. With the financial assistance of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) through the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) and the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis (GOSKN), the Cayon Primary School was able to receive funding of EC$675,000 to renovate the main assembly hall and classrooms for Grade One and Two students.
The works included repairs to the roofs, removal of fashion blocks to accommodate new windows, installation of ceiling fans, improved lighting and upgrades to the electrical installation.
At the ceremony, CDB Consultant Calvin Pemberton highlighted the renovations in his address and stressed their impact of providing a stimulating environment for learning. Similarly, a group of students in attendance reiterated the same message in a poem entitled “Reach Your Dreams with Confidence”, noting “the right support and tools” aid in achieving dreams and success.
In an engaging address, the Minister of Education the Honourable Shawn K. Richards encouraged participation from the students to ensure they understood the significance of the work undertaken by the BNTF. Hon. Richards reminded them of his recent visit during Reading Week and used the analogy of caring for a book to how they have to maintain the renovated hall and classrooms.
“I am certain if you take all those messages to heart and onboard, that this building will continue to serve the community of Cayon for many, many years,” Hon. Richards expressed to punctuate his remarks.
He also added that the Ministry of Education (MOE) strongly believes that poverty is alleviated through education and was thankful that a school in the St. Mary’s parish, one of the poorest parishes, received assistance.
BNTF Acting Project Manager Azilla Clarke and Principal of CPS Angela Matthew supported the Minister’s address. They highlighted its importance in human resource development for the Cayon community.
Ms. Clarke challenged the school to create a maintenance manual to ensure the longevity of the renovations, and urged them to develop a school improvement plan as the BNTF is committed to its partnership with MOE and providing assistance where needed in future cycles.
The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Parent-Teacher-Association representative Andrea Bridgewater who underscored gratitude to all stakeholders involved in the project and those involved in the ceremony.
Also in attendance at the ceremony were Permanent Secretary of the MOE William Vincent Hodge who chaired the proceedings, Education Officer responsible for Cayon Primary Carla Diamond, Project Officer for the MOE Carl Francis, BNTF Community Liasion Officer Erslyn Bridgewater, BNTF Consultant Project Manager Cuthbert John and Pastor Lloyd Williams who delivered the invocation.
In past cycles, BNTF also provided funding for the renovation of the Kindergarten block and the complete fencing of the school compound.
Additional projects upcoming in the Cayon community includes the Cayon High School Technical Drawing Lab Rehabilitation and construction of Dunn’s Road in the community.
For more updates on the BNTF, visit: www.facebook.com/bntfskn
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