Road Town, Tortola - The principals, students and teachers of the Althea Scatliffe and Joyce Samuel Primary Schools are filled with excitement as they are now part of the pool of schools that have been adopted by private firms under the Ministry of Education and Culture’s Adopt-A-School Programme.
The Althea Scatliffe Primary was officially adopted by Citco (BVI) Limited and Joyce Samuel Primary by OGIER. Both schools received an initial contribution of $5,000 from their adopters. In a brief ceremony held on June 7 at both respective schools Minister of Education and Culture the Honourable Andrew Fahie told the attendees that it has always been the dream of the Ministry to have a relationship and partnership with the private sector. “Any Government in the world will be foolish to think that it can tackle all the problems and be able to handle every single situation of the schools by themselves,” the Minister said.
Minister Fahie added that the more the private sector contributes to the community the more “we are able to change our community”. Speaking about the purpose of the programme he stated “the purpose of the programme is to have companies not only invest monies but also invest time with our youth at the schools. Our youngsters need your input, guidance and to learn from your experience so that they in turn can fulfil their purpose.”
At the ceremony held at the Althea Scatliffe school grounds, Fifth District Representative Hon. Elvis Harrigan expressed his gratitude and appreciation to every company that has committed to the Adopt-A-School Programme.
Principal of the Althea Scatliffle Primary School Mr. Gordon Callender told his students that through this programme they are been respected and recognised for their dedication and excellent performance. “There is a reason why our school is been adopted and that is because of you the students,” Mr. Callender said, adding, “I want you to remember that you can always be number one and when you are number one you will be respected and recognised every step of the way.”
Acting Principal of the Joyce Samuel Primary School and Vice chair of the Adopt-A-School Programme Mrs. Carleen Parsons told the gathering that it is a pleasure to have OGIER as their adopter and that they are looking forward to working with them. “We will offer OGIER our full cooperation and commitment as we work together to make Joyce Samuel the number one school in the Virgin Islands,” she exclaimed.
Former Principal of the school Mrs. Joyce Samuel also voiced her appreciation and support for the programme and she thanked OGIER for adopting the school. “With the help and support of the private firms and organisations in the community we can continue to help our children so that they can continue to learn and fulfil their aspirations,” she said.
Citco representative Mrs. Johanna Boyd said that Citco B.V.I. Limited is delighted to participate in the Adopt-A-School programme and to provide funds to assist the Althea Scatliffe Primary School. “We hope through our partnership with the school that we will help to contribute to the educational development and progress of the children attending the school,” she said.
Partner of OGIER Mr. Ray Wearmoth said that the company is delighted to be a part of the Adopt-A-School Programme. “This is obviously a very important programme for all the schools in the Territory and we are indeed delighted to be the sponsors of the Joyce Samuel Primary School,” Mr. Wearmoth said.
He concurred with Honourable Fahie that this initiative is not just about funding, which is obviously key, but that it is more importantly about forging partnership. “We see this as a team effort partnership whereby we can all grow together and make this school the best,” he said.
The Adopt-A-School Programme was launched by the Ministry of Education and Culture in October, 2007. A total of six primary schools have already been adopted by private firms under this programme of which the main purpose is to provide a necessary link between schools and donor organisations and to educate and ensure that each school environment is conducive to a dynamic learning experience.
British Virgin Islands News