Schools get boost from Lift Up Jamaica

Erica Virtue, Staff Reporter

Numerous deteriorating basic schools across the island have received a big boost under the refurbishment segment of the Lift Up Jamaica Programme.

The schools, many of which were in advanced states of disrepair, are now boasting new structures and new facilities.

Under the Basic School Renewal Programme, which comes under the umbrella of Lift Up Jamaica, 55 basic schools had been refurbished up to the end of May, and 25 new structures were being built at existing schools.

The Ministry of Local Government, which spearheads this aspect of the programme, says more than 90 per cent of the schools have been completed within their budget. The maximum budget is $4 million.

Programme Co-ordinator, Fitzroy Gregory, said last week that, "more than 120,000 square feet of upgraded basic school space has been completed. All the schools now have proper sanitary conveniences, and some now even boast a shower." According to him, "where the children were using pit latrines, those are no longer being used."

Mr. Gregory explained that many schools were operating with poor ventilation, the most undesirable part of basic school life. However, he said, "we have raised the ceiling from as low as eight feet, to between 12 and 15 feet from the floor and even higher, for more air to circulate."

New facilities, such as canteens, offices, store room, and kitchens have been added, he said.

One school which has benefited is the Maverly Basic School, home for 110 students of the community. It was refurbished at a cost of $2.5 million.

"Vandalism used to be a big problem, and the school was often flooded when rain fell heavily, but a soak away has been built to deal with that. An office, a store room, a bathroom and a lunch room were added as well; 'Lift Up' is not a politics thing...it's a real needs, and a people thing," said V. Johnson, vice principal of the school.

According to him, the additions have made the school a more secure structure and the work environment is now more pleasing for the teachers and children.

However, Mr. Gregory explained that while the basic school leg of the programme has been a success, some problems have been detected.

These include, "not so good workmanship and shoddy electrical work."

"The electrical part of the work has been the worst part. In at least four instances when the work was to be "passed" it was found to be below standard and so it had to be re-done," he said.

Since December 1999, the programme has employed thousands of youths who have never held a job before, and who according to Lift Up Jamaica's co-ordinator Lucille Brodber, "often come back for recommendations to move on to other jobs".

Meanwhile, the Government said it intends to extend the programme to the end of the current financial year which ends March 31, 2002, in order to facilitate the completion of some projects.

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