WESTERN BUREAU:
THE SCHOOL of Hope for mentally challenged children in Montego Bay has launched a fund-raising drive to help raise funds for the construction of additional facilities.
According to principal, Brenda Atkins, the school, located in Catherine Hall, has long outgrown the present capacity. She said that each year, the school has had to turn away many needy children because of the unavailability of space to facilitate them. Thirty-five children are now accommodated in three classrooms.
"We have had to turn away many children because we do not have the space to put them. We need a place for these children so that they can be a part of society's success and not one of its burdens," Ms. Atkins said.
The drive was launched by the Custos of St. James, Clarence Nelson, at a brief ceremony at the school on Tuesday.
"These children only want a chance to be normal children, and we have to give them that chance," said Custos Nelson, who gave a commitment to assist the school in its fund-raising efforts.
In addition to more classrooms, a staff room, canteen, sick bay and sporting facilities are also needed. According to Ms. Atkins, the school has not set a target for its fund-raising, but will start construction on land adjacent to the present location. She said business interests in Montego Bay have already given commitments to match the funds raised by the school.
