George Henry, Gleaner Writer
SPALDINGS, Clarendon:
A NEWLY constructed education complex was officially opened at the Sanguinetti Primary School in north-west Clarendon last Thursday, after almost four years under construction.
The facility, which was opened by Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke, was built through the effort of the past students' association and the parent teachers' association of the school at a cost of over $7 million.
According to Hugh Cross, chairman of the school board at Sanguinetti and who is also a past student and who spearheaded the project, the complex was built without any assistance from the government. Construc-tion started on July 7, 2001.
"There are persons who are wondering how Sanguinetti Primary is getting so much help from government, but I want to make it abundantly clear that this project did not receive not one cent from the government," said Mr. Cross who is also a former vice-president of Cable & Wireless Jamaica.
The complex has a computer laboratory, staff room, library and a principal's office. Furniture was donated by individuals and businesses, including Cable & Wireless.
ACCESS TO INTERNET
Computer training for staff and students will be provided through the computer laboratory, he said. It will also provide training for members of the Sanguinetti community and offer them access to the Internet.
Principal of the school, the Rev. Dr. Donald Johnson, told The Gleaner that computer classes had not yet started but training would be offered to all student levels.
"Students leaving here for other schools will be computer literate," he said. "They will be able to do their research and when they reach high school, the computer will not be new to them."
He said many of the teachers at the school are already computer literate, having attended a number of Jamaica Teachers Association computer courses.
Head girl Nyoka Williams, said the computer facility will help students get the experience to pursue courses in information technology later on.
Sir Howard, in delivering the main address at the official opening of the complex, said he was proud of the efforts of the community members. He said the past students can boast about the complex which they have built, but they can also boast about the spirit of volunteerism which exists in the small rural community of Sanguinetti.
