Penwood High School is set to receive overdue repairs to its facility with the approval of contracts to effect rehabilitation to the premises of the school compound.

The school, which is located in the violence-plagued community of Olympic Gardens, was at the centre of attention in September as parents of the school and residents in the area protested against the poor conditions at the institution.

Estimated cost

The contracts for the work, which which will cost more than J$18 million, were signed on Wednesday at the Ministry of Education and Youth head office at Heroes Circle.

Education Minister Maxine Henry-Wilson remarked that the ministry took note of the protests of the parents and residents and, as such, will be remedying the situation.

"As we have said repeatedly, it is a part of our conviction that our children deserve the very best environment in which to work, an environment that is conducive to learning; location is not a factor in our considerations, all children deserve the best," she said.

Great opportunity

Member of Parliament for West Central St. Andrew, Andrew Holness, said the new facilities will give children of the school an opportunity to advance themselves and their community.

"Penwood is one of those high schools that persons don't expect much of, and because of that the students there are eager to prove themselves, and so this now gives them the opportunity to show that inner-city students have value and worth," said Mr. Holness, who is also the Opposition Spokesman for Education.