St Jude's primary seeks help via crowdfunding to upgrade school infrastructure

St Jude’s Primary School, situated in the inner-city community of Waltham Park Gardens in Kingston, has been a beacon of light for many years, producing some of the best students in academics, culture and in sports.

However, the school's infrastructure is in dire need of an upgrade in order to continue meeting the educational needs of its students and the community.

“Corporate Jamaica and Jamaicans in the Diaspora, our most pressing need is that, the infrastructure needs to be upgraded. We need more classrooms, so that we can discontinue double classes; and, to create more space for a Reading Lab,” said Susanna Ainsworth, principal of St Jude’s Primary, which opened its doors in 1963.

Ainsworth explained that the school would benefit greatly from a Resource Room; the upgrading of its bathroom facilities; as, at times, due to the limited cubicles, students fight to use the facility.

Despite these challenges, the educational institution continues to do well. In 2015, the school’s Grade Four Literacy average was 94 per cent; and its Numeracy average at 81 per cent.

In 2013, St Jude’s Primary School was the top awardee in the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT); and the school continues to be one to be reckoned with.

Culturally, the school boasts the number one community marching band in the country. It’s students also excel in chess, athletics and music. Students benefit from some 22 extra-curricular activities, which cater to the overall development of its students.

In 2016, St Jude’s qualified in round two of the 2016 Junior School Challenge Quiz; and, did exceptionally well in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) competitions, by wining numerous awards in the areas of dance, music and speech.

The principal is, therefore, inviting Jamaicans to donate to the upgrading of the school via ISupportJamaica.com, the crowdfunding website powered by The Jamaica National Group.

In the meantime, Phillip Lindsay, operations officer, ISupportJamaica.com, at the JN Group, is urging persons to support the school. He said donating to the Pledge2Build Project, would greatly enhance the infrastructure of the St Jude’s Primary School.

He informed that some US$864 has already been donated to the school via the platform; however, he indicated that the target is US$50,000.

Lindsay explained that contributing to any initiative via the platform is simple and secure. Interested persons may donate by visiting the ISupport Jamaica.com platform, at www.isupportjamaica.com, click on the project; and then click the “Fund Project” button.

In addition, donations can be made via JN Live e-banking; by visiting a branch of any JN Bank or MoneyShop; and, through interbank transfers.

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