Children from Mount Ogle Basic School perform a cultural item during the rededication of the school in Lawrence Tavern, St. Andrew, on Wednesday. - NORMAN GRINDLEY/DEPUTY CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
THE MOUNT Ogle Basic School in Lawrence Tavern, St. Andrew, reopened on Wednesday, two years after it was destroyed by fire. The school, which has 115 students from age three to six, was rebuilt with money from the CHASE Fund.
A gathering that included Minister of Education, Maxine Henry-Wilson, Member of Parliament for West Rural St. Andrew, Andrew Gallimore and principal, Ruby Wilson, attended the reopening of the school which was founded over 50 years ago.
Mrs. Henry-Wilson, who was guest speaker, stressed the importance of early childhood. She said it was important that a school such as Mount Ogle, located in a remote rural area, be fully functional.
"We have a significant obligation in terms of these children and that is why early childhood was designated by the former Prime Minister, P.J. Patterson, and endorsed by the present Prime Minister as one of the most vital areas in the lives of our children," the Minister said.
The new Mount Ogle Basic School has six classrooms, a canteen and offices for principal and staff. The project cost $10 million which came from the CHASE Fund under its Early Childhood Education sector.
After two years of watching their children attending school in makeshift conditions, parents at yesterday's event were happy that things are back to normal.
"It wasn't good for them because they weren't learning and they weren't comfortable," said Lisa Terrelonge, whose six-year-old daughter attends the school. "The building is beautiful and I'm sure they will learn even more."
