$30 million auditorium opens at Pembroke Hall Primary School
Published:Friday | November 27, 2015 | 5:26 PM
EDUCATION MINISTER Ronald Thwaites is praising the partnership between school and community in the construction of a $30 million auditorium at the Pembroke Hall Primary School in Kingston.
Delivering the main address at the official opening of the facility at the school's Potosi Avenue location on November 26, Thwaites commended all those who contributed to the project.
He said the establishment of the auditorium through fundraising activities and contributions from parents and private interests are in keeping with the ministry's focus on public-private partnership in the education system.
"You recognise that the future of education is a partnership (and it is in) everybody's interest and that it involves sacrifice and engagement by everyone who can contribute ... . I commend all the members of this community, near and far, that have brought about this structure and all of the facilities here," he said.
Member of Parliament for North Western St Andrew Derrick Smith also hailed the achievement as a "job well done".
Principal of Pembroke Hall Primary, Norma McNeil, who gave an overview of the project, said that money was raised through various fundraising efforts, as well as though contributions from parents, staff, and students.
She cited a generous contribution of more than $10 million from the Greater Works International Fellowship for ceiling, electrical works, installation of air conditioning, and the provision of chairs and equipment for the audiovisual centre.
The National Commercial Bank Foundation and Tastee Limited also made donations to facilitate the painting of the building.
The Norma McNeil Auditorium, named after the school's principal, is a state-of-the-art facility that boasts a fully equipped audio-visual centre, changing rooms, a lounge area for visitors, a kitchen, and bathrooms.
It will be used for general school activities, such as assembly and graduation, to host training courses for residents, and will be available for rental for private functions.