German Embassy reaches out to Unity Hall
Published:Saturday | October 1, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Barrington Flemming, Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
German Ambassador to Jamaica Josef Beck has handed over a refurbished building to house three classrooms at the Family and Parenting Centre on Rhynie Drive in Unity Hall, St James.
Beck did the official handover of the structure following a rehabilitation exercise by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany at a cost of $1.2 million.
"This is a worthwhile venture that we have fully supported and we are dedicated to. This is an important challenge that the centre has taken on to bring about positive change in the lives of the students," he said. "We are happy for this as it means that these children will have a very good future."
The ambassador also indicated that the German Embassy was encouraged by the work of the Family and Parenting Centre and would be willing to recommend it for further assistance to be granted from his government.
Executive director of the Family and Parenting Centre, Dr Beverly Scott, said the German government and its people had always been wonderful friends of the centre. The Germans previously assisted with the establishment of its former offices at the Vanhaze Building on East Street in downtown Montego Bay.
"Ambassador Beck, we are in fact very grateful to you and the people of Germany who have been so generous to us," Scott said.
The donated building will function as classrooms and a counselling centre for small-group therapy sessions. The other section of the property holds the administrative offices and conference facilities.
The Family and Parenting Centre accommodates between 30 and 50 students and also operates The Alternative Education for Children project.