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by pltm
(PLTM) - Digicel BVI Ltd has stepped up to the plate to be the corporate sponsor of the largest primary school in the British Virgin Islands, the Althea Scatliffe Primary School. This partnership was cemented in a vibrant ceremony earlier today, September 26 on the school’s premises.
The adoption, which falls under the Adopt-A-School initiative, ran by the Ministry of Education, saw Digicel making a contribution of $5000 on the spot to the committee, who would in turn disburse it to the school upon request.
In brief remarks, Director of Operations at Digicel, Mr. Kevin Gordan acknowledged it is no easy task adopting a school with such rich history, but added that the company is up to the task.
“$5000 contribution might be small, but little becomes much when God is in it. We want to support this school on its rise to be the best.”
In response, Principal of the school, Mrs. Marieta Flax-Headley stated that such a contribution couldn’t have come at a better time, as the school desires funding for several of its projects.
“A time when we just embarked on a school breakfast programme; a time when we are preparing to outfit all the classrooms with books for the various libraries to improve the reading capabilities of our students; and a time when the school is looking to install an intercom system.”
She added, “We believe education is a societal issue. We thank Digicel for understanding that education is a societal issue that cannot be transformed by government alone.”
On this note, Minister of Education, Hon. Myron Walwyn, who was also in attendance, expressed his approval and satisfaction with the pairing.
“There is something important about when a company adopts a school. You must have synergy and something in common; this helps to build the ethos of the school. Digicel is a very organised and spirited company, and this pairing will make the school a better school.”
He added that such collaborations assist the schools with their needs, in the event the government falls short.
“The government cannot do it by itself. Sometimes we don’t always have the money to do all that we need to do, but it is good when members and businesses of the community come forward and assist.”
Hon. Walwyn used this opportunity to state that regardless of any private sponsors to the schools of the Territory, the government will continue do its part to ensure each child receives quality education.
“The school is developing a product for the business community and they can be very much involved in the development of the students from the beginning, so at the end of the year they get a better product. We as a government plan to do our best, but there are certain areas we can use a hand.”
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