Past students rally to bring aid to Boundbrook Basic School

Boundbrook, Portland:

A group of people have returned to their roots and are seeking to assist with the growth and development of the Boundbrook Basic School in Portland.

The group, which goes by the name West Crew Incorporated, is comprised of men and women living in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, as well as persons residing in Jamaica.

Recently, the group donated dozens of bags, books, pencils, crayons, and other back-to-school items to the kindergarten students at the basic school, as well as those at the primary- and secondary-school levels, in a bid to ease the burden on the pockets of parents.

Junior Badarie, chairman of West Crew Incorporated, lashed out at individuals he described as unscrupulous persons, who have repeatedly broken into the basic school, stealing valuable items while damaging doors and furniture.

“I am bothered by the fact that people, probably from this community of Boundbrook, have broken into the school, stealing items and damaging the school property repeatedly,” Badarie commented.

“Many of us attended school here, which was the institution that paved the way for our academic growth and ultimate success. This is shocking and rather disturbing, and I am calling on those involved in this illicit practice to desist. We decided to assist Boundbrook Basic School based on the need, and also because this is where most of us started out. So we have provided back-to-school items for the students here, along with others.

“We are also changing one of the doors to one of the classrooms, which was infested by termites. Additionally, we have started cutting the schools playfield, which is in a bad state and now resembles a forest. As a result, the playfield, better known as the Boundbrook Pavilion, has become a feeding and breeding ground for cows and goats. This has got to stop, as our children needs to be engaged in recreational activities.”

The students, including those from primary and high schools, turned out in large numbers to enjoy the bounce-a-bout and other attractions, and were treated to giveaways as well as popcorn, hot dogs, fried chicken, curried chicken, rice and peas, and fruit juices.

“I really appreciate the gesture, because I have a child going to this school and another attending high school,” stated a parent who gave her name as Alicia Brown.

“So, mi really save a lot, because them get a bag each, book, pencil, ruler, and rubber. So di money saved can go towards buying textbook fi di bigger one. And without support from dem father, mi never sure how mi did a go manage. Mi really glad fi di help,” she concluded.

In the meantime, the group, which is reportedly growing in number, is also making plans to see how best and how quickly they can source building materials for the construction of a new classroom at the basic school in order to create more space for students.

“Yes, we have come to realise that another classroom would make a lot of difference in the lives of the children. We are aware of climate change and the days are getting hotter and therefore, an additional classroom space would reduce body heat and lead to a cooler and much more comfortable environment for the youngsters,” Badarie concluded.

editorial@gleanerjm.coM