Manning’s School unveils state-of-the-art alumni-funded block

The Manning’s School officially opened the Class of 1984 Alumni Building last Thursday, marking a major step in the school’s modernisation efforts and showcasing a powerful model for alumni-led development in Jamaican education.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated the transformation of a 1953 structure into a sleek, two-storey, four-classroom facility – fully equipped with smart boards, air conditioning, high-speed Internet, and wheelchair access.

Deputy Head Boy Nevaughn Ramson expressed pride and excitement about the new space.

“I am very glad for two reasons,” he told The Gleaner. “One, being able to see such a beautiful growth in the school before I leave, because a lot of persons don’t get these opportunities. After they leave, they get to see something grand like this happening. The second thing is being able to partake in a learning session like this, where everything looks futuristic right now. We are in the future, of course. I am very proud of my school. I am very proud of the past students, of course, the alumni; it’s beautiful.”

Principal Steve Gordon said the project reflects Manning’s long-term vision to fully modernise its learning environment.

“I am feeling really good today because of the fact that we don’t necessarily only have this building alone to look forward to,” Gordon said, noting the wider push to modernise all classrooms, equipping them with cooling units and smart boards.

“We had two rooms, and the rooms have been refurbished and transformed into modern facilities ... . But we also have two additional rooms … and you notice that they’re state-of-the-art,” he said.

Gordon highlighted that each new classroom will be technology-enabled, creating a more engaging and efficient learning experience for students and teachers alike.

“We first launched this some time ago – two years ago – when we said that we want all smart rooms in our space. We have a plan for our 2038 vision and, certainly, all of the buildings that we’re hoping to have modern facilities. And this is just the start.”

The Class of 1984 initially set out to build one classroom for an estimated US$80,000, but the project quickly expanded, thanks to the leadership of class chair Carey Wallace and support from key benefactors, including alumnus Victor Lowe. The upgraded plan involved refurbishing and expanding an old single-storey building into a two-storey, four-classroom facility.

“After 40 years, we didn’t want to just come in and have some fun and then go back. We wanted to do something that left a lasting impression on the school,” Wallace said. “One of the hindrances that we researched and found to further academic development of Manning’s was the lack of classroom space … so we said, ‘You know what? We’re going to make that our legacy project.’”

LEGACY PROJECT COMPLETE

Multiple alumni classes pitched in, including the Classes of ‘86, ‘83, and ‘94, ultimately raising the funds to complete the project.

“[With] this formula, I’m putting pressure on all year groups,” Wallace said. “There’s opportunity when you collaborate. Technology now allows easier, better collaboration, better communication … . Collaboration is the winner here today.”

Construction began with a groundbreaking on May 23, 2024, and despite setbacks such as persistent rain and workforce shortages, the team stayed on budget. Project Manager Robert Morris said early assessments underestimated the building’s deterioration.

“The project began with the conversion and structural reinforcement of an existing single-story building, which … was worse than we thought. The walls were like rotting. It was just standing there. So, we shored it up and went upstairs,” he said, emphasising that the final product was not just made to be functional, but futuristic as well.

“Each classroom is equipped with a 65-inch smart board. It also has whiteboards, just in case there are technology failures, and AC units, and soon-to-be solar energy,” Robert said. “We chose to use resilient HDPE, which is a kind of polymer furniture, for comfort, for resilience. The place is Internet ready, and, as we speak, we are using Starlink’s Wi-Fi. It has ceiling fans, so very versatile. All this was just to create a more conducive learning environment.”

Accessibility and sustainability were also central to the design, with features like a wheelchair ramp and plans for solar integration to reduce energy costs and carbon impact.

For Wallace, the finished building is both a gift and a call to action.

“If you look across Jamaica and go to all the high schools that have buildings that are named after benefactors, usually it’s just one benefactor’s name,” he said. “But we felt that we stumbled onto a model where year groups don’t have to wait or be so blessed to have a wealthy benefactor to be able to do the whole building. There can be strength in numbers, strength in collaboration.”

Principal Gordon agrees, adding that this project is only the beginning of Manning’s bold plans. Future developments include a prep school, improved staff housing, and even health facilities for students, staff, and their families.

mickalia.kington@gleanerjm.com