PEP exam to proceed as planned at fire-damaged Leeds Primary and Infant School

Emergency measures have been implemented to ensure that grade-six students at Leeds Primary & Infant School in St Elizabeth can sit their Primary Exit Profile (PEP) exam next week without disruption.

This decision follows a fire on the night of March 9 that caused extensive damage to the school building.

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon, who toured the facility on Thursday, commended the school’s leadership for their swift action in minimising the impact on students.

She noted that grade-six students have been relocated to the infant department, where they are actively preparing for the Performance Task test on March 19. Additionally, the ministry has pledged immediate support, including emergency procurement to equip exam rooms with solar power, as the school remains without electricity.

“The Ministry of Education team has asked that the principal get whatever is needed... submit invoices to us so that we can ensure the students are fully prepared for PEP next week,” Morris Dixon stated.

The fire, which resulted in millions of dollars in damage, destroyed critical sections of the school, including the office, staff room, and a recently refurbished library. Consequently, students have transitioned to online learning.

Recognising that many students lack devices and internet access, the education ministry collaborated with e-Learning Jamaica Limited (e-LJAM) and the Flow Foundation to bridge the gap.

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E-Learning’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Andrew Lee, provided 50 tablets, while the Flow Foundation supplied SIM cards with a 30-day data plan.

“The community spirit is alive. I’ve been heartened to see the community and corporate Jamaica come together. With this level of support, we can achieve anything,” Morris Dixon said.

She praised the teachers for ensuring learning continues and commended parents and community members for their efforts in cleaning up the school.

“I’ve seen pastors, other principals, and numerous community members assisting. This is a collective effort,” she added.

Principal Christene Dawkins expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from colleagues, parents, and education officials. She thanked everyone who has rallied around the school to ensure a swift recovery.

Dawkins emphasised that the donated tablets will allow students to continue their education remotely, especially those without internet access at home. She also noted that efforts are underway to restore a safe and functional learning environment as quickly as possible.

Additionally, a team of education officers and psychosocial support staff has been deployed to assess the damage and provide counselling to students and staff.

Regional Educational Director for Region Five, Susan Nelson Smith, confirmed that the regional team is committed to providing essential resources, including equipment such as freezers and printers, to reestablish a familiar and supportive school environment.