St Jude’s Primary School needs upgrading

St Jude’s Primary School, situated in the inner-city community of Waltham Park Gardens, St Andrew, has been a beacon of light for many years, as the educational institution produces some of the best students in academics, culturally and in sports. However, today, the school, which opened its doors in 1963, needs to upgrade its infrastructure.

Susanna Ainsworth, principal of St Jude’s Primary, revealed that the school’s infrastructure urgently needs a major overhaul.

“Corporate Jamaica and Jamaicans in the diaspora, our most pressing need is that the infrastructure needs to be upgraded. We need more classrooms, so that we can discontinue double classes; and to create more space for a reading lab,” she related.

CROWDFUNDING

Ainsworth also said that the school would benefit from a resource room and the upgrading of bathroom facilities.

The principal has, therefore, invited Jamaicans to donate to the upgrading of the school via ISupportJamaica.com, the crowdfunding website, powered by The Jamaica National Group.

Phillip Lindsay, operations officer, ISupportJamaica.com, at the JN Group, said that donating to the Pledge2Build Project would greatly enhance the infrastructure of the St Jude’s Primary School.

He informed that some US$864 was donated to the school on the platform;however, he indicated that the target is US$50,000. Healso pointed out that contributing to any initiative via the platform is simple and secure. Interested persons may donate by visiting the ISupport Jamaica.com platform, at www.isupportjamaica.com, click on the project; and then click the ‘Fund Project’ button.

In addition, donations can be made via JN Live e-banking; by visiting a branch of any JN Bank or MoneyShop; and, through interbank transfers.

Despite these challenges, the educational institution continues to do well. In 2015, the school’s Grade Four Literacy average was 94 per cent; and with a numeracy average of 81 per cent.

In 2013, St Jude’s Primary School was the top awardee in the Grade Six Achievement Test.

Culturally, the school boasts the number one community marching band in the country. It’s students also excel in chess, athletics and music. Students benefit from some 22 extra-curricular activities.

In 2016, St Jude’s qualified in round two of the Junior Schools’ Challenge Quiz, and did exceptionally well in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission competitions, by winning numerous awards in the areas of dance, music and speech.