Kiwanis Club of West St Andrew raises funds to sponsor classrooms at Laura’s Basic School
Published:Tuesday | March 11, 2025 | 12:08 AMKeisha Hill/Senior Gleaner Writer
Laura’s Basic School in St Andrew is one step closer to expanding its facilities at its Baldwin Crescent location, thanks to the Kiwanis Club of West St Andrew.
The club has pledged to construct three additional classrooms and a kitchen within the next year to accommodate more students.
Taking concrete steps to fulfill this commitment, the Kiwanis Club recently hosted a ‘Family Sunday Brunch and Fashion Show’ at the Sunken Gardens, Hope Gardens.
According to President Claudine Heaven, the goal is to raise $11.6 million while also seeking sponsorship from Food for the Poor to support the project.
“This is our first fundraising initiative, and based on the feedback from our sponsors and ticket sales, we have already reached the $2 million mark. Most of our support has come from corporate Jamaica, as we sold tickets in batches, and they were well received,” Heaven said.
The project has been in the planning stages for over 12 years, but with approval from the Ministry of Education, Youth, Skills, and Information, Heaven is confident it will be completed on schedule.
“I am personally committed to this project, regardless of my tenure as president. Kiwanis programmes help develop the next generation of leaders. We work with partners who share our values and our vision to make the world a better place for our children,” she added.
Laura’s Basic School, certified by the Early Childhood Commission (ECC), has been serving the community for 60 years. Currently, 175 students are enrolled. With the new classrooms, the school will be able to accommodate over 200 students from Duhaney Park and surrounding areas.
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO
Acting Principal Michelle Dixon explained that space limitations and ECC regulations have forced them to turn away prospective students.
“There are currently at least 25 students per classroom, but according to ECC guidelines, we should have fewer than 20 per class. With the additional classrooms, we will be able to maintain the recommended student-teacher ratio and admit new students,” Dixon said.
She also emphasised the importance of accommodating students with special needs.
“A crowded classroom is not ideal for special-needs students. The new facilities will allow us to create a more inclusive learning environment,” she added.
Lieutenant Governor of Division 23 Central Jamaica, Sharon Usim, expressed her support for the initiative, highlighting its alignment with Kiwanis International’s mission.
“Our focus at Kiwanis International is ‘Kids Need Kiwanis, and Kiwanis Needs You’. We are committed to enriching the lives of children, and this project will help fill a critical gap in our educational system. The children are our future, and we must nurture them from an early age to ensure a brighter future for all,” Usim said.
The fundraising initiative received sponsorship from several major companies, including Future Energy Source Company Limited (FESCO), FYC Water, M-Catering (a division of Mother’s Restaurants), Maxi Department Store, Fidelity Motors Limited, Carimed, Royalton Resorts, SIXT Car Rentals, GK General Insurance, Key Insurance, Guardian Life Insurance Company, Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee, and the Wisynco Group.
Distinguished President and Director of the Fundraising Committee, Dollis Campbell, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support the project has received.
“We are incredibly thankful to our sponsors for their contributions to this worthy initiative. We are confident that both the students and the wider community will benefit significantly in the years to come,” Campbell said.