Basic school children fêted at annual KWL Christmas treat

Scores of basic school children from the Union Gardens Christian Academy were fêted at the annual Christmas treat hosted by Kingston Wharves Limited (KWL) recently. Teachers as well as the school's administrators were also a part of the festivities, and by the end of the day the community had gotten involved. The widely anticipated activity thrilled the excited children, spreading Christmas cheer in the true spirit of the festive season.

Delighted boys and girls between the ages of three and five years frolicked about in the fantasy realm created just for them, which included a bounce-about, merry-go-round, trampoline, face painting, music and Dora, the infamous cartoon mascot. Dora turned out to be the highlight of the Christmas treat. The children swarmed around and serenaded her with chants of "Dora! Dora! Dora!", as she handed out colourful balloons that were twisted into different shapes.

Special lunch

A special lunch was prov-ided in addition to popcorn and an abundance of sweet treats including cotton candy, ice cream and cake. Employees of KWL and its subsidiary, Security Administrators Limited (SAL), presented all the children with Christmas gifts and the Star Boy and Star Girl from each class were both presented with special prizes in recognition of their consistent work. Teachers and other staff from the school also received gifts. The children, led by their principal, Mavis Campbell, sang Christmas carols and recited, with great animation, an anti-child-abuse poem.

Over the years, this learning institution has overcome many challenges largely due to the sterling perseverance of the principal along with her teachers, other staff as well as the active parent-teacher association. KWL has had a long relationship with the Union Gardens Christian Academy and remains committed to supporting its growth and development, as well as the students this school serves. Throughout 2010, KWL facilitated a number of urgent repairs to the school building, including fixing leaks in the roof; replacing a damaged classroom door; installing mesh on the kitchen windows to keep out pests and rodents; and repainting interior as well as exterior walls. Additionally, KWL covered the school's stationery-supplies cost.

Being aware of the school's challenges and additional needs, in the new year, KWL will continue to assist with making this school compliant with the early-childhood education requirements as mandated by the Ministry of Education.

"Together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of these children and, by extension, the community," expressed Captain John Ulett, managing director of the SAL, while addressing teachers and parents present at the Christmas treat.