FCIB assists SJCM with US$25,000

A project to enhance the lives of the students attending the St Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua has been given a much needed financial boost, thanks to CIBC First Caribbean International Bank.

On Friday, September 25, the bank donated US$25,000 (EC$67,564) to the Marriaqua based institution,{{more}} with the hope that their gift will improve the personal lives of the students and have a positive impact on their academic progress.

The money donated by the Bank will go towards three main projects:(i) basic needs (ii) transportation and (iii) reading development of the more than 500 boys and girls who attend the school.

According to a release, the projects seek, among other things to supply students with food, toiletries, and other basic needs; build students’ self- esteem; encourage them to focus more on their school work rather than their deficiencies; enhance the school’s literacy programme; assist in transportation costs for economically disadvantaged students to facilitate early attendance at school; and make it easier for the school’s participation in extra-curricular activities.

Established by the Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny in 1968, the government assisted secondary school caters mainly to students residing in the surrounding communities.

Many of the students are from single parent or broken homes, making it difficult for them to have the benefit of the basic needs of life. In most cases, employment in these homes is seasonal or part-time, adding to the difficulty had by some students to attend school on a regular basis, if at all. Teachers believe that these factors have negative impact on the students’ learning, and it is hoped that with the input from CIBC First Caribbean, things would turn around significantly.

The donation would also be used to source reading material, which would be used in the school’s reading programme, in which students spend 15 minutes a day reading silently to themselves.

CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank business support officer Jacintha Hinds presented the cheque on behalf of the Bank and indicated that she believes the donation would have a positive effect on the well-being of the students, their families and the communities on a whole.

Accepting the donation on behalf of the school was Sister Jacintha Wallace, who said that the contribution to the school was greatly appreciated, and would go a great way to making life easier for the students. She added that she was confident that this would be reflected in the quality of work produced by the students as time goes by.