Community activist donates to Westwood school poultry project

Community activist and journalist Kenville Horne has come to the assistance of the Westwood Methodist School through the donation of items to assist with the school’s poultry project.

Speaking at a presentation ceremony at the school last Wednesday, Horne said that in April, he was scrolling through his Facebook feed when he saw a call for assistance from the Westwood Methodist School.

“It instantly appealed to me that a school is looking for help to start a poultry project. Because more often the students have their holidays and they are idle, they are not occupied enough. So with this project coming on stream, I think it would be a very vital thing for these kids,” said Horne.

He said he believes the project can help the students to develop a mind for business.

“…If we can find some way of teaching these kids to be independent, to be responsible, then that can go a long way in changing the general happening in our country, So I felt compelled to assist,” said Horne, who is also the founder of a sports academy in the neighbouring community of Rose Hall.

He said the school provided him with a budget, but he wanted to exceed the budget. “I wanted to give more than they asked for and I am happy that I was able to go a little extra mile,” said Horne.

The donation includes 36 boiler chickens, water bottles, feeders and feed. Horne promised that the school will get more assistance as the program advances and he is appealing to persons to come forward and assist the school. He told the students that the donation offers them the opportunity to be independent and they must take care of chickens so that the school and students can earn some money. “From the experience you yourself can start you own project,” he told the students.

Clarence Crook, who oversees the project, commended Horne for his gesture.

“He answered our call and is here today donating these items to us,” said Crook while expressing thanks to Horne for his generosity.

Principal of the Westwood Methodist, Pearlette Harry expressed thanks to Horne for his thoughtfulness. “It was quite short notice and he just stepped in and offered to give assistance which we very much appreciate,” said Harry.

Speaking on behalf of the pupils, Garvin Farrell of grade six expressed thanks to Horne. “We will be feeding them every day and take good care of them so we can earn money and buy stuff for the school,” promised Farrell.