Dahlia Harris invests in alma mater Friendship Primary
STAGE AND screen production company DMH Productions is investing in the future of creative arts in Jamaica through its support of the Arts Development Programme at the Friendship Primary School in Spanish Town, St Catherine.
CEO Dahlia Harris visited the school recently to hand over a donation of $200,000 to Principal Ray Howell and members of the school’s culture committee headed by their cultural organiser, Patricia Harris. The donation represents proceeds from a special performance of Harris’ latest work, ‘Jamaica Land We Love’. A past student of the institution, she used the opportunity to stress the importance of providing opportunities for students to develop all areas of skills competence.
“When I was a student, Friendship Primary had one of the best STEAMS models of education. STEAMS because we were as proficient in the area of academics as we were in Sport and Arts. Our school has produced doctors, lawyers, pilots as we have equally produced actors, recording artistes and athletes. In some cases, students overlapped in many areas. We were exposed to the discipline and focus required to succeed with an understanding that we all bring unique value to society. The school’s academic prowess continues ... Junior Schools’ Challenge Quiz champion and multiple finalist. I want to support the next Junior Kelly, Thriller U, Chico, Mark Danvers, Sabrina McDonald-Radcliffe, Andrew Mason and more who will also come through these gates, ”Harris said.
The donation is an initial investment towards the short- to medium-term goal of acquiring equipment and procuring talent consultants who will assist the teachers at the school in expanding their knowledge and expertise in various art forms. The long-term goal is to establish a performing arts training studio so students may benefit from advanced training.
In receiving the donation, Principal Howell encouraged other past students and organisations to support the school’s programmes.
“Dahlia, I am especially happy that as a past student you are giving back to the school that helped to shape you into who you are today. You understand our triumphs as well as our challenges and how they affect every child in attendance. This investment is not just for today, I look forward to seeing our students on stage in your productions sometime in the future. I want to encourage other past students and friends of the school to join us in advancing the programmes that we offer to our children, the leaders of tomorrow,” Howell said.
DMH Productions has committed to donating proceeds from a special performance of all of its productions towards the arts programme along with spearheading other advocacy and fundraising initiatives.