Coffee Piece gets new infant department
Coffee Piece Pre-Primary School in Clarendon has received a new building for its infant department, courtesy of Food For The Poor Jamaica.
“We are passionate about helping our children reach their maximum potential by providing new schools and replacing institutions which have been deemed as unfit spaces,” Executive Director David Mair of Food For The Poor Jamaica said at the official opening ceremony on Thursday.
“Thanks to our committed and generous donors, the educational experience at Coffee Piece Infant Department is now a healthy and safe one. None of this would have been possible without our donors, and so, I extend heartiest appreciation to Robert and Carole Koscielny from Cleveland, Ohio, for this tremendous gift.”
Principal Arthnel Palmer spoke about the humble beginnings of the institution, which currently has 68 students, but began with 12 students inside a church. He said that students and teachers had to contend with overcrowded classrooms, inadequate bathroom facilities and the lack of a proper sick bay.
“The school now has its own building, with sufficient classroom space, adequate furniture, a fully equipped kitchen, proper bathroom facilities, playground equipment, fencing and water harvesting. I am extremely grateful for this project,” Palmer said.
Richard Azan, member of parliament for the area, charged the community to protect and maintain the building.
“The donors have invested in Coffee Piece and in the future of this country, and for that, we extend sincere thanks,” he said.