Education minister lauds JSIF Best Kept School Competition
Education Minister Faval Williams has given the Jamaica Social Investment Fund’s (JSIF) Best Kept School Competition her stamp of approval, saying it reflects the values of pride, responsibility and community stewardship.
“As we come together to recognise excellence in school infrastructure maintenance, environmental management, health and safety, I am thrilled to see the dedication and commitment of our educators, students and communities in creating conducive learning environments for our children,” said Williams, who was speaking at the competition’s recent awards ceremony at JSIF’s office in Kingston.
Edward Seaga Primary School, which is based in Denham Town, Kingston, was the toast of the competition, as they won the Best Kept School prize. The Most Outstanding Groundsman award went to Denis Reid of St Andrew Primary School in St Andrew; while Anchovy Primary School, in St James, copped the Best Kept Grounds trophy. Williams was particularly impressed by the fact
that the programme, which falls under JSIF’s Integrated Community Development Project (ICDP II), is creating the scope for students to embrace good order at their respective schools.
The competition was introduced to identify and reward environmental best practices in targeted schools that falls under the ICDP initiative in
St James, Westmoreland, Kingston and St Andrew and Clarendon.
The 17 participating schools were judged and awarded in the categories such as Best Kept School, Best Kept Grounds, Best School Greenhouse Project, Best School Recycling Environment Project, and School Environmental Stewardship.
“It is about investing in our nation’s future and ensuring that no community is left behind,” said Williams, who noted that the project was pivotal in empowering communities, enhancing infrastructure, and improving the quality of life for countless Jamaicans.