A team of volunteers from the D&G Foundation recently journeyed to the Bethel Early Childhood Development Centre in Bull Bay to complete the installation of brand new slides, swings and other playground equipment on the school compound – the first fully functional playground since the school was built over 50 years ago.
Resting on the border of St. Andrew and St. Thomas the Development Centre has been operated by two generations of educators cultivating the young minds of children from neighboring communities.
Principal, Winsome Symister noted that for the preschoolers, playtime is a necessity, and it forms a vital component of the school’s curriculum. “Play time is very important for our students, it helps them to develop their motor skills, build their muscles, and provides an opportunity to socialize with each others,” she shared.
However, since the 1963 construction of the Early Childhood Institution, students have been without the proper resources needed for engaging in physical activity. Symister revealed that until recently, students only had access to limited playground equipment, resulting in chaos at playtime, and she expressed her gratitude for the donation. “We are truly grateful to the D&G Foundation for this very important addition to our school, it has really lifted our spirits and we are very excited to finally have a fully functional playground for our students,” Symister added.
Bethel Early Childhood Development Centre was selected in the 2016 “Vote A Charity” exercise carried out by Red Stripe staff. This initiative saw staff members nominating various community outreach activities and outlining why each should be supported by the D&G Foundation.
On workday, volunteers from the D&G Foundation were met with loud cheers and warm smiles from staff and students as they entered the school grounds, it was evident that the children had been briefed on their visit and understood exactly what it meant.
The task at hand was nowhere near easy, but with the feverish slinging of buckets, hauling of wheelbarrows and the occasional exchange of jokes, the day’s activities seemed lighter and flowed more smoothly. Garth Williams, Sustainability Manager at Red Stripe notes that the aim of the venture was to assist the teachers as best as possible to meet the needs of their students. “We hope that by coming here today and revamping the playground, giving the children a structured and safer opportunity to have fun, we are able to make a positive impact on their development.”
The Bethel Early Childhood Development Centre in Bull Bay was founded by Marjorie Williams. The role of principal has since been handed down to her daughter Winsome Symister who is already grooming the third generation, her daughter, Suzanne Symister to take over the institution which currently caters to 40 students, including her son Jovian Samuels.
The recent installation marks the D&G Foundation's second visit to the Development Centre. The team completed phase one of the project last year, which included roofing repairs and beautification of the school compound. The D&G Foundation is set to partner with Food for the Poor and embark on a housing development project commencing this Labor Day. The venture will benefit residents from communities that are home to the company’s Project Grow farms such as, Bernard Lodge, Wallen, and Spring Plain.
