President’s Message 2011

Dear Members,

Greetings to you and your entire family;

 

I am writing this to inform you of some positive things that I observed and was informed about in the Village. This is how our organization has been making a difference in the Village on different fronts but in particular at the All Age School.

 

I can safely say that I have not seen so much progress and positive signs and endeavors at the school in the past 15- 20 years. I have spoken to community members and parents and they have confirmed my observations. It is evident that since the present principal took over the reins, the school has been making steady progress. This is noticed in several areas;

Examples:

• Children that were being sent to other adjoining schools because parents were not satisfied with the progress at the school, and guidance from teachers and principal; they are now returning from Ewarton, Point Hill, Crofts Hill, Kelliths and other adjoining schools.
• I understand that the number of students that have successfully passed their GSAT test have steadily increased over the past three years and have gone onto High Schools. (The exact numbers I am not sure of)

 

I attended one graduation ceremony in 2009 and I was very impressed with the presentation and the number of graduates. Also, with the number of parents and community leaders and school board officials that were in attendance.

 

I have visited the school on many occasions; I am in Jamaica at least twice per year, and I have always found time to visit and speak to the Principal, Teachers and students. Without bias, the Principal Mrs. Barrett Rose and staff have always been very cordial and I feel welcome not only by staff but students as well, who are always anxious to ask me questions and learn from my experiences. Especially when they are told that I am a past student.

On every visit I find discipline and good old fashion manners among the students. This to me is very gratifying. Since in today’s society, we are in so short supply of these traits.

 

As you are all aware, we also assist the Brassington Junior public school with funds to help with upgrades to the facilities and other electronic hardware. Also, through PACE Canada (Project Advancement Childhood Education) which some of our members contribute to directly. These monies are usually distributed through the Ministry of Education ( Jamaica). We see this as another worthwhile project, because as we support these younger students this will help and assist with their transition to the next level of public school.

 

One can view our contributions to the schools and the community at large on our website at www.worthyvillage.com. We have supplied the schools with computers, fax machines, televisions, electronic overhead machine, several teaching aids and educational programs. We have also assisted with the maintenance and upgrade costs of the computer lab.

Since the year 2000 our organization has contributed approximately $1.9 Million JA. Dollars to the schools, and to the community. Our annual flagship contribution is to the elderly and shut-ins; whereby we donate food supply to about 200- 250 people at Christmas time.

 

As a group we are pleased with the progress of the school, and that our contributions are making a difference. At present we are making arrangements to send more computers and software to the All Age School, along with the wish list that the principal has sent us.

 

Once again thanks to our hardworking committee and general members, for their commitment and dedication to the cause.

We will continue to do what matters, that is, helping our fellow brothers and sisters in the community who need help. Also, to support the Principal and Teachers at the schools, to do the best they can for our children.

 

Yours respectfully,

Timothy Escoffery

President

Lluidas Vale Rehabilitation Development Foundation