SENIOR Primary Education Officer at the Ministry of Education’s Region Four Hyacinth Stern has welcomed the addition of 30 new classroom spaces for early childhood education in Cambridge, St James.

Stern who was addressing the official opening of the St Mary’s Roman Catholic Early Childhood Institution in the community, earlier this week, said the school represents a timely venture and will go a far way in addressing needs in the area.

The ministry, she said, is committed to assisting the school in ensuring that its mandates are met.

“We pledge to walk with you and to hold your hand as we try to mould the lives of these young children…As educators we know that the first five years of a child’s life are the most important as this is where we lay the foundation,” she stated.

Stern also encouraged members of the Roman Catholic Church to continue working with the community and urged residents of Cambridge to protect the school.

“This institution is for the community…it is for the parish and for Jamaica, and what the Roman Catholic Church is doing today is holding the community’s hand and leading them into the future. We must also help the parents to know their role and their function in moulding the lives of the children for tomorrow…we have to train them in parenting …how they can develop the right attitude…the right skills to grow the children,” she said.

The school was built at a cost of approximately US$50,000 by the Roman Catholic Church with support from Food For The Poor.

The facility consists of two classrooms, an office for the principal, a canteen, restrooms and rest areas for the 30 students and four teachers.