SCORES of educational institutions and community groups are lauding the Digicel Foundation for providing grants of $28 million to do upgrading work and establish income-generating projects.

The foundation recently provided the funds under its Community Development Programme.

Principal of Lewisburgh Primary and Infant School in St Mary Paul Gobourne said the funds received will be used to upgrade the bathroom facilities at the institution and that a resource centre will be set up at the school for the students and other young people in the area.

The Digicel Community Development Programme seeks to work with grass-roots organisations to “build Jamaica together”, making real investments in communities through grants of up to $2 million for development projects, with a focus on educational institutions, upgrade of community centres, development of agriculture, and other areas.

For the Old Folly Youth and Community Club, based in St Ann, they will be using their $1-million grant to expand their poultry enterprise with the acquisition of pluckers and freezers. The club also plans to renovate its fowl coop facility.

In Kingston, Denham Town High School will use its $2-million grant to aid its literacy remedial programme for students. The grant will assist with the renovation of reading rooms and to get digital equipment.

The St Catherine Young Men’s Christian Association in Spanish Town will utilise its grant to upgrade its computer lab, which will benefit students, especially boys who come from violent and socially disenfranchised homes, while the St Thomas-based Amity Hall Primary School will be using their grant to construct a perimeter fence.

Grants will also enable the establishment of a technology park by the Pitfour Community Development Committee in St James; the installation of a perimeter fence at Porters Mountain Primary School in Westmoreland; and the creation of a community wellness, health, and training centre by the Joy Town Foundation in St Andrew.

Social Development consultant with the foundation Miguel “Steppa” Williams said groups applying for the grants should register with the Social Development Commission, the Rural Agricultural Development Authority, and seek to partner with the community development committees in their areas.