ARC Manufacturing Limited (ARC) has partnered with National Education Trust (NET) to rebuild Bull Savannah Primary and Infant School in St Elizabeth. This collaboration aims to restore the school’s facilities — which were severely damaged during the passage of Hurricane Beryl — for the reopening of the new school year.

The signing of the letter of intent took place on August 5 at NET’s offices in Kingston.

ARC is donating $12.5 million to fund the restoration of the school’s roofing at the administrative block, canteen block and the grades one, two, five and six blocks. The roofing repairs are part of a larger initiative by ARC to rebuild and restore the school, with a budget commitment of $25 million. The restoration plan has been officially accepted by Ministry of Education and Youth (MoEY) and the school administrators. Reconstruction work has already begun and is expected to be completed before the start of the new school term on August 26, 2024.

Norman Horne, executive chairman of ARC, and who attended the school along with his grandmother, mother and siblings, said he felt compelled to urgently respond to the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl due to his family’s deep connection to the community and the school.

“We, as past students, want to take a serious look back at Bull Savannah to see how we can help to develop the school into a world-class educational institution,” he said.

Under the agreement, NET will provide technical assistance and project management services for the project. NET is a registered charitable organisation and an agency of MoEY, tasked with mobilising financial resources for the education sector. Since its inception in 2010, NET has been pivotal in implementing infrastructure development projects for schools and is the lead entity for the implementation of the infrastructure pillar under the Transforming Education for National Development (TREND) programme.

Latoya Harris-Ghartey, executive director of NET, said the partnership is testament to the power of community and the importance of investing in our educational institutions.

“By restoring Bull Savannah Primary and Infant, we are not only rebuilding a structure but also renewing hope and opportunities for the students and the entire community. We are deeply grateful for ARC’s generous support and commitment to education,” she said.

Harris-Ghartey also encouraged other past students who are desirous of helping their schools to recover from Hurricane Beryl to contact NET.

“We urge all past students and community members to join us in our efforts to rebuild and support our schools. Your contributions, no matter how small, can make a significant impact on the lives of our young learners and the future of our communities.”

Meanwhile Colin Cameron, principal, expressed joy at the restoration efforts.

“We are deeply grateful for Mr Horne and the contribution by ARC Manufacturing, along with the support of the National Education Trust,” Cameron said.

“These restoration efforts will significantly benefit our school, which serves a student population of 502.”