Update A Rural School In Jamaica!
Donation protected
Hello!
Firstly, if you’ve made it this far, I’d like to say a massive thank you for taking the time out of your day to pay attention to this cause. If you haven’t watched the video yet, please do so before reading this… It will all make sense in that order. I promise :)
How did we get here?
Okay so now you know my name is Khalia. I’m a musician who was born in Jamaica and migrated to London at the age of 7.
Recently, I decided to spend a long period of time in Jamaica and came across some issues in a School near the community I grew up in after volunteering to help with putting on a show there.
I had preschool and some of my primary education in Jamaica. But that was 16 years ago, so I was surprised to find that not much had changed for children going to school in terms of facilities and how they were learning.
That’s when I decided I had to do something... there must be a way we can change this for them. This situation is so close to my heart because I was once in their shoes but my mother moved us to London to further her education and mine. However, I know this is not the answer or possible scenario for everyone. So giving them the best chance at the school they can afford to attend seemed to be the answer that would benefit them all.
My time at School
In total I attended the school for a week and got to know some of the students; they were the sweetest and most entertaining bunch! I had a great time with their warm and welcoming demeanor. I was even promised a gift from a 4th grader for the next time I return!
I did however notice some problems while I was there. Here are 5 of the main ones:
1. Two different year groups were sharing a classroom but learning seperate lessons and at different levels. I asked Mr. Whittingham how they did this, his response ‘It’s difficult but we just have to do it’. There were posters hanging about different subjects and about 4 different blackboards in one room. That was confusing enough for me, let alone a child who needs to learn.
2. The Lunchroom was not big enough to fit all the children at once so some children had to eat their dinners back in the classrooms.
3. There was no sports equipment so children ended up being creative and making their own. (I was somewhat inspired by the fact that they were such forward thinkers; but there are certain things like basketball, football and safety equipment that you just cannot make yourself at age 8)
4. There was no computer room, which was my main concern. This meant they were getting left behind, which is just not fair. Everywhere we turn there is some sort of computer; supermarket checkouts, banks, doctor’s office, airports and the list goes on. It’s so much a part of everyday life that we often don’t notice and take it for granted. Along with the use of Microsoft word, Excel and other educational software, these initial skills help to shape how easy we learn to use more intermediate software in the future. Just like anything, knowing the basics sooner rather than later helps us to excel when needed.
5. The kitchen for the chef looked big enough to make meals for a family of 8, which is a fraction of the number of students that attend the school. I didn’t see a microwave, kettle or even a blender.
Spreading the funds
As listed in the video I would like to be able to give the school a 2017 update. I will be purchasing and importing the items from the USA as I have found this way to be cheaper. Also the cost of labour for building the computer room along with solar panels to keep it running will all be included.
I would like to have the update ready for the new school year in September so ideally, I would like to get started by July. When you do help in any way, it will make a difference to not only the children featured in this video, but also the future children who will attend this school. Giving them a better chance to succeed in our now technologically advanced world.
Not sure what to donate
Any amount is greatly apreciated but just to give you and idea of what we can achieve, here are a few items and their costs.
All in One Printer with scanner and photocopying: £70
Two projectors for class presentations: £130
Blender for use in kitchen: £18
Computer: £300
One Book: £0.50p
One Day Building Labour: £160
So once again, every penny is greatly appreciated!
Thank you!
If you do have any questions or any suggestions please feel free to share them..
Firstly, if you’ve made it this far, I’d like to say a massive thank you for taking the time out of your day to pay attention to this cause. If you haven’t watched the video yet, please do so before reading this… It will all make sense in that order. I promise :)
How did we get here?
Okay so now you know my name is Khalia. I’m a musician who was born in Jamaica and migrated to London at the age of 7.
Recently, I decided to spend a long period of time in Jamaica and came across some issues in a School near the community I grew up in after volunteering to help with putting on a show there.
I had preschool and some of my primary education in Jamaica. But that was 16 years ago, so I was surprised to find that not much had changed for children going to school in terms of facilities and how they were learning.
That’s when I decided I had to do something... there must be a way we can change this for them. This situation is so close to my heart because I was once in their shoes but my mother moved us to London to further her education and mine. However, I know this is not the answer or possible scenario for everyone. So giving them the best chance at the school they can afford to attend seemed to be the answer that would benefit them all.
My time at School
In total I attended the school for a week and got to know some of the students; they were the sweetest and most entertaining bunch! I had a great time with their warm and welcoming demeanor. I was even promised a gift from a 4th grader for the next time I return!
I did however notice some problems while I was there. Here are 5 of the main ones:
1. Two different year groups were sharing a classroom but learning seperate lessons and at different levels. I asked Mr. Whittingham how they did this, his response ‘It’s difficult but we just have to do it’. There were posters hanging about different subjects and about 4 different blackboards in one room. That was confusing enough for me, let alone a child who needs to learn.
2. The Lunchroom was not big enough to fit all the children at once so some children had to eat their dinners back in the classrooms.
3. There was no sports equipment so children ended up being creative and making their own. (I was somewhat inspired by the fact that they were such forward thinkers; but there are certain things like basketball, football and safety equipment that you just cannot make yourself at age 8)
4. There was no computer room, which was my main concern. This meant they were getting left behind, which is just not fair. Everywhere we turn there is some sort of computer; supermarket checkouts, banks, doctor’s office, airports and the list goes on. It’s so much a part of everyday life that we often don’t notice and take it for granted. Along with the use of Microsoft word, Excel and other educational software, these initial skills help to shape how easy we learn to use more intermediate software in the future. Just like anything, knowing the basics sooner rather than later helps us to excel when needed.
5. The kitchen for the chef looked big enough to make meals for a family of 8, which is a fraction of the number of students that attend the school. I didn’t see a microwave, kettle or even a blender.
Spreading the funds
As listed in the video I would like to be able to give the school a 2017 update. I will be purchasing and importing the items from the USA as I have found this way to be cheaper. Also the cost of labour for building the computer room along with solar panels to keep it running will all be included.
I would like to have the update ready for the new school year in September so ideally, I would like to get started by July. When you do help in any way, it will make a difference to not only the children featured in this video, but also the future children who will attend this school. Giving them a better chance to succeed in our now technologically advanced world.
Not sure what to donate
Any amount is greatly apreciated but just to give you and idea of what we can achieve, here are a few items and their costs.
All in One Printer with scanner and photocopying: £70
Two projectors for class presentations: £130
Blender for use in kitchen: £18
Computer: £300
One Book: £0.50p
One Day Building Labour: £160
So once again, every penny is greatly appreciated!
Thank you!
If you do have any questions or any suggestions please feel free to share them..
Organizer
Khalia Million
Organizer
