Churches Credit Union to donate $2.5 million to basic schools

Churches Co-operative Credit Union (CCCU) will be donating $50,000 to 50 basic schools across the island through its 50/50 Jamaica Campaign, to further develop the early childhood sector and to celebrate Jamaica's 50th year of Independence.



The funds, which amount to some $2.5 million, will go toward infrastructural development as well as the purchase of equipment and other teaching aids at the schools.



The announcement was made recently, during the launch of the two-month campaign, held at the Wyndham Kingston Hotel, in New Kingston.



Education Minister, Ronald Thwaites, lauded the organisation for its "generosity" as well as its focus on early childhood education.



He noted that the move by the credit union is also in line with the government’s thrust to develop the early childhood sector.



Thwaites informed that in a bid to improve the sector, the government will be moving to merge most of the informal basic schools into the government system.



The Minister said this will help to improve the service offered at that level, to ensure better performance from the students when they get to the primary and high school levels.



In the meantime, Manager, Marketing and Communications, at CCCU, Juven Montague-Anderson, noted that the campaign, which is being organised in collaboration with the Jamaica Observer Limited, will support nation building and foster the spirit of civic pride, as the nation celebrates 50 years of independence.



She informed that the initiative will also see the organisation executing a number of community development projects and social outreach activities for this year. The campaign will also pay special attention to the development of entrepreneurship.



The campaign, which will be held under the theme: ‘Past, Promise, Possibilities a brighter Future’, will also host a national essay competition open to persons between the ages of 18 to 25 years, commencing from June 1 to July 16. Entrants will be asked to write on the topic, ‘What Jamaica means to me’.



The winner of the essay competition will be announced in August and will receive $50,000.



Montague-Anderson said the credit union will also officially kick start its 50-day countdown to Independence Day on August 6.



editorial@gleanerjm.com