Sagicor launches Adopt-A-School programme

 

Sagicor Life Inc. will be deploying volunteers into nine primary schools in an attempt to offer assistance in multiple areas.

 

Sagicor’s Vice President of Sales, Gay Griffith, pointed out that the initiative, which went into effect from the start of this month, was successfully rolled out in Jamaica and in the US, and so the 

realisation came that the timing was right for Barbados. 

 

“We are committed to contributing and supporting initiatives which have a positive impact on the communities in which we operate, and we couldn’t think of a better place to focus than our schools,” he said.

 

The programme, with the blessing of the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, will allow the volunteers to establish relationships with students and staff at Ignatius Byer Primary, St. Silas Primary, St. Joseph Primary, Hillaby/Turner’s Hall Primary, Workman’s Primary, St. John Primary, Eagle Hall Primary, Deacon’s Primary, Vauxhall Primary, St. Mark’s Primary and St. Catherine’s Primary, to carry out needs assessments and reach their full potential.

 

Areas such as school beautification; health and safety; drives for supplies, infrastructure or equipment; nutrition; mentorship; career guidance; and student and teacher incentive programmes are of high priority. However, it is anticipated that projects will vary according to the school’s particular need.

 

Conveying remarks on behalf of the Minister of Education was Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Parliamentary Secretary, Senator Harcourt Husbands. He thanked Sagicor for their support, while noting that the school system is still a successful one despite the challenges it is facing. 

 

He highlighted that the Ministry often welcomes supportive initiatives such as this one, noting that the Adopt-A-School programme will lend much needed assistance to the schools where necessary.

 

While admitting that the areas of focus are all necessary, the Senator suggested that they consider having volunteers who can offer a counselling service within the primary schools, because there is a great need for emotional support at this level. Additionally, he asked that those who are musically gifted to make a contribution by playing the piano, keyboard or any other instrument within the schools; and to offer support in the area of sports if possible.