March 10, 2008 – The 36 enrolled students of the Lena Jones Memorial Basic School in Colonel’s Ridge, Clarendon will be among the primary beneficiaries of a newly constructed school building inclusive of a bathroom, kitchen, an office and adequate classroom space donated by charity organization, Food for the Poor (FFP).

The project was completed at a total cost of the J $1, 506, 428.00 million.

“Food for the Poor believes that the quality of education our children receive depends on the environment in which they work and live,” stated Director of Projects and Fishing at FFP,

Beth Carroll, during the official opening last Thursday. “Lena Jones Memorial Basic School represents one of several schools across the island that Food for the Poor has been actively and proudly assisting with registration and meeting certain requirements of the Ministry of Education,” she added.

The charity organization converted four of its standard housing units to construct a 36ft x 24ft wooden structure for the classroom, office and a kitchen area equipped with a gas stove, wash sink, cupboard and a refrigerator. The attached bathroom facility consists of three toilets and a wash basin which will be utilized by both teachers and students.

Minister of Labour and Social Security and Member of Parliament for the area, the Hon. Pearnel Charles, who was in attendance, complimented FFP for their work across Jamaica and recommended that a special resolution of ‘Thank You’ be passed in honour of the organization’s sacrifices. “If it was not for FFP, thousands of children Islandwide and some 45 schools in this constituency would not know what it felt like to sit on a chair,” he said. “FFP has continued to supply our schools with desks, chairs and food items.”

He further went on to state that “because of the vision of Ferdinand Mahfood, founder of the organization, thousands of individuals now have a place to call home, students can attend school, the hungry have food to eat, the naked have clothing and the indigent now have access to medication.”

The new school building has replaced a structure that was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Since that time, classes were being held at the Colonel’s Ridge Church of God of Prophesy which proved quite inconvenient for both teachers and students.

“It was quite complicated at the church because the situation prevented teachers from creating permanent displays and classes had to be cancelled whenever the church had meetings or special events,” stated President of the PTA, Joan Barnett. “Food for the Poor has literally lifted a heavy burden by providing both space and privacy for the future of this country.”

In addition to a new building, the school, formerly known as Colonel’s Ridge Basic School, was also given the name: Lena Jones Memorial Basic School in honour of its founder, Lena Jones.

Food for the Poor’s assistance in Early Childhood Development includes the construction of school buildings complete with kitchen, office, bathroom and classroom space, construction of additional classroom space, construction of bathrooms, installation of electrical wiring and the provision of school furniture and educational supplies.