Food for the Poor Jamaica – A Budding Partnership
Food for the Poor Jamaica – A Budding Partnership
A budding partnership
Food for the Poor Jamaica (FFTPJ) has had to come alongside St Cyprian’s in some of its darkest hours and deepest needs. And like a true friend who sticks closer than a brother, they do so with no fanfare or spotlight. We respect and honor the way FFTPJ gives as Christ urged us to do—quietly—but we do want to say publicly “thank you” for all they have done. We are deeply grateful and privileged to have them as our partners in the development of St Cyprian’s.
Setbacks
Truth is, as Jamaica’s economy takes hit after hit over the years, those shocks can be felt in all communities and households. Equally true is that not all communities and households have the same economic resources to draw on, as some communities have a broader economic foundation and more options that make them more resilient. St Cyprian’s, however, is not in one of the most economically advantaged communities in Jamaica, owing to its location and the fairly narrow economic base of the area. It took hit after hit year after year but found a way to turn its finances around through painful staff cuts and expenditure reductions by the end of 2019. Then came Covid-19…
Since the pandemic hit, St Cyprian’s has found it increasingly difficult to bounce back as it did in the past. The School is hard-pressed to meet struggling parents halfway while trying to keep its school plant running and teachers paid. Small wonder that normal wear and tear on the school plant has morphed into suboptimal accommodation for students, as repairs could no longer be addressed as promptly as before. Thankfully, FFTPJ stepped in to help—first in 2019 when paint, tables, desks, and chairs were sorely needed and then again in 2020 to deliver the remainder of the furniture needed to accommodate a full complement of students.
A Friend in Need is a Friend Indeed
Now, as we look ahead to the 2021-2022 academic year, FFTPJ is working feverishly in the background in preparation for emergency repairs and refurbishment of some of the School’s facilities. This follows an on-site visit to the School on Wednesday, July 28 by their technical team to assess the scope of the project. Principal Marjorie Tracey’s report to the SCDF Board via WhatsApp says it all: “We have a mountain to climb🙏🏾🙏🏾. Big project to undertake. We are being asked to think about relocating for students for 8 to 12 months. Or They may have to erect a big tent while construction is in progress.”
The Road Ahead
The repairs will be extensive; wood will have to be replaced with concrete, metal, or fiberglass because of a termite infestation. Perhaps the only good thing the School has going for its buildings at this point after years of neglect (due to lack of funds or band-aid solutions) is that its walls are still in good condition. The floors, lighting, and roofing, however, have not fared as well. Interviews are now underway to finalize the business case before FFTPJ can proceed. In short, this is a tough time for any principal barely weeks away from their School reopening in September. Dear Alumni, with your help, there is no doubt we can raise the money needed to effect the repairs. Click here to donate directly to the FFTPJ’s St Cyprian’s Repairs Project and check back regularly for updates.
Here are a few photos of the existing plant to give you an idea of the urgency and scope of the project.
A snapshot of just some of the facilities sorely in need of repair. Click here to donate.
In case you’re wondering “What’s the point of helping St. Cyprian’s now if the economy is so bad?” We do have a plan. We are rebuilding and revamping St. Cyprian’s so it can resume its role as a catalyst for development in Highgate and the region. Contact us for a presentation of our Master Development Plan.
