Garvey Maceo High gifted $7.9 million worth of equipment from LDS Church

Thanks to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints the secondary institution was gifted J$7.9 million worth of equipment which has significantly improved its educational resources.

This donation saw the school’s home economics and agricultural departments, science and industrial arts labs all upgraded with modern tools and equipment.

Among the equipment donated were a lawn tracker for grounds maintenance, an industrial printer to facilitate document production, a suite of computers to enhance educational technology access, and an embroidery machine to support practical applications within the school community.

Head of the Agricultural Department at Garvey Maceo, Joy Vincent, expressed gratitude and promised to maintain the equipment which she says will assist in their vision to produce exceptional students.

“You could have given this gift to any other school but you choose us and we are forever grateful. We promise to cherish and to take care of the gifts and use them and continue to make a significant impact on our school for years to come…to produce citizens who are empowered to excel in work, study and play,” said Vincent at a ceremony held earlier this month.

Additionally, the principal’s office and guidance department were furnished with essential equipment aimed at improving administrative efficiency and student support services.

Education officer at the Ministry of Education and Youth, Racquel Ranger-Cowan, commended the church for its unwavering support to Jamaica's education.

“Schools can foster a community that is not only supportive but also instrumental in achieving educational excellence… today we pause to celebrate what I consider a true partner, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” said Ranger-Cowan.

Also referred to as the Mormons, the LDS is a global Christian church with a humanitarian arm that provides for the needy across the world. For this and every project, an assessment is done to find out what the needs are before assistance is granted based on request. At the end of each project, a closing ceremony is held and for the Garvey Maceo High School, staff members, students and parents were invited.

Parent and member of the school’s Parent Teachers Association (PTA), Michelle Jackson, says the contribution is a “big deal”.

“We are incredibly grateful to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for this service to the Garvey Maceo High School,” she said on behalf of the PTA body.

“You renovated an entire health and wellness department and provide electronics and appliances for that department and equipment for so many other departments, it’s a big deal. Thank you for investing in our children, our school and our nation. Your gifts will be used wisely to benefit the development of our children.”

The church did not leave empty-handed as the school, in a show of gratitude, gifted church representatives with bottles of honey and embroidery plaques all produced from donated equipment.

Young Men President of the church’s May Pen branch, Alessandro Ferrari, stated that the church was making an investment into the future.

“These are our future and investment in those who will follow, and we are absolutely happy to do this for the school. The equipment that you have been given take care of it, cherish it, treat it properly, it's not just for you but those who will follow. On behalf of the church Saints, it is an honor to serve you,” Ferrari said.

The project was led by welfare/self-reliance manager of the church Leroye Blake.