Volunteers help Marlie Mount Primary

The crew, all members of the Kiwanis International Circle K, performed painting works to the institution, situated just outside the Old Harbour town centre.

But with the sky darkening and the threat of rain imminent, work was cut short so the members, most of whom lives in Kingston, to return to their respective places of abode.

John Forbes, president of Circle K, said the group’s work is unfinished and intends to come back.

“We have a passion for what we do. Our motto is ‘live to serve. Love to serve,’” Forbes, a second year student at Caribbean Maritime University (CMU), said.

He said since the start of the year the group – consisting of students from CMU, Edna Manley College and MICO University College – has performed a number of noble duties throughout Jamaica, such as providing care packages to persons most impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are just here to help in whatever way we can in every possible way,” he said, noting that the team is currently making preparations to assist a family in rural Jamaica after their home was destroyed by fire a few weeks ago.

When asked if the members are willing to return to Marlie Mount, Forbes, a logistics major student, said: “Sure. It’s always our pleasure helping and if the time is there, then we can always make ourselves available. The resources are already here, so it’s nothing to just present ourselves and assist.”

On behalf of the school community vice principals Kerian Morant and Josephine Parker-Mullings who were both present yesterday, thanked the volunteers for offering their service. The school’s VPs are hoping that the initiative is a start of a partnership that will last for many years to come.

President of the school’s parent-teacher association Andrew Hancel, lauded the volunteers, stating that their contribution is priceless.

“One cannot put a dollar figure to their service, it is immeasurable. The PTA and by extension the entire school community cannot thank them enough for their noble service.

We are extremely grateful,” Hancel said. “We are also pleased with the responses of those who have contacted the PTA to volunteer their service, all in an effort to improve the quality of education being delivered.”

Expansion work is ongoing at the institution with the building of a new block of classroom to facilitate the school’s removal from the double shift system.