Maryland Basic School - Working with the Community

The Maryland Basic School in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, like so many schools, it is operating at a loss. So when Hurricanes Ivan, Dennis and Emily caused flooding and erosion to the property, repair work was not in the budget. A very good plan was presented to build a retaining wall to divert flood waters, and to build a concrete drive and children’s walkway across the stream. When I visited the school, we had to cross the stream on 2 wooden planks.

With a grant from Friends of Jamaica and money raised by the community, work is now under way. Once the work is completed, the government will assist the school in completing an addition that will help ease the overcrowding in the tiny school.

These are pictures of Maryland Basic School. Note the erosion at the foundation of the school.