New hope for Franklin Town Primary students with library refurbishment

08 Nov 2024, 05:06 · The Gleaner

Nigel Holness (second right), managing director, CIBC Caribbean, cuts the ribbon to the newly refurbished library at Franklin Town Primary School on October 25. Looking on (from left) are Rohan Trevleven, principal; Shandona Burton, guidance counsellor; and Beverly Shirley, school board chair. The project was made possible through the bank’s Adopt-A-Cause programme.Contributed Photos

The newly refurbished library at Franklin Town Primary School made possible by CIBC Caribbean’s Adopt-A-Cause programme following a fire in October 2023.

Nigel Holness (seated centre), managing director, CIBC Caribbean, reads to students of Franklin Town Primary School following a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their library which was refurbished by the bank through its Adopt-A-Cause programme. Looking on (standing from left), Rohan Treleven, principal; CIBC branch managers, Debbie Henry, King Street; and Diana Warren, New Kingston.

CIBC Caribbean team members hard at work refurbishing the library at the Franklin Town Primary School made possible through the bank’s Adopt-A-Cause programme.

IN AN act of community support, students of Franklin Town Primary School have been given a fresh start with the refurbishment of their school library, which had been unusable since a devastating fire in October 2023. This initiative, part of CIBC Caribbean’s Adopt-A-Cause programme, aims to create a new world of learning opportunities for the 147 students enrolled at the school.

The project, led by Debbie Henry, branch manager of King Street, and supported by eight branches and units of CIBC Caribbean – King Street, New Kingston, Portmore, Manor Park, Finance, Human Resources, Country Management Committee and Port Antonio – was designed with the students in mind. The newly refurbished library now features fresh carpeting, newly painted walls and bookshelves, three laptops, a printer, computer desk, and child-friendly seating. The space is also air-conditioned, creating a comfortable and inviting environment for students to read, learn, and explore.

Established in 1891, Franklin Town Primary is not just a school but a cornerstone of the community. Many of its students come from challenging socio-economic backgrounds, and the school has been a client of CIBC Caribbean since 1980. Over the years, the bank has consistently supported the school, and this latest Adopt-A-Cause project reflects its ongoing commitment to nurturing young minds.

The fire had caused extensive damage to the library, including water damage from the cooling operations that followed. For more than a year, the students were left without a functioning library. However, today marks a fresh beginning as the students of Franklin Town Primary School can once again access a space dedicated to knowledge and discovery.

“This project is all about the students – their future, their education, and their dreams,” said Debbie Henry, project lead. “We are proud to give them a space where they can learn and grow. CIBC Caribbean believes in the power of education to transform lives, and we’re thrilled to be part of this chapter for Franklin Town Primary.”

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Nigel Holness, managing director of CIBC Caribbean, commented, “At CIBC Caribbean, we are deeply committed to fostering education and empowering young minds, particularly in communities like Franklin Town where access to resources can make a significant difference. By restoring this library, we are not only investing in the future of these students but also helping to create a space where learning and curiosity can thrive. We are proud to support Franklin Town Primary in this meaningful way.”

Expressing his gratitude, Rohan Treleven, principal of Franklin Town Primary, said, “This new library is a game-changer for our students. It’s not just a room filled with books and computers – it’s a symbol of hope and opportunity. Many of our students don’t have access to resources like this at home, and now they have a beautiful space to learn, to dream, and to grow. We are truly grateful to CIBC Caribbean for their generosity and their commitment to our school’s future.”

The official handover of the refurbished library took place on October 25, and the excitement among the students was palpable. As they explored their new learning space, filled with fresh books and modern technology, it became evident that this initiative was not just a refurbishment – it was a new beginning for both the school and its students.