OCHO RIOS, Jamaica. The resumption of face-to-face classes for the more than 300 students and staff at the Exchange All Age school in St Ann was made more manageable and safer through the support of the Sandals Foundation and the Ministry of Health and Wellness in the parish. The partnership saw the health ministry and the students celebrating proper hygienic practices, mask wearing, and knowing and exercising the necessary protocols to protect themselves and those around them. The Sandals Foundation who initiated the activity, also distributed school logo branded masks and school supplies with the guidance counselor’s office for needy students.

The school currently operates on a staggered system with only the grade six students being present for face to face classes for five days per week. Principal of the institution Ricardo Moncrieffe expressed appreciation for the support from the Sandals Foundation. He said: “This partnership between Sandals Foundation and the school has a long standing symbiotic relationship. We get the chance regularly to see the Foundation helping those in need, of which we value and appreciate, while we the recipients are allowed the opportunity to bask in the love and support from this philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International.” 

Nurse and health educator for the parish, Michelle Whyte in sharing with the students the value of proper hygiene reminded them through demonstrations, the importance of practicing the protocols. “Remember to avoid touching mouth, eyes and nose with unwashed hands. Washing your hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizer, maintaining social distance, and to wear your masks correctly (covering both your nose and mouth) should be a regular practice.” 

All the classes in session for the day were given simple and effective hand washing demonstration techniques and the correct way to don the masks, with the students eager to showcase what they have learnt. Students across all grade cohorts excitedly participated in the different discussions that the presenters guided throughout the day. 

Grade 6 student, Caeleb Frazer shared his thoughts about the value of face to face learning, noting that, “Being able to see my friends and knowing that we are all in our physical classroom is very good. Because of what Covid-19 did to the country and all of us as students, we are really tired of computer screens and being home morning, noon and night. We are just happy to be back in school.” 

Sandals Foundation continues to offer support in the field of education to schools with Exchange All Age recently benefiting from the construction of two wash-hand stations on the compound.