The St. Aloysius R.C. Boys’ Infant and Primary schools will start the new school term with new water tanks thanks to a generous donation from Sandals Foundation; the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International.

Each school received two 1000-gallon water tanks that were installed recently, providing a safe and reliable source of clean water for staff and students.

Mrs. Wynnyky King, Principal of the St Aloysius R.C. Boys Infant School, expressed her gratitude to Sandals Foundation for its support which she said would go a long way in also ensuring that sanitary conditions at the school are maintained during periods of water shortage.

“It is with a joyful heart that the expression of gratitude on behalf of the staff and students of the St. Aloysius R.C. Boys’ Infant school is delivered to the Sandals Foundation for the donation of not just the water tanks but really, the reliable access to clean water when our main supply falls short,” Ms. King said.

She added that, “With the assistance of the Sandals Foundation, we have achieved our attainment of Goal number six of the United Nations and our Ministry Of Education’s Sustainable Goals. Our lips will never tire of uttering our thanks as we have moved another step forward in providing an all-encompassing safe zone in enriching our students’ educational experiences.”

The water tanks were made possible thanks to a partnership between Sandals Foundation and the Coca-Cola Company under their Water Harvesting and Sanitation Project in Schools programme. Over 700 students who attend the two schools are set to benefit from the installation.

According to Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of Sandals Foundation, “We believe that access to a safe and reliable supply of water is a basic human right that all should enjoy. We are extremely proud to partner with the Coca Cola Company for this important initiative which will ensure that students and educators can have access to clean water not only for drinking, but for their multiple sanitation needs.”

The installation of the water tanks comes as the nation continues the fight against the covid-19 pandemic and will be ready once classes resume.

The Principal of the St Aloysius R.C. Boys Primary School, Sr. Elizabeth Jn Panel stated that, “As we are all aware the pandemic has caused a dramatic increase in water usage at the school due to the sanitization measures which have been implemented to ensure the health and safety of everyone on the school compound. The tanks will greatly augment our storage capacity to ensure a steady flow of this precious commodity especially during the dry season and disruptions in the water supply.”

In addition to the water tanks, Sandals Foundation which celebrated its 12th anniversary in March also funded the materials and labour costs for the project.