Finally – Some Help for Graham Creek: Teachers’ Quarters under Construction
There is some good news coming out of Graham Creek tonight. We’re happy to report that since our last coverage of the teachers’ hardships in the southern village, there’s been some progress. Despite limited access to telephone communication, we have heard from Principal Jose Cuc and teacher Germuel Choco. They say that last week, the B.D.F transported materials to build the teachers’ quarters and its construction has started. A contract for the quarters was signed in April, but it is until now, after the airing of the plight of the teachers that there is movement at the remote village school. Principal Cuc spoke with News Five via phone today.
On the Phone: Jose Cuc, Principal, Graham Creek Government School
“The materials have arrived at the school. I want to thank the Ministry of Education for doing their part, nuh. And at last we will have good living conditions in Graham Creek and continue our job and deliver it to the best of our knowledge for our Belizean children living in Graham Creek, because that is definitely part of Belize. And furthermore, yes, there are still many obstacles like drinking water is one of the challenges we had last week. We had an outbreak of diarrhea last week among our students and again the materials are there and work has commenced already.”
Andrea Polanco
“When you say materials what all exactly are you saying you’ve received?”
On the Phone: Jose Cuc
“We got everything. We have sand, blocks, steel, plycem, celotex, zinc roofing, cement, sewerage facilities like toilet seat, toilet fixtures, everything from nails to screws, bolts. We got everything for the complete teachers’ house.”
Andrea Polanco
“Principal, do you know at time as to when the teachers’ house will be completed and you guys can move in?”
On the Phone: Jose Cuc
“If the weather holds up, I would say another two to three weeks. “
Andrea Polanco
“And I imagine it is something you guys are looking forward to?”
On the Phone: Jose Cuc
“Yes, yes. I am very happy and my next teacher is very happy and the community is in full swing to support it.”
Also transported to Graham Creek was a brand new sewerage system, the first of its kind in the village, that will replace their outdoor toilets. Since our story aired earlier this month, Cuc says that a few donors stepped up to offer some help, including B.T.L. and private citizens. The school has a lot of needs; some of those immediate items include: a printer, lawn-mower, weed-eater, water-bottles, school supplies, uniform materials and a sewing machine. If you’d like to assist, you can get in touch with reporter Andrea Polanco at 672-1174 or 670-9654.
