A New Building for the Santa Martha Preschool

Today, a new school building was inaugurated in Santa Martha Village in the Orange Walk District. The preschool will boost early childhood development in the area. News Five’s Duane Moody files this report.

Duane Moody, Reporting

Five hundred and eighty-eight thousand, four hundred and fifty-one dollars and eighty-five cents – it’s the price tag for a new preschool that was inaugurated today in Santa Martha Village in Orange Walk.  The financing was through the Education Sector of the B.N.T.F.9 Grant via the Caribbean Development Bank and the Government of Belize. The new facility will enhance the quality of education of the youngest population of the village.

Yolanda Gongora

Yolanda Gongora, Chief Education Officer

“Preschool education is a non-compulsory program designed for children who are generally three to five year olds. The inauguration of this brand new preschool building complete with universal access facilities and kitchenette furnished and equipped, as well as teaching learning aides for Santa Martha, will broaden the horizon for our preschoolers of this village.”

The new building replaces one that became unfit to host the kiddies. Principal Seleni Grajales says that the investment is a gift of success.

Seleni Grajales

Seleni Grajales, Principal, Santa Martha Government School

“A child’s early years are the foundation for his/her future development, providing a strong base for lifelong learning and learning abilities. This is what you have given today to the community of Santa Martha – not only a building, but the gift of success.”

The preschool is in the Orange Walk East division and while its population is just about one thousand persons, Area Representative and Minister of Health and Wellness, Kevin Bernard says that the investment in the youth and education is necessary.

Kevin Bernard

Kevin Bernard, Area Representative, Orange Walk East

“I’m excited as I am sure all of you are to see this real development in this community of Santa Martha. As government representatives, it is our job to serve our people; we work for you the communities and the people. What is more important to us to serve is by also providing education opportunities for our children. So I really am honoured to be here today. And this is an opportunity that will provide our young children with a solid foundation at the very start of their lives in education.”

Minister Bernard also handed over sporting equipment and masks to the school.

Duane Moody for News Five.