Six primary schools on the island affected by the passage of Tropical Storm Erika have benefited from the donations of six water tanks costing $11,000 by Digicel Dominica.
Presentation of the tanks to the Newtown Primary, Roseau Primary, Penville Primary, Goodwill Primary, Roosevelt Douglas Primary and Keleb Laurent Primary was made on Monday at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium.
“Today’s donation from Digicel is especially significant because it addresses a basic human need, ‘water’,” Education Minister Petter Saint said during the handing over ceremony. “While we were able to secure water tanks and to provide bottled water to several of our schools we continue to be challenged by the very high demand from our student population.”
He said the donation from Digicel of the tanks is still relevant months after the storm.
“We cannot overstate the importance of this donation…we know that it will make the time that our children spend at our schools much more comfortable and ease the minds of teachers and principals alike who have in some cases had to improvise to ensure that our students needs are met,” he stated. “We are also aware that providing access to drinking water gives students a healthy alternative to the sugar-sweetened beverages and indeed it helps to increase students overall water consumption and maintain hydration.”
He stated further that the Education Ministry cannot allow students to attend school in an environment that is unsanitary.
“Healthy clean environments are integral to the creation of child-friendly schools where children can thrive in settings conducive the learning,” he noted.
He added, “Tropical Storm Erika has taught us not just the importance of water, but the importance of having standby generators at our schools and in fact in most cases these schools serve as shelters during the times of disaster.”
Digicel Dominica’s Country Manager, Vivek Sharma said in the three months since the passage of the storm, the company has invested more than half a million dollars in relief to those affected.
“The presentation here today is just another step in the same direction,” he said. “With this we would like to reaffirm Digicel’s commitment to the people of Dominica and the government of Dominica in rebuilding and making a better place.”
The Pioneer Preparatory School was the first recipient its water tank.
The tanks were sourced from J.Astaphans and Company Limited and each holds 1,000 gallons of water.
Wonderful initiative. When there is no water you often find that school will be cancelled for the day so the water tanks are welcome.
Thanks Digicel.