Construction works on the Berean Christian Academy new location is going well, according to Principal Deborah Thomas.
The school was forced to change its location after being severely damaged by raging waters from the Roseau River during the passage of Tropical Storm Erika on August 27.
Presently the school is using part of the Calypso House to conduct studies, while its properly at Bath Estate is being expanded.
Thomas said the contractors are making great progress on the project
“With the construction, the expansion of the ground floor that is going on well,” she explained. “We decided to expand it a little bit more, so as soon as they finish the trench and put in the foundation, probably this week, then they will prepare it to put the flooring to cast the floor. Because of the situation with the church having to come in to the building, what we decided to do is work on expanding the downstairs, and once we have that we are hoping within two months that the downstairs will be expanded and we will be able to move the children from the Calypso House over to that area.”
Following the completion of downstairs she said construction works will begin upstairs to house the Berean Bible Church.
“The school will also be sharing in that space as well,” she stated.
She revealed that both students and teachers are adjusting well to the new location.
“The school did start on the 21st of September and the Calypso Association did allow us to use part of their building, so the children are in a different kind of setting but they are adjusting and so are the staff,” Thomas explained.
According to her the biggest adjustment for students and staff is the distance since the old location, at 1 Goodwill Road, was ideal.
“For the last two years school started from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm but because of the situation we have changed school from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm,” she stated, adding the time will be reviewed every term.
“It’s working out okay right now, but we will review it each term to see if it can expand,” she noted.
Despite the distance, she believes the environment is more conducive and quieter for learning.
She pointed out that the expansion project made possible through granting of gifts.
“The only reason we are able to expand because of gifts that people are giving,” she noted. “We wouldn’t be able to do it as fast.”
However, she is asking for more assistance.
“We are challenging our church folks too, to pledge an amount,” she said, noting that assistance should not be expected from outsiders only.
She stated further that the members of the church, “will also be giving, have been and will continue to give towards that as well.”
An account has been set up at the National Bank of Dominica for the Roseau Berean Bible Church and school for persons wishing to assist. Contributions can be sent to account number 115004090.
Also a GoFundMe account has been set up online in order for persons to make contributions to the church at the link: http://www.gofundme.com/es2y4vcj
Principal Deborah Thomas, please write to [email protected].
We have an organisation here in the UK that would like to discuss a donation.
Wow… amazing that plans for this building was approved so quickly by the local Planning Dept. Or I hope. I’m just hoping that building is on a much safer site. All the best to the church on this rebuilding.
Can someone please give me a contact number for the school..
448-4349
from one flood prone area to another. at least you not on the river bank like before.