Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Fenella Wenham-Sheppard has said the new Thibaud Primary School will not only serve as a modern facility, but also as a center for community activities where parents will directly benefit from learning opportunities provided by the institution. She was addressing a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the new Thibaud Primary School on Wednesday.
In the wake of Hurricane Maria, schools on the island including the Thibaud Primary School were severely damaged. The groundbreaking ceremony comes at a time when Dominica celebrates 20 years of diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.
The school is expected to house seven classrooms, a canteen and kitchen, a library, a computer room, the staff lounge, a sickbay, a security room, a counseling room, an early childhood facility, and wheelchair-accessible washrooms.
“This school will serve as a one-stop shop for the entire community. It is a philosophy where parents will directly benefit from the learning opportunities provided by the school,” Wenham-Sheppard said. “I say this because the building will serve not only as a modern facility but also a center for community activities.”
According to her, the school will also serve as a hub for adult education and a community hurricane shelter.
She indicated that the construction of this facility has been due for a while, “but we know that your community will be delighted when it is finished and opened for learning and community.”
She thanked the people of Thibaud for their patience during the waiting period, and for working closely with the Ministry of Education to ensure that the construction of your new school becomes a reality.
“You now can appreciate that the entire community must own and care for this new school, because it will serve all including children and adults,” she stated.
Furthermore, Wenham-Sheppard said that since the passage of Hurricane Maria, the government’s approach to school rehabilitation has been to build back better.
“All the new primary schools including Thibaud will have spaces for early childhood centers, special access, and washroom facilities for students with special needs,” she stated.
Wenham-Sheppard pointed out that China’s commitment to constructing five primary schools and one secondary school is a tangible expression of the interest in the development of Dominica’s education sector and the well-being of the children.
“Today we will witness the official start of work here at Thibaud and look forward to the commencement of work at Calibishie, Tete Morne, Sineku, and Bellevue Chopin,” she added. “As you are aware, all these schools were damaged by Hurricane Maria and our students and teachers have had to make do with temporary arrangements, yet they continued to perform with distinction, a true credit to the strength of our education system and the professionals who work to give our children the best shot at life.”
Parliamentary Representative of the Vieille Case Constituency Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit remarked that Wednesday had been a good day for the people of Thibaud and very soon the children there will have a brand-new school.
“I know it has been a long time coming, but this afternoon we mark the start of what will be a top-of-the-line educational facility for the children of this community,” he said. “And as Parliamentary Representative this has been on the forefront of my priority list.”
He explained, however, that on more than one occasion circumstances caused him to redirect funding that had been earmarked for the construction of the Thibaud Primary School to other communities.
“Since September students have been attending school in Vieille Case and even with this inconvenience you remained steadfast knowing that your Labour Party government will deliver on our promise to you and the children of Thibaud,” Skerrit stated.
He pointed out that at the Thibaud Primary School students continue to thrive and continue to receive the best care and attention when they leave their homes.
“I look forward to how much more they will accomplish when they move to their own child-friendly learning space,” Prime Minister Skerrit indicated.
The People’s Republic of China Ambassador to Dominica, His Excellency Lin Xinjiang said China is deeply aware of the importance of education for the future of the country and fully understands the concerns of Dominica.
“Therefore, I try all my best to push forward the approval of the adjustment and designing and also the bidding process…,” he noted. “We have finally seen the groundbreaking of Thibaud Primary today.”
He said upon completion the school will be able to accommodate 100 children offering safe, comfortable, and special classrooms equipped with advanced teaching facilities and a multi-functional playground.
“We believe that this school will become a paradise for the children to grow up and a source of pride for the community,” Lin Xinjiang indicated.
Since its partnership with Dominica 20 years ago, he said China has always been a true friend to Dominica, giving support to the country’s economy and its social development.
Meanwhile, Principal of the Thibaud Primary School, Kisha Remie said this ceremony marks a significant milestone for the school and its community.
“As the principal of the Thibaud Primary School I am immensely proud of this chapter of our school and for making this dream a reality,” she said.
According to Miss Remie, the new school building will not only provide a modern and conducive learning environment for our students, “but it will also symbolize our commitment to excellence in education.”
Chinese again!!! Failed Government. no work for Dominicans. One day One day.
What will be the primary language in all the new Chinese financed schools? What flag will be flown?
“I know that it has been a long time coming…. but this has been on the forefront of my priority list “. If after being on the forefront of your priority list it still took a long time to come, how long would it take when not at the forefront ?? Just asking but the two statements contradict each other.