Soufriere primary school library receives a boost

Jeff Bellot & family with school principal, Ericson Degallerie
Jeff Bellot & family with school principal, Ericson Degallerie

The Soufriere Primary School’s book collection has received a major boost, thanks to a Scotts Head born, US based, business man and his family.

According to Jeff Bellot, the donation, which was made at the school on Tuesday, took root when his family, who came to read aloud to the students two years ago, were told that the school was in need of more books for a library.

“Well this reality has become, unfortunately with no help or interest in the present Parl Rep( Parliamentary Representative) it made it very difficult to make this happen. However, with courage from God, my wife and members of my church, the local government from Waratosa, Wisconsin in the United States, we overcame all obstacles in the way and were able to make this project possible,” he said.

According to Bellot, his family strongly believes that the best way to help a community in need is to start by educating the youth and the children in the community.

“We believe if we can help the school with the library, it will encourage the kids in the community to read more, so then they can learn more and stay away from trouble,” he said.

“Our goal is to grow the library where our children can take books home on weekends and during school vacation so that they can continue to stay on top of reading. However, the bigger picture is to grow the library where we can have adult books as well, where people can keep reading, especially those who are getting older and are struggling in reading and writing,” Bellot added.

The Scotts Head native also mentioned the need for an adult education program and suggested that the name of the Soufriere Primary School be changed to St. Mark’s School, since it is the only school in the community.

An appreciative Degallerie shakes the hand of Bellot's wife
An appreciative Degallerie shakes the hand of Bellot’s wife

Principal of the school, Ericson Degallerie, expressed gratitude for the donation, calling it a noble gesture.

“Hats off to the Bellot family. Certainly, what we have seen here today, is a very historic moment; something that we can all be proud of. And we know that education is key reading is fundamental if we are not able to read, it means that we can be considered useless,” Degallerie stated. “So this presentation here this morning, certainly will go a long way in enhancing our reading capacity, at the school. It will enhance our library, so that the students can have more books to take home, more books to interact with. And if we interact with books, we see the whole world without leaving our very country,” he remarked.

The more than 3000 books cost an estimated US$ 2500.

 

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25 Comments

  1. Anonymous
    January 11, 2014

    Way to go Jeff ! God bless you.

  2. ms newyork
    January 11, 2014

    Why everything has to be about party politic, if someone doing something from the heart tovthe community what does that have to do with the pal rep. Its just crazy how dominican people think and see things

  3. Mimi
    January 10, 2014

    If you doing something just do it!!!!! Why you have to call Marpin and DBS to show off!!!! Please

  4. villager
    January 10, 2014

    JEFF I MUST COMMEND YOU AND YOUR FAMILY FOR WHAT YOU’VE DONE FOR OUR PRIMARY SCHOOL. YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN THAT KIND OF INDIVIDUAL FROM SINCE WE KNOW YOU AND I PRAY THAT GOD WILL CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND THAT OTHERS FROM OUR COMMUNITY MAY BE INSPIRED TO DO LIKEWISE. REALLY TOUCHED BY YOUR EFFORT AND NO THE PARL REP WON’T HELP, THIS IS TOO GOOD NO CORRUPTION IN THAT. GOD BLESS YOU JEFF.

  5. corally norde
    January 10, 2014

    Something that WE can BE PROUD of WE all know that education is the key and reading is fundamental…BUT fews God GRACE WE overcame all obstacles in the way and were able to make this project possible it’s all about a noble gesture JEFFO and and bigger and greater projects is above …GOD IS LOVE and sharing and giving is part of GOD plan and thats all about the BELLOT trademark…MORE LOVE for 2014.

  6. .......
    January 8, 2014

    the parl rap cussing and wsing al kine of bad languge. one they head corrupt so is the tail. labour lossing that seat

    • soufriere
      January 9, 2014

      even doh we hate sam we still voting labour

  7. January 8, 2014

    Jeff, you have always been a community spirited person. As a younger person growing up in Scottshead,your involvement in community work cannot be disputed.
    The name change is long overdue,since we do not have a functioning school in Scottshead.
    Keep the faith.

  8. Selah
    January 8, 2014

    Gezzz I donated 12 computers to that school and never got front page…all good. I was happy to help and would still do it again even if i dont get praise.

    • Anonymous
      January 10, 2014

      just stop doing things for praises!!!!!

  9. jane messam
    January 8, 2014

    Well don eMr Ballott and your family. Education is the key

  10. A concern citizen
    January 8, 2014

    Well done after a rough and frustrating battle to get the books to Dominica. Never give up and always have your community in heart. Hearts off to Mr. Algernon Simon who volunteered to transport the books from the Port to the School.
    It would have been done otherwise if the Donors were singing a different song.

  11. Ny
    January 8, 2014

    Good contribution Jeff. Keep up the good works. May God continue to bless you and your family.

  12. Blessings
    January 8, 2014

    Thank you Mr. Bellot and Family for this Donation. Certainly, it will assist in creating better readers. More people should take note and make similar contributions. Once Again, thank you.

    • Anonymous
      January 10, 2014

      love ur comment

  13. grell
    January 8, 2014

    Who’s the parl rep,he or he needs to go,people when you vote remember your childrens future,great job from the family.

    • grell is workers
      January 9, 2014

      the parl rep will go but labour staying..

  14. mysay
    January 8, 2014

    Thanks Mr. Bellot and family for this donation of books, it will indeed go a long way in the future development of our children.

    The Pal Rep is a lazy man. He needs to get out fr his vehicle and do the work is was voted to do by the People. He is a big disappointment in the constituency. Thats why i am not voting for him again.

  15. reader
    January 8, 2014

    God bless your family for the good work that u all have done don`t stop there continue.

  16. committed Dominican
    January 8, 2014

    Great job Jeff.I commend you and family for this wonderful gesture.It’s certainly the way to go. Jah guide.

  17. Sam
    January 8, 2014

    Making these donations can be very tough/frustrating. But it does not have to be that way.

    • corally norde
      January 11, 2014

      how do u want it to be

  18. FemmeDominique
    January 7, 2014

    Thanks for your help. Dominican to the bone.

  19. Kubulilady
    January 7, 2014

    That nice of then . I belive a lot of us should do that . that what u call slowing seeds god bless you,

  20. past student
    January 7, 2014

    Thanks so much Mr bellot and family… the school was seriously in need of this donation…. I do hope that the students cherish and take good care of the books

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