Built to servethe needs of the community, the Old Harbour Early Childhood Institution is finding it hard to live up to its mandate.

The 30-year-old institution, which currently has a population of 63 students and three teachers is facing serious financial challenges, that could possibly force the school to close its doors.

Joycelin Brown, principal of the school, told THE STAR that the main source of income for the institution is the fee of $3000 per term that every parent is asked to pay. This is however also the source of the problem as many parents have indicated their inability to pay the fee, even though their children are enrolled and attending classes.

She said, "We are low on finance and parents are not paying the fees. We need a water tank because whenever there is no water, we have to send home the children early." She also explained that the school is in need of a fire extinguisher, which by law, it is supposed to have, as well as utensils for the kitchen.

school unprotected

Perhaps one of the biggest concerns however, is the fact that she is sometimes unable to pay the three teachers that work at the institution. They are usually paid from the fees received, but because this has been lacking, there have been problems. Sections of the fencing around the school were also damaged during Tropical Storm Gustav, leaving the school unprotected. The floor also needs to be tiled and Brown explained that she had hired a janitor, but had to let her go because there was not enough money to pay her.

Brown told THE STAR that she wrote several letters to various organisations and individuals seeking help, but in most cases received no response. In other instances, she was told that no help could be provided. She said two fundraising activities were held, but the first was unsuccessful and a freezer was bought from the proceeds of the other.

She said, "I don't think the people in the community realise that the school has needs. Some of them complain that they don't have it because of the hurricane and those things, but we need help. We get good reports from our students who go on to primary, and we make use of the little resources we have, but we need more."

In an impassioned plea for assistance, she said, "We need utensils for the school, teaching aids and I would just want to know if anyone can help us. I don't even know if we will be able to pay our teachers this month. Or if anyone can help us with a fundraiser, that would be good."

Anyone wishing to help the Old Harbour Early Childhood Institution, may contact THE STAR.