School for the Blind gets a fresh look Loop Jamaica

The content originally appeared on: Jamaica News Loop News

In a vibrant show of community spirit and inclusivity, over 120 volunteers from N.C.B. Foundation (the ‘NCBees’) and Digicel Foundation joined staff and students at the Salvation Army School for the Blind and Visually Impaired in St. Andrew for a transformative Labour Day project.

Three classrooms, a teachers’ lounge, a bathroom, the IT Lab and the railings around the classrooms got fresh coats of paint from the volunteers, with finishing touches from Anthony Dun3well Construction Limited’s crew.

Sherine Gordon-Whyte, Vice Principal, Salvation Army School for the Blind and Visually impaired shared, “I am deeply moved by the teamwork on display from the volunteers present today. Their efforts not only enhance our physical environment but also send a powerful message of inclusivity and support for the blind community. It is important for members of this community to work alongside sighted individuals – it gives them a sense of belonging and pride.”

Talent knows no boundaries! NCB’s volunteer, Alexi Grant, and Tafari Robinson get a quick tutorial from Chadrick ‘DJ Super Chad’, Robinson, student at the Salvation Army School for the Blind and Visually impaired, who provided top-notch music and entertainment during the day’s activities.

“Inclusivity is at the heart of our mission at the N.C.B. Foundation,” said Sheree Martin, CEO of N.C.B. Foundation. “Through improving the facilities at the Salvation Army School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, we are reinforcing our commitment to creating a supportive and equitable space for all students. Our Labour Day efforts symbolise our broader goal of ‘Building a Better Jamaica,’ where every individual, regardless of their abilities, can thrive. We are proud to contribute to a more inclusive society and demonstrate that true progress comes from embracing and supporting each other.”

Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck gets a hand from NCBee volunteer, Shinel Plummer, as they painted a classroom at the Salvation Army School for the Blind and Visually impaired in St Andrew.

Minister of Justice, Delroy Chuck and Member of Parliament for Northeastern St Andrew, also noted, “I’m happy to see dozens of NCB volunteers at 57 Mannings Hill Road, improving the facilities here. It is a tremendous partnership, and it demonstrates that the business arm of NCB understands that there are vulnerable citizens that need our support, and it speaks volumes, especially in Child’s Month.”

Talk about teamwork! NCBee volunteer, Mellicia Rowe gives Marlonique Robinson a guiding hand with her paintbrush, as they painted the library at the Salvation Army School for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Kingston on Labour Day 2024.

This Labour Day project is part of broader efforts by the N.C.B. Foundation to support inclusivity throughout the month of May. Highlights of this ongoing initiative include the celebration of Read Across Jamaica Day, where volunteers read with students at the Lister Mair School for the Deaf and the Salvation Army School for the Blind and Visually Impaired.