Holness Visits VOUCH Schools In Kingston, Pledges Support For Repairs

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, visited the Voluntary Organisation for Uplifting Children (VOUCH) Group of Schools at National Heroes Circle in Kingston on Friday (May 29).

Dr. Holness, who previously served as Executive Director of the organisation, went to the compound after completing a tour of West Kingston. He said the visit stirred strong memories of his time with the institution.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time here. [It] certainly gave me a grounding in provision of social services for communities, particularly inner city [and] urban communities. Standing here, it’s just a lot of memories coming back, so I am very happy to be here,” Dr. Holness said.

He also welcomed the expansion of VOUCH’s work into special education, describing that area as a service now facing growing demand. “I’m very happy to see that you have expanded your services to have a special education department, which is becoming now, a very much in demand service. What I’m particularly pleased about, is the level of care that is given. Clearly, your staff is of the highest level of not just competence, but care and compassion,” he added.

The Prime Minister noted that VOUCH depends on donors and volunteers. He commended the management for the care shown to the hundreds of children enrolled at the VOUCH Sylvia Foote Basic School, as well as for major improvements made to the building.

Dr. Holness said, however, that sections of the facility still require repair, and he committed to funding work on at least one room.

VOUCH is a non-governmental agency formed in 1979 when the Child Welfare Association and the Jamaica Children’s Service Society were merged. Based at National Heroes Circle, it mainly serves Fletcher’s Land and Allman Town in Kingston, while also assisting families from other areas.

The organisation currently operates four departments: a nursery, pre-school, basic school and a special education unit for children with various disabilities.