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Thursday 23rd August, 2007- St. George’s:
Fulfilling a promise that was first made over 30 years ago, the Government of
Grenada has made possible a permanent home for Berean Christian Schools .
When Berean Christian Academy was started in 1972, the school was housed at the
old Islander Hotel. Several years later, when the government of Sir Eric Gairy
needed the hotel for offices, a promise was made that the school would be
provided with alternate land upon which to build a permanent facility. In the
years since then, Grenada has seen many changes—a revolution, its demise,
several governments, and major hurricanes.
Now, under the direction of the Minister of Education, Claris Charles, the
non-profit school has been given a long-term lease on a property on Lucas Street
. In fact, it is the very house that Sir. Eric Gairy occupied for many years—an
interesting outcome, since he was the Prime Minister who originally made the
promise. The property has been neglected for years, and suffered damage with
hurricanes Ivan and Emily. Nonetheless, the board of directors of the school,
parents, and community are happy to take on the restoration in order to provide
a safe, permanent location for the students.
This past week, a group of 10 volunteer workers from the North Highlands Bible
Church in Dallas , TX participated in the initial stages of the restoration.
Some of the members of the group had come shortly after Hurricane Ivan to help
with restoration of roofs, and were quite willing to come again to give of their
service to Grenada . Another group from the Rives Baptist Church in Michigan
will join the local volunteers next week to continue the renovation. Since this
type of project could never be accomplished with the income from school fees,
many individuals overseas and locally have given special contributions for the
project. These gifts are an investment for the future.
This provision by government comes at a time when the school has been suffering
greatly from the effects of Hurricane Ivan. Displaced, there have been three
moves since then—a situation that has been very hard on all involved, students,
parents, and teachers. Having this permanent location will enable the school to
rebuild its student body. Plans are underway to bring back the music programme
that once included a full brass band. The visual arts and hospitality training
will also be a part of the expanded offerings.
School will therefore reopen on schedule on September 10th in the temporary
quarters in Good Hope. Hopes are high that the students will be able to move in
to the new school campus for the January school term. |