The newly uplifted Franklin Town Primary School had a proud and busy first morning back to school, thanks to the Dom Rep School Adoption Programme.

Angie Martínez, Dominican Republic ambassador to Jamaica, reiterated her views about the similarities in culture between Jamaica and the Dominican Republic this morning (September 5).

Martinez mentioned how important it was to have a sense of unity with one another and how receptive the children have been towards baseball, bachata and merengue.

As part of the Dom Rep School Adoption Programme, Franklin Town Primary School received a fresh coat of paint as well as an introduction to Dominican Republican food and culture. Martínez mentioned that she plans on continuing the programme with other local schools in the near future

“Continue to do the outstanding job you are doing – a good education will never decay,” said Martínez, referencing a quote by Jamaican singer Desmond Decker, in her morning address to the school.

Luz Tejada, commercial manager for Pepsi Jamaica, told Our Today that Pepsi is proud to be part of this kind of social initiative and looks forward to working further with Martinez in other schools. She pointed out that, while Pepsi has done a lot of giving back to the community, she wants the company to take part in more community support.

Members from other sponsors such as Hyundai, Fersan and Sygnus also expressed similar sentiments.

Minister of Education and Youth Fayval Williams spoke and gave thanks to the collaborative effort it took between staff, teachers, sponsors and the embassy to make this morning possible. She made mention that times are difficult and would require more from the parents to ensure that the needs of the nation’s schools are met.

“In all of our celebrations this morning, remember the family – we mourn for them, yet another fire has claimed the lives of three of our students and I understand that one is in the hospital battling for life. Let us pray that she recovers,” said Williams.

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