“A lot of our students are absorbed in the hospitality industry and so I am very excited for this.”

Those were the sentiments of a beaming principal at Wycliffe Martin High School, Evorine Henry-Tracey, as she shares the importance of a recent J$3 million renovation of the Home Economics Department that has been completed by the Sandals Foundation. 

Located just about 2.5 kilometres outside of St. Mary’s capital, Port Maria, the predominantly male population of Wycliffe Martin High is a beneficiary of an inclusive learning approach that focuses on skills and professional development.

“To help meet the needs of our students, we focus on vocational areas even as we prepare them for 6th form, higher education and a place of work. We are part of the tourism belt, so the Home Economics Department each year is oversubscribed,” says Principal Henry-Tracey.

For approximately six years, the department has been in disrepair, forcing a 50 per cent reduction in the number of students that could be facilitated. Now, students of the 2025/2026 academic year will be able to complete their practical training in an industry-like environment.

“The whole internal space has been refurbished. One of the major problems we had was serious termites, which would have damaged cupboard spaces. We have gotten rid of all the pests, fumigation has been done, and all the tiles have been replaced. The space is better organised. In addition to the paint and electrical work, we have a refrigeration section and an extractor fan to help minimise the heat in the space. And we have new glass windows and steam tables that can also be easily cleaned. 

For Heidi Clarke, executive director at the Sandals Foundation, the support forms part of the philanthropic organisation’s commitment to youth education and skills development.

“To facilitate the academic growth of our young people, it is important that they are provided with the resources they need to explore and learn. The renovation of the Home Economics classroom will, we hope strengthen the teaching-learning process,  enabling  students to sharpen their skills to confidently take their place in hospitality- an industry that is boundless in the opportunities it presents.”

The improved infrastructure now enables up to 40 students to be facilitated in their studies. A welcome feat of Principal Henry-Tracey.

“Far more students can now do the subjects and get the practical experience. Senior students are being prepared for the world of work – they will now be in a modern space that will look more or less like where they will be working soon. The upgrade has significantly improved what we are able to offer our students.”