- Solas Early Childhood Institution in Burnt Savannah, Westmoreland, operates inside a church building
- A donor’s grandmother helped secure the land title for the church
- The school has 52 students aged three to six
- Donations of data credit, books and $30,000 in stationery helped during online classes
In Burnt Savannah, Blackness District, Westmoreland, a basic school has operated inside a church building for 15 years. The Jamaica Observer reported in November 2020 that Solas Early Childhood Institution, with 52 students aged three to six, received donations to help with online classes during the pandemic.
The church building’s history is tied to a local family. According to the report, donor Aubyn Allen’s grandmother was instrumental in securing the land title for the church that now houses the school.
Allen and Amashika Lorne donated three weeks of data credit and copies of a colouring book, Chat Tu Mi and Colour, while councillor Kevin Murray gave $30,000 in stationery. “I had an emergency trip to make to Jamaica and asked some of my friends if they would like to make a contribution to help students in my home community while I’m here,” Allen said. Principal Yevette Lewis said: “One of the major complaints of our parents is the lack of credit and so, I was very pleased to hear that the initiative will be giving resources and a credit donation.”
The school’s three teachers ran virtual classes from 9am to 12.30pm during the pandemic.
The Solas story shows why a land title matters long after it is secured. With the land titled, the building has served as both church and school for years. Many Jamaican churches still lack titles for their land. Families and diaspora members who care about their home church can make no better gift than helping get the title done.
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