The Ellerslie School is one of the beneficiaries of the Model Safe School Programme (MSSP).
Chief Education Officer, Dr. Ramona Archer-Bradshaw, said the MSSP is a clear indication of the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training’s (METVT) commitment to The Ellerslie School.
She made these remarks at the presentation of lighting and electrical supplies, which took place in the auditorium of the school, on Tuesday.
“This programme exemplifies our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and visitors,” Dr. Archer-Bradshaw stated.
The MSSP is designed to ensure the safety and well-being of students, staff, and visitors within a school environment, and measures emergency preparedness, crisis response plans, security protocols, and initiatives to promote a positive school climate.
The MSSP Costed Action Plan Barbados is a collaboration between the METVT and the Coordinating Unit of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and is funded by the Norway Project
The Chief Education Officer told the students and staff that they were specially chosen and added that the Ministry recognised the importance of creating a safe and conducive learning environment, which identified the need for enhancing the lighting infrastructure at the school.
“Through collaboration with CDEMA, we successfully procured essential electrical and lighting fixtures. These fixtures include LED lights, weatherproof fixtures, and red light fixtures, which will be installed across classrooms, bathrooms, staff rooms, corridors, and the stairwells of the Junior Block,” she said.
Dr. Archer-Bradshaw stated that the benefits of the initiative extend beyond lighting and will also significantly reduce electricity costs and decrease the carbon footprint, while aligning with environmental stewardship goals.
“The enhanced lighting will also create a more comfortable environment for you, and a safer environment while learning and working, contributing to your overall well-being and productivity for everyone at this school.
“This initiative is not just for the present, but it’s an investment in the future. It will benefit you as current students, but it will also benefit those who join the school community in years to come,” she emphasized. (PR)
CAPTION: Chief Education Officer, Dr. Ramona Archer-Bradshaw (centre) receives the lighting and electrical equipment from Deputy Executive Director of CDEMA, Kester Craig, while Principal of The Ellerslie School Andrea Baptiste, looks on
