The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE remedial lab at the Eight Mile Rock High School is near completion and will be ready for use during the 2016 school year to improve reading, literacy, and numeracy skills of students there.

Eight Mile Rock High School Principal Ivan Butler said the lab has been outfitted with computers and top of the line materials. He also noted that staff felt it was important to create an environment that lends to exciting and comfortable learning.

According to Mr Butler, for years a significant number of primary school graduates, for whatever reason, were not reading well when they enrolled at the junior and secondary levels.

“Rather than allow the blame game to persist as to why these shortcomings exist, a conscious decision was made to be proactive and rectify the problem,” said Mr Butler. “We thought a remedial lab, with a keen focus on reading, literacy and numeracy would improve the fundamental skills of our students.”

Mr Butler was very thankful to Hutchison Port Holding Bahamas Business Units for its support and assistance in establishing a remedial lab at the school.

“This project would be impossible without the support we have received from Hutchison Port Holdings Bahamas Business Units,” he said. “Hutchison continues to be sensitive and responsive to the needs of our school and local communities. We are truly appreciative for all they do.”

Mr Butler also intends to have the general public utilise the lab at designated times.

“We are of the view that it is important that all in our society deserve the opportunity to learn how to read, young and old, so we will make the lab available for everybody,” he said.

Due to the government’s limited budget, Mr Butler said it is a big plus that Hutchison and the Rotary Club are interested in the plight of the school to offer quality education.

Godfrey Smith, HPH Bahamas Business Units’ CEO, said that Hutchison is very impressed by the work being done at the Eight Mile Rock High School, and commended Mr Butler and his staff for their dedication and commitment.

“Despite some disadvantages compared to students in the Freeport area, Eight Mile Rock High School continues to produce top students and by extension they enhance our island’s work force,” Mr Smith said.

Mr Smith is pleased that the lab will afford the students and the wider community the opportunity to improve basic and much needed skills. He said that Hutchison remains committed to such projects and activities that build stronger communities.