COVID-19 Aid For Portsmouth Basic School

Hello Everyone,

The Philibert Kitchen philibertkitchen.com  and The living God international prophetic ministries has join together to help raise $5000  US to send a 20’ x 8’ x 8’6” container with school supplies and sanitary supplies to assist the Portsmouth Basic School in Jamaica. The funds will also help assist the school in paying the current staff. 

The school is currently close at the moment because of lack of social distancing materials to provide a safe learning environment for all students and staff. The entire philibert family attended the school and we are proud to say our mother Sandra Philibert was also a teacher on staff. 

With your help we are hoping to accomplish this goal by December 31,2020 as we race to provide other emergency assistance to help the school reopen. 

HISTORY OF THE PORTSMOUTH BASIC SCHOOL

When we reflect on a school that blossomed from a nursery in 1980 – 1983 --- then on a verandah --- to under a tent --- then in a house and now in an independent building, there is so much to give God thanks for.

The school formally known as Milton Place Basic School started on a verandah on February 21, 1983 with an enrolment of twelve (12) children and one (1) teacher - Mrs. Ikoline Thomas (now the principal of the above named institution). During the years, there was a steady growth and the enrolment increased. In 1987, classes were extended to the carport and a section of the house.  Realizing that the school has out-grown its limited space since it was still being used as a dwelling; the principal then applied to various Government Ministries including the Portsmouth Citizen Association and other relevant authorities for assistance. However, during that time all the plans fell through. In 1993, the house was sold. The principal still tried to keep the school together by paying rent of three thousand dollars ($3000.00) per month to the new owner. However the new owner did not wish to have school continue at her premises and asked that the school be relocated by December 14, 1993 or face Court Action. As a result, from January - March 1994 the classes had to be held under a tent. The school had to be relocated yet again to another dwelling in April 1994 at a cost of one thousand five hundred dollars ($1500.00) per month.  

While the school was housed under the tent, it caught the eyes of the Media and a group from the International Proxy Parents (I.P.P.). Representatives from the I.P.P., Member of Parliament and the West Indies Home Contractors gave contributions to the Citizens Association to help with the construction of a school building. The school was constructed on 13,700 sq. feet of land, which was acquired through a long-termlease from the Commissioner of Lands.

In September 1996, the school was relocated to its present premises and given the name Portsmouth Basic School. It was recognized by the Ministry of Education in December 1996. Presently the school now has almost one hundred children on roll (100), five (5) teachers on staff along with a chef and an ancillary worker. Through training and workshops, these qualified members of staff are making great contributions towards the holistic development of the children in their care. A small fee of $ 7500.00 per term (four months) for each child finances the school and a lunch contribution of $150.00 per day. These contributions are used to pay salaries, utilities, purchase groceries and maintain the institution. However, it is through the grace of God that our store baskets keep on sustaining us. Presently the school is in dire need of landscaping and renovation to adequately provide safety for our children.  

The Portsmouth Basic School is a beacon in the community of Portsmouth and prides itself in instilling good values and attitudes in children in helping them to become remarkable individuals. Its success can be attributed to the help of parents and sponsors such as the Philibert’s family who are actively involved in the activities and projects put on by the school.

Directors:  Aston Nash – Chairman : Ikoline Thomas - Principal