Flight Center, Sandals Foundation Give New Beginning School $50,000-Plus Facelift

Students who attend the New Beginning School of Continuous Education were smiling from ear to ear after seeing their Five Cays, Providenciales learning facility transform from a rundown, ill-equipped compound to a majestic facility equipped with spanking new learning apparatuses and amenities.

The $50,000 plus transformation was made possible through the kind collaboration between the Sandals Foundation and the Flight Centre, a Canadian travel retailer. Renovation of the building which involves painting, outfitting with over a dozen computers, construction of a staircase that enables easier access to the building, building of a new bathroom including shower, planting of flowers, and formation an unpaved parking lot.

Greg Dixon, President of Flight Centre, told reporters at the official opening on Monday (September 15, 2014) that his company has been a proud supporter of the Turks and Caicos Islands and the wider Caribbean for some time now.

He said that each year when his Flight Centre stages a major conference in a Caribbean destination, funds are raised among delegates, and the total sum amassed is matched by his company. He said the total sum is then used to bankroll a local project.

Heidi Clarke, Director of Programs for the Sandals Foundation said that not only has Flight Centre been a huge supporter of Caribbean tourism but it also gives back to the community.

For her part, Hon. Akierra Missick, Minister for Education, Youth, Sport and Library Service, said that the refurbishing of the facility has shown what private/ public sector partnerships can achieve.

The minister said that she will now be looking to see what kind of agreement can be worked out between the school and the ministry as to whether New Beginning can assist in lessening the overcrowding at the Clement Howell High school, by accommodating some of students from institution there.

Missick said that students coming to New Beginning School of Continuous Education, and who may have behavioral issues or need extra time and attention, could benefit from the counseling that is provided there.

Bascombe, who has been at the helm of the 11-year-old institution for the past eight years, said that the institution caters to school dropouts and at risk students between the ages of 12 to 18.

The school went into the summer break with 27 students. The tuition cost to attend New Beginning is $300 per term. Students recommended by Social Development do not pay to attend.

Boscombe said that when the school originally opened it was to accommodate teen moms, but it has since evolved into taking in other students, even attracting those that failed to find space regular schools. He said that in addition to offering technical subjects, the school also offers academic subjects, and prepares students for CXCs.

Boscombe said that the school is also supported by a number of civic organizations in the community such as Paradise Baptist Church, the Salvation Army and the Anglican Church Women of St. Monica’s.

Source: The Turks & Caicos Sun