Two stories in today’s paper should help inspire some hope as to the next generation, following arguably the island’s worst natural disaster ever. For starters, Foundation Catholic Education is partnering with the Middle Region/Defiance Community Council to create an “exceptional” school for the neighbourhood, including its Sister Marie Laurence Primary School exceptionally hard-hit by Hurricane Irma.
The regular Foundation-Based Education (FBE) programme will be maintained, but focus more on the students’ overall development, considering their current, often dire social circumstances. Offerings regarding arts and crafts, music, home economics and sports are to cater to their talents.
All this is to take place in a stronger building that is also used as hurricane shelter, with gym hall and other out-of-classroom facilities now lacking. For the time being the area’s pupils will have to go to class elsewhere, but at least there is the prospect of a brand-new modern school.
Worth mentioning also is the “Too COOL to loot campaign” and its logo design contest. While many would prefer to not even talk about the shameful widespread looting that occurred still during and after the passage of Irma, it is something society must deal and come to terms with.
The damage this caused to not just the direct victims, but ultimately the island’s economy and consequently the entire community, is enough reason to actively discourage such uncivilised behaviour. Doing so especially among the youth makes all the sense in the world, as they will determine what would happen under similar conditions in the future.
These are just two examples of efforts to turn adversity into opportunity after such an extremely catastrophic event. Those involved should be commended for having the vision and determination to try to make the best out of a really bad situation.
