Arawak Cement Company has launched a multi-faceted, long term partnership with Darryl Jordan Secondary School with a donation of 25 computers.
In making the presentation of the computers and announcing Arawak’s partnership with the neighbouring school, the General Manager, Manuel Toro, revealed that the company will be taking a keen interest in the long-term development of the students. He disclosed that part of this investment in their future would be Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) training at the Arawak Cement plant. This programme will give the students hands-on experience at the plant to boost their competency levels for scholastic assessment and certification.
The General Manager also disclosed that another facet of the partnership would be the replacement of steel pans for the Darryl Jordan Secondary Steel Orchestra.
Toro added that Arawak was looking beyond the confines of the classroom, and was keen to help prepare the students for stellar workplace performance after they leave school. To this end, the company had developed the leadership programme and was also providing opportunities for the students to expand their horizons through bilingual capability. The General Manager himself, who is Spanish speaking will be taking a personal interest by engaging with the students in Spanish classes to add authenticity to
their experience.
Arawak’s donation and interest in the school were met with enthusiasm by St. Lucy MP, Mr. Dennis Kellman who attended the presentation, and the Principal, Stephen Jackman and Deputy Principal, Ken Layne.
The students were delighted to be the center of attention and showed their appreciation in songs, brilliantly performed by the school’s steel pan orchestra. Toro, a lover of pan music, said that he enjoyed the performance and promised to be playing with the troupe by the end of the year.