Spiritual Palace has always been involved in charitable events. From Food for Families during the holidays, to cash donations to the needy for Christmas toys for their children, to school supplies for a school in Boughton Hill Jamaica.
We adopted a school outside of Negril and became friends with Miss Ruby who is the principal of Boughton Hill Primary School as well as a local minister.
We had over 30 book bags packed with paper, pens, paint, calculators, books and love. Book bags are treasured there. Those who have a book bag never let them leave their site. They wear them all day. Our last trip we hauled 200 pounds of school supplies for these kids.
We often take so very much for granted here in the states. Primary grades in Jamaica go until the 6th grade. After the 6th grade, a student can pass a test and move on to higher education or try to find a job (a very hard task in a country whose unemployment rate is 60%)
However even though most were going to pass only one or two were going to be able to go to 7th grade. After 6th grade there is a high cost per student to move on. This is such a luxury in a country where the average wage is far below our own poverty standard.
The school is very sparse. The kids are so well behaved. Their school projects were very similar to reports we've all done here. But of course, they are sharing books, pencils, even desks. Often 3 students to a crude wooden desk.
The school raises a goat and grows a garden each year. They use this food to provide lunches for the students. However when the food runs out, attendance drops because students have limited resources to bring a lunch with them.
All too often when asked, the children do not remember when their last full meal was.
We can make a difference - actually we have and will continue to
Rev. John, his wife, and Minister Miss Ruby
The classroom
The Kids
