Senator Jonathan Joseph visits Bendals Primary with timely donations in the wake of school fire (photo by Robert Andre Emmanuel)
Senator Jonathan Joseph has donated school supplies and kitchen equipment to Bendals Primary School after a fire caused critical damage to the institution’s facilities.
The blaze, which occurred on January 27, destroyed the school’s administrative building, leaving staff without the basic amenities, including a microwave and electric kettle.
Senator Joseph responded swiftly, visiting the school the day after the fire to assist with cleanup efforts, dressed to physically assist with the recovery.
After surveying the damage once all clear was given, the senator identified several damaged items and committed to replacing them as a first priority.
Senator Joseph visits Bendals Primary bearing gifts (photo by Robert Andre Emmanuel)
“When I looked in the debris, I saw that you had these items, and right away I decided that these are the first items I will replace — to make the teachers more comfortable in warming their lunch and getting a hot cup of tea,” he said.
Senator Joseph, a former teacher himself, drew on his experience in the classroom when speaking about the donation.
“It gives me great pleasure to give back. I was once a teacher, and they say once a teacher, always a teacher. I pledge my continued support to Bendals Primary School,” he added, describing the morning’s donation as “just the beginning” and committing to bring the school “back and beyond” where it was before the fire.
The donation was presented at a ceremony attended by teachers, school meals staff and students, with the school’s chairperson of the Events and Finance Committee, noted that Senator Joseph’s relationship with the school spans several years, with consistent support particularly around graduation activities.
“This is not his first rodeo here,” she said. “You really, really do the best you can do for our graduating classes.”
Keziah Charles, Public Relations Officer of the Bendals Primary School Student Council, delivered a vote of thanks on behalf of the student body.
“We really want to say a special thank you for donating. It would really help us — teachers would have their things, and it would help the students who don’t have their things,” Charles said.
Senator Joseph visits Bendals Primary bearing gifts (photo by Robert Andre Emmanuel)
The school’s principal also expressed gratitude for the senator’s timely intervention, noting that in times of limited resources, community support makes a meaningful difference.
“Every thought, every item, every call — sometimes even a call will do — makes the world of difference,” she said.
Thank you. Much appreciated. lets hope they remember what you did for them when election comes along