PM Wants Students to Help Maintain Public Facilities Through Community Service

Prime Minister Gaston Browne is proposing a greater role for students in maintaining public facilities, saying schools should incorporate community service into everyday learning.

During his weekend radio programme, Browne suggested students attending schools near the new Potters Sports Complex could assist in maintaining various aspects of the facility while developing valuable employment skills.

“There’s no reason why the students… can’t maintain the pool.”

He argued that practical experience would prepare young people for careers in pool maintenance, landscaping and grounds management.

“By learning those skills early… they can then transition as adults into pool maintenance.”

The Prime Minister also wants schools to establish nurseries to grow ornamental plants for public spaces.

“Every single school should have a plant nursery.”

He said students could help beautify both their campuses and surrounding communities.

“They should also produce some ornamental plants to beautify their respective schools.”

Rather than relying solely on contractors, Browne believes students should be encouraged to take ownership of public facilities through structured programmes.

“Why should we pay anybody to do the landscaping there?”

The proposal forms part of a broader vision to combine education with practical life skills while fostering civic responsibility among young people.