GRENADA: - The famous American visionary and inventor, Henry Ford, once said, “Time and money spent in helping men to do more for themselves is far better than mere giving.” This statement seems quite apt in commenting on the relationship between the St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic School (G’da) and its Ex-Students Association Inc. of New York. On Wednesday June 10, 2009, Mr. Anthony Robertson, President of the St. Patrick’s RC School Ex-students Association (based in New York), along with other members of the association, visited their alma mater to officially donate a fully functional Information Technology Lab to the school. Donations of computers were also made to the Roman Catholic Church of St. Patrick’s as well as the Hilarion Cheshire Home for the Aged. Importance of the donation ------------------------------ The donation of an Information Technology laboratory to the St. Patrick’s RC School is of tremendous importance to the staff and students of the school. Not only will this timely contribution assist the teachers of the school to access vital online resources for their classes, but it will also help to improve the computer literacy level of the students of the school in an age when knowledge of computers is viewed as an indispensible asset in accessing the limited jobs that are available. In other words, the donation of the Computer lab will go a long way in preparing the students of St. Patrick’s R.C for the many challenges that lie ahead of them. Impressive ceremony held ----------------------------- In recognition of this truly momentous event, an impressive ceremony was held at the school’s compound, located in the historic parish of St. Patrick (only a few meters away from the famous ‘Lepers Hill’ where over forty (40) Grenadian Caribs plunged to their deaths back in 1651 – preferring to die as free men as opposed to living a life of servitude and humiliation under their French oppressors). The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Tillman Thomas, Hon. Joseph Gilbert, Mr. Anthony Robertson and other members of the Ex-Students Association, the Area Education Officer, special invited guests, members of the media, clergy, staff and students of the school. The opening prayers were done by Fr. Frederick Isek of the St. Patrick’s RC Church. This was followed by opening remarks from the Principal of the school, Mr. David Hopkin, who gave an overview of the school’s Information technology project. In addressing the gathering, the President of the Ex-students Association commented on the reasons why the past pupils of the school saw the need to make the donation of the computer laboratory. He spoke about the importance of Information Technology to the lives of people (at present and in the future) and exhorted the students to take care of the computer systems and to make maximum use of the opportunities provided to them to acquire essential skills and knowledge and properly equip themselves for life in the future. His sentiments were echoed by Prime Minister Tillman Thomas, Hon. Joseph Gilbert and the Area Education Officer in delivering their respective remarks at the ceremony. The visitors and special invited guests were treated to a cultural extravaganza by the students of the school who were in a very ebullient mood throughout the entire exercise. The ribbon to the computer laboratory was cut by a young student from the kindergarten level and the room was blessed by Fr. Frederick Isek. Need for emulation --------------------- The interest of the past students of St. Patrick’s RC School (New York based) in the future of their school not only demonstrates a love and appreciation for what the school would have done for them in helping them to be who they are today, but more importantly, it highlights an unselfish desire on their part, to give back something to the young people who presently attend the institution and assist them in improving their future lives. By making donations to the church and a home that cares for the aged, the ex-students have demonstrated an attempt to give back something to their community. These are all very noble pursuits and Grenadian Connection wishes to congratulate all the members of the association, as well as all other active past pupil associations, who have chosen to partner with parents, schools and the Ministry of Education to help improve the quality of education delivered in schools throughout the tri-island state. It would be good to see other past pupil organizations being formed and the organizations take a page from the book of the St. Patrick’s Ex-students and give back as much as they can to their schools and communities. By working together, we can truly make a difference and impact positively on the future. You can view photos and video clips of the ceremony by visiting Inside Grenada Photos. Inside Grenada News