THE ROCKHOUSE FOUNDATION

During the Summer of 2005 The Rockhouse Foundation undertook its second major project with the renovation and development of the Negril Early Childhood Institute at the Negril Basic School.

The Rockhouse Foundation, the charitable arm of the Rockhouse Hotel, is a U.S. chartered non-profit organization primarily focused on support for education and poverty prevention in childhood. At its establishment in 2003, the foundation identified that the students at the local Negril Schools were sitting in overcrowded classrooms under leaky roofs, with poor wiring, meager ventilation, deprived facilities, and an inadequate learning environment. The foundation has sought to make significant improvements.

Over the past 2 years the Rockhouse Foundation and its generous supporters together with the Rockhouse Hotel have invested over J$20 million (USD 300,000) in the transformation of the Negril All Age and Basic Schools.

The renovation and expansion project has been a collaborative effort with the Negril Chamber of Commerce, USAID, the Ministry of Education, local tradesmen, sub-contractors, teachers, Rockhouse staff, local vendors and community leaders.

Every student now sits at their desks in renovated, structurally sound classrooms with no more leaks interrupting their lessons. They all have access to an air conditioned computer library and literacy facilities, a new cafeteria with fully equipped kitchen and canteen operations. In addition they now enjoy greatly improved grounds, play areas and a garden project space.