By Steve Thomas Observer Nevis Editor
(St. John’s, Nevis) ” An effort to raise money for kitchen equipment at the St. John’s Primary School is off to a good start, one of the organizers said. “There has been much enthusiasm,” according to Hastings Daniel. “People want to be a part of it.” “Mr. Daniel and other concerned citizens are working to collect enough money to install a commercial-grade stove, refrigerator, cooler and other equipment at St. John’s Primary so students can receive hot, nutritious meals during the school day. The organizers hope to raise EC$65,000. However, this is not a long-term financial effort. Mr. Daniel is hoping for results in the very near future. “My goal is (to raise the money) by mid-December,” Mr. Daniel said. He wants to have the kitchen outfitted and ready for meal preparation when the students return on Jan. 5, 2009. A meeting is scheduled at St. John’s Primary for 10 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 22, for everyone interested in supporting the project. It is open to the public and organizers hope those attending will be in a giving mood. The plans for the meal program have gone far beyond just picking out equipment, Mr. Daniel said. Volunteers have come forward to assist in meal preparation. Professional chefs have designed 20 menus with healthy meals for school-age children. In addition, the group is asking anyone with surplus produce or fruit to donate it to the program, he said. “If you have some bananas in your yard that you”re not going to eat, we”ll take them,” Mr. Daniel said. “The same with mangoes or anything. . . We are seeking all the help we can from the community.” The government is also behind the project. “The Department of Education is very excited,” he said “We want to make it a real show place.” So far, a meals program at St. Thomas Primary School has met with success, Mr. Daniel said. Once the work is off and running at St. John’s, the group hopes to continue to spread it around the island. For more information, contact Mr. Daniel at” 662.8146 or 469.5572.
