In 2005, the Liberty Foundation opened its doors to seven abandoned and neglected children in the Ladyville area. One year later, Liberty is now home to nineteen - ranging in age from ten months to 9 years old. But now Liberty wants to be more than just a home for those children, it is now also a school. Sure a small new school building opening on a Sunday night wouldn't normally be news - but tonight it is because of the personalities that turned out to inaugurate the new building valued at about half a million dollars.
Keith Swift Reporting,
What were British billionaire Michael Ashcroft, Prime Minister Said Musa, Leader of the Opposition Dean Barrow, Home Affairs Minister Rralph Fonseca, businessman Luke Espat, Social Security Board Chairman Michel Chebat, and David Novelo doing in the same room on Sunday?
Well might surprise you. All these heavy hitters were at the Liberty Children's Center in Ladyville for the opening of a fairly modest school building. The new classrooms are located on the grounds of Liberty, a British funded shelter for abandoned and special needs children - that's one of the Michael Ashcroft's charitable interests. And Ashcroft's longtime friend, some time foe, Prime Minister Said Prime Minister cut the ribbon.
[PM Said Musa Cutting]
It is actually a pre-school which will be primarily for the nineteen children who already call Liberty home.
Joanne Rahn is the site manager for Liberty.
Joanne Rahn, Liberty Home
"We have children from ten months up to nine years. We have happy children with glowing faces who love to run, who love to play, who love to smile, who love to participate, who are very excited about a new school opening."
The school's principal is Dacia Tillett. She expects classes to begin in about a month and says the curriculum won't be limited to ABCs and 123s.
Dacia Tillet, Principal
"The traditional education which is about handing students the answers is no longer sufficient. This school will not follow the traditional approach. We believe that all children regardless of physical disabilities has the right to a sound education. As a principal, teacher, mother, and parent they will be treated as one."
The ceremony was mixed in with cultural dances from an Orange Walk dance groups and some musical numbers. It also included this $12,000 from the leader of the Opposition's partner Kim Simplis' Lifeline Foundation. And with those dollars and the morale boost from the big names, the future for this little school looks bright.
The building is 6,000 foot. It can cater to 75 students up to five years old. It will also be opened to other children in the area. The Liberty Foundation funded construction.
