A primary school principal yesterday spoke of her excitement after being selected to receive a cash injection from Government's ‘Adopt a School' programme.

Education Minister Dame Jennifer Smith announced that five primary schools would benefit from up to $10,000 in labour per school year.

The cash would go towards maintenance projects including painting and repairs, plumbing, electrical, carpentry or landscaping services.

Acting Principal, Suzette Cheeseman, of Victor Scott Primary admitted they felt “really excited” and “privileged” to be one of the schools chosen.

“We are looking forward to a partnership that makes sure we are able to receive what we can from each other.

“Money is always needed as a public school, right now we are still letting it sink in and absorbing the fact that we have been selected.” she added.

Victor Scott was “adopted” by Jim Kerwin, of Rock Media Ltd. and Oxford Communications. Mr. Kerwin also adopted Harrington Sound Primary.

Former Premier Ewart Brown, of Brown-Darrell Clinic and Bermuda Healthcare Services, adopted two schools Victor Scott Primary and Harrington Sound Primary.

Health Minister Zane DeSilva and his wife Joanne, both of Island Construction Company Limited, adopted Heron Bay Primary.

While Gerald Burt and his son Senator David Burt, of Burt Construction Ltd, have adopted Northlands Primary.

Dame Jennifer admitted such acts of generosity showed students “in a very tangible way that the wider world does care about them”.

She said: “Principals and teachers are intimately aware of the difficulty encountered in making schools physically ready each year. Sometimes a small problem unattended becomes a larger problem.

“All because we have ageing facilities with no current means of responding to their maintenance issues on a timely basis.

“It was this situation that sparked the “Adopt A School” programme. I chose to focus on primary schools because they lay the foundation for all other learning and because they are (generally) the older facilities.”

Dame Jennifer commended Mr DeSilva for his “enthusiasm” and said due to the response, the programme would be extended beyond construction companies to individuals, businesses and organisations who want to give “in kind” donations.”

According to Dame Jennifer, the money would mean students' studies were not interrupted by maintenance problems in an ageing facility.

She added: “Not only will your contribution see an improvement in the physical plant of our schools but the adoption of a school means that the student body will benefit from the special interest you take in ensuring that their physical plant is maintained to the best of your ability.”

“If we are to successfully address the concerns expressed by parents, the community and yes the media, it will require the help of every resident and business in Bermuda.”

She encouraged more organisations to ‘Adopt A School' and said interested parties should contact the Education Ministry on 278-3300.