Grace Bay Resorts Foundation has added another school to their adoption programme.
The Ianthe Pratt Primary School in Provo is the latest to be under the care of the luxurious resort.
The adoption was due in great part thanks to two members of the foundation who pleaded the case for the school on Providenciales to join schools on North, Middle and South Caicos already adopted by the group.
Adelphine Pitter, who was recently promoted to resident manager of the Estates at Grace Bay, and Deleria Simms, human resource manager for the company, believed the school could benefit tremendously from the support the GBR Foundation has given the adopted schools.
Last year the GBR Foundation donated a remarkable $100,000 to local schools and offered several scholarships for local students to attend the TCI Community College. It has also been active in all of its properties giving opportunities for local students to serve internships during their vacations, gaining experience in the country’s number one industry — tourism.
“We are here not to build hotels, we are here to build lives,” said Mark Durliat, CEO and principal of Grace Bay Resorts. He thanked the school, saying he is grateful for the opportunity to demonstrate how tourism can help the country.
Students showed their appreciation through song, choral speaking and cheers. “This is something we have been longing for, praying for, hoping for and praying for,” moderator Mrs. Alexander told the body of students, teachers, dignitaries from the education department and members of the Grace Bay Resort Foundation who were in attendance for the ceremony.
Director of Education Edgar Howell noted the adoption was critically important for the school, especially given the economic state of the country.
“They can do a whole lot more because of the access to resources this relationship with the private sector offers them,” he said. This is particularly so in the areas of reading, math and early education, he added.
