-by Shamiah Grant
Construction will begin on a new $421 million annex at St. Joseph’s High School, following a sod-turning ceremony held this morning. This expansion underscores the government’s commitment to improving access to quality education and delivering modern, safe, and inclusive learning environments for all students.
The new annex, funded with support from the World Bank, will accommodate an additional 250 students and will feature 10 classrooms with modern, wheelchair-accessible facilities.
Specialized spaces include Biology and Physics laboratory, a Clothing and Textiles lab, an Allied Arts room, and a Counseling room.
The project is expected to be completed in 10 months. Speaking at the ceremony, Education Minister Sonia Parag says the new block is necessary.
“This is a school that has grown from strength to strength and now houses more than 500 students, and if we are going to give you access, it is not only building a school to give you access, but it is also extending existing schools so that we do not place you in an position where you are overcrowded and cannot thrive in that environment,” she said.
First Lady Arya Ali emphasised that every new structure represents opportunity, growth, and the nation’s collective belief in its youth.
“This new annex, set to accomodate an additional 250 students, prioritises investments in the minds, talents and aspirations of our nationa’s grewatest assets- our children. This investment also represents strength in partnership. This collaboration with key stakeholders, such as the World Bank, School board and the Parent-Teacher Association demonstrates the government’s unwavering committment to investing in the limitless potential of our youth,” the First Lady said.
Secondary School is 70 percent complete and is expected to accommodate 300 students in the upcoming school year.