History of the Smithville Early Childhood Institution

Smithville Early Childhood Institution (Basic school) is currently housed in a building which was funded by the Jamaican Government.

The school has developed from its humble beginnings in 1944 to what it is today. After leaving elementary school at the age of 15 years old Ms Melva Williamson decided that the young children in the community needed to have an early start to their education.  She started an infant school at her home and 12 children were in attendance.  The infant school later moved into the cellar of the Church of God located in Top Quarters.  By this time the numbers of children attending had grown. Ms Williamson despite many challenges kept the school going for over 47 years. She died in 1991 at the age of 62 years by which time 35 children were in attendance.

The running of the school was taken over by her daughter, Miss Testa Edwards.  The school continued to be accommodated under the cellar of the church.  Conditions were cramped and grossly inadequate for the children.  The environment of the accommodation did not lend itself for the children's health and learning   Miss Edwards attempted to obtain a more suitable accommodation but was hampered by the fact that she was unable to obtain funding for a new building.  The Baptist Union donated a piece of land for the school, however because the funds were not available the Principal, Miss Edwards, with all her efforts was unable to obtain a donor to provide the funds to construct the building.      

In 2006 The Smithville Community Association was founded by Mrs Morelda Powell a returned resident and her colleague Mrs Gerda Shan.  Miss Edwards approached the Association seeking assistance and support to obtain funding to build the school.   In recognition of the plight of the community's children the Association took on this need as a challenge and applied to several funding agencies, including "Lift up Jamaica" seeking funding to erect the building.  "Lift up Jamaica" accepted the Association's application and hey presto Smithville was in line for an appropriate building to house its Basic school.  With the involvement of the then member of Parliament, Mr Azan the building started in 2007. 

By September 2008, the building was still under construction but was at a stage where it could be used.  Although the new building was incomplete, it became clear that the children could not return to the cramped and totally inadequate environment which seriously hampered their learning and health.   In September 2008, permission was granted to use the building and the children and their teachers moved in. In spite of the many, many challenges and gross lack of resources, the children and their teachers found the accommodation a great deal more comfortable for learning.

Although the Government funds the building they take no responsibility for equipping it. Funds to equip the school have to be sought from many other funding agencies.  Much work, energy and effort have gone in to achieving this goal; many promises have been made but have yet to materialize.   This means that the school is still  badly in  need of practical and financial support to obtain items such as  desks and chairs for teachers and pupils, appliances, books, pens, pencils, filing cabinet, computers, sponsorship for ancillary workers to name a few.  We will be more than grateful for any assistance we receive for the school.