Parade Gardens Lutheran School Presentation by Rev Obot

Parade Gardens Lutheran School Presentation by Rev. Obot Ite, Missionary Pastor, Lutheran Ministries in Jamaica

Virtual Foro April 25, 2020

In the beginning… Parade Gardens Preschool began in 2014 -2015 school year as a community project pioneered by Mrs. Sandra Buchanan and members of the Parade Gardens Community Development Community. 2018– 2019 2014– 2015 The school grew successfully over the years but faced possible closure toward the end of 2018 -2019 school year because of funding.

In the beginning… • Mrs. Buchanan and other members of the Community Development Committee approached me in early February 2019 and discussed the possibility of adoption as Lutheran School with the hope of sustaining its vision, the dreams of children and parents, as well as offering a good education for the children of the community and the environs.

The Big Vision: I seized the moment and shared the vision with our Area Facilitator – Rev. Charles St-Onge, who later shared the vision with many others and secured the first funding for a take-off of this school year. Parade Gardens Lutheran School officially opened door to students on September 4, 2019. Official Chapel Service took place on September 18, 2019.

The Big Vision: • We are desirous of sharing the Gospel with every student, staff and parent while showing mercy and planting Lutheran Churches in the community and beyond through this project.

Location and facility: The School is located at the Parade Gardens Community Centre. 40 Laws Street, Central Kingston.

Population: 40 Students at the beginning of March 2020. 01 From 39 different families in the community and around downtown Kingston. 02 3 Teachers, 1 Teacher aide, 2 Support staff and 1 Administrator (Mrs. Sandra Buchanan), Chaplain – Pastor Ite

Before the take-off of PGLS

Classrooms 3 Classrooms

Students and Parents

Short and long-term Goals: Engage all the parents in faith conversation. Offer ongoing parenting workshop for families in the community. Connect willing and unchurched parents and students with Faith’s congregation. Secure a larger facility for the school. Engage and train Lutheran teachers. Increase the number of classroom and grade level.

50% of student population does not have required textbooks for classroom instruction. Limited educational toys and materials Challenges Utilities – Water and electricity are underfunded. Teachers’ welfare package.

Appreciation • We are grateful to God for all the support received so far for this project. Thank you for your generosity and for sharing in this vision for the advancement of Christ’s kingdom and the growth of His Church.