Children in Morne Jaune now have a new place to play, exercise and spend time together following the official opening of a new playground at the Morne Jaune Primary School.
The project, completed by the Rotary Club of Portsmouth, is the sixth playground developed through the Club’s Playground Initiative.
According to a Rotary Club of Portsmouth release, the project was made possible with financial support from Republic Bank (EC) Limited through its Power to Make a Difference Programme. The programme supports initiatives aimed at improving lives and strengthening communities across the region.
The release stated that the new recreational area is intended to serve both students of Morne Jaune Primary School and children from the surrounding community, providing a safe and welcoming space for play, physical activity, interaction and social development.
The Rotary Club said the initiative reflects its belief that play is an important part of childhood development. In addition to providing recreation, playgrounds can help children build confidence, form friendships, improve coordination and creativity, and support their physical and emotional well-being.
“This playground is important for our club as it is part of our efforts to eradicate childhood obesity by keeping our children active. Additionally, it is an investment in our children, their happiness, and their development, as every child deserves a safe place to play, dream, explore, and simply enjoy being a child,” said Kalisha Aaron, President of the Rotary Club of Portsmouth.
The Morne Jaune project is part of the Club’s wider effort to create child-friendly spaces in communities throughout Dominica. Through the Playground Initiative, Rotary has partnered with businesses, schools, community leaders, contractors, volunteers and residents to turn available spaces into safe and accessible areas for children.
The Club expressed appreciation to Republic Bank for supporting its Playground Dominica vision and providing the funding needed to complete the Morne Jaune project. It said the bank’s contribution through the Power to Make a Difference Programme highlights the role corporate partnerships can play in education, community development and improving children’s well-being.
Thanks were also extended to the Ministry of Education; the principal, staff, students and Parent-Teacher Association of Morne Jaune Primary School; the contractor and work team; community members; Rotarians; and everyone else who contributed time, expertise and support to the project.
The Rotary Club is encouraging the school and wider community to take responsibility for maintaining and protecting the playground so that it can continue benefiting children for years to come.
As the sixth Playground Dominica project, the Morne Jaune playground, the Club says it represents another step toward the goal of creating safe recreational spaces for children across Dominica.
The Rotary Club of Portsmouth said it remains committed to “service above self” and to working with partners such as Republic Bank on sustainable projects designed to create lasting change.
