Representatives of Be The Change Foundation, Samenwerkende Fondsen, Bouygues Construction and Little Goslings pose for a photo in the newly reconstructed day-care centre.
CAY BAY–A joint initiative of Be The Change (BTC) Foundation, Terre Plurielle Foundation and “Samenwerkende Fondsen Cariben” (SFC) has led to the reopening of Little Goslings Day-care and Nursery in Cay Bay, two years after it was destroyed by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.
Earlier this year, BTC received a grant from Terre Plurielle Foundation. Terre Plurielle is the corporate foundation of Bouygues Construction, who since 2008 has worked to promote education, employment opportunities, healthcare and support for special needs groups through financial support and the voluntary involvement of its employees.
The project, still ongoing and partly funded by SFC, aims to repair three day-care centres which were badly damaged by the 2017 hurricanes. These are Little Goslings in Cay Bay, Discovery Kidz Preschool in Dutch Quarter and Lighthouse in Fort Willem.
“Here in St. Maarten, where many children come from single-parent households, and/or households with both parents working full-time, especially in this post-Irma setting, these institutions are especially important for the success and positive development of our communities.
“However, day-cares, play schools and nurseries can often be considered the ‘left behind’ organisations within the NGO [non-governmental organisation – Ed.] sector since they do not qualify for government subsidy, but are nevertheless government-inspected and regulated. Therefore, parental contributions alone make it difficult to cover high utility overheads, teacher salaries and not to mention, the high construction cost of repairs to their premises,” said BTC in a press release.
Much support from the business community went into Little Goslings’ reopening. A 19-cubic-foot General Electric refrigerator was donated by SHAMS, a local business selling home appliances, electronics and mattresses since 1989. A brand-new full-colour aluminium sign was printed and donated by Print & Sign Express located on Cannegieter Street in Philipsburg. Air conditioning split units were provided and installed by Tony’s Air Conditioning and Brian Boekhoudt. Finally, custom school shirts for new and returning pupils were discounted by T-Shirt Maxx in Cole Bay.
Little Goslings Director Colleen Cato said she is overjoyed to be open again. “Now that we are open again, we can direct all of our time and energy towards ensuring the children’s development and preparing them for a successful transition into Cycle 1,” she said.
For more information about BTC, persons can send an e-mail to
For more information about SFC, persons can send an e-mail to
sintmaarten@samenwerkendefondsen.org.
Persons seeking information about Terre Plurielle can visit its website at
bouygues-constuction.com.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/91041-btc-sfc-businesses-help-reopen-day-care
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