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In a quest to
secure that power for the people of our nation, the late Mrs. Audrey
V. Salmon envisioned and established El Instituto de Mandevilla. Her
dream became reality twenty-four years ago, commencing its first
term with 13 students. The institution now boasts a student
population of almost five hundred (500), and is doing great things
for the nation’s children.
The administrators and staff of the primary level institution
expressed their appreciation for the foresight of the founder and
former Principal of the school by hosting the inaugural Founder’s
Day on Thursday, January 18, 2007. The event was held on the school
grounds, and focused on the theme, ‘Building on the Legacy’.
The Procession
The occasion was a
spectacular one, and one which provided the staff of the institution
with the opportunity to reflect and celebrate the life and work of
Mrs. Salmon. The event also allowed for the showcasing of the
talents, creativity, and potential of the students, teachers and
administration of the school. It was clear that some good thing had
been wrought at the institution, when teacher, Mrs. Ena Law was
accompanied by two students to offer a memorable and impressive
welcome. The students fluently offered the Spanish and French
versions of the welcome, done in English by Mrs. Law.
Mrs. Ena Law and
students delivering the welcome
The obviously well
organized event, offered an enjoyable experience to all who were in
attendance. From the procession of a marching band, master guides,
girl guides, and brownies to the pleasantries of the chairman,
Pastor Vincent Peterkin. It was all a heart-warming experience.
Chairman, Pastor
Vincent Peterkin
Greetings were
brought by Rev Basil McLeod, Chairman of the Board, Mrs. Georgia
Allen, wife of Dr. Gilbert Allen, Custos Rotolorum of Manchester,
Rev Rueben Gray, Regional Director, Region 5, Ministry of Education
and Youth, and Mr. Daniel Monteith, President, Manchester
Principals’ Association. Mrs. Faithlyn Wilson, Principal of the
institution and Mrs. Freda Jones, Director, El Instituto de
Mandevilla Ltd. offered reflections on the life of Mrs. Salmon. The
occasion featured the first ever performance of the newly written
and composed school song, entitled “El Que Quiere Puede”, which is
also the school’s motto. Derived from another Spanish saying, the
song and motto capture the essence from which the school came into
being, “where there’s a will, there’s a way”.
Dr. Herbert Thompson, President of Northern Caribbean University (NCU),
himself a visionary, offered words of commendation, wisdom, and
inspiration, as he presented the keynote address at the event. It
had been pointed out by the school’s Principal, in her introduction
of Dr. Thompson, that he had been an inspiration to Mrs. Salmon when
she was alive. It was therefore fitting that his inspirational
utterances would be heard on the grounds of an institution that
symbolizes the accomplishment of her life’s work.
In his presentation, Dr. Thompson commended the principal and
teachers of the institution for the good work they have been doing
with the students. He stated that he was proud of the continuation
of Mrs. Salmon’s work, as from the behaviour and presentations of
the children, it was obvious that “the spirit of creativity lives
on”. In making reference to Mrs. Salmon, Dr. Thompson highlighted
the fact that “if you’re willing to dream big and work, there are
endless possibilities”.
Dr. Herbert Thompson
delivering the keynote address
The University
President directed the audience’s attention to the Spanish
quotation, ‘Saber es Poder’, proposing that “the investment in
education is where our greatest hope for transformation lies”.
Suggesting the triviality of a line of demarcation between public
and private/independent schools, Dr. Thompson highlighted the vital
role that independent schools continue to play in Jamaica. The
educator pointed out that instead of creating distinctions, the
focus should be on providing education of the highest calibre to
Jamaica’s children.
“An educated populace will make a better country,” Dr. Thompson
echoed these sentiments as he brought his presentation to a close,
“may her memory inspire us to educate our children”.
In an effort to ensure that Mrs. Salmon’s legacy lives on, a
building has been named in honour of the school’s founder and former
principal. The sign declaring this fact was unveiled by Mrs.
Salmon’s widower, Mr. Delroye Salmon, and Mr. Duwhyte Johnson. The
moment of the unveiling was one of mixed emotions, as the members of
staff allowed the tears to flow, while expressing feelings of joy
and pride.
At the end of it all, the words of Mrs. Salmon echoed through the
minds of all who had been a part of the auspicious occasion.
‘Education should be like a tree, with solid roots and towering
branches. Children should be free to soar…as butterflies do atop the
branches of a tree.” Through education as a whole, and El Instituto
de Mandevilla in particular, these words and this dream will live
on.
Source: Northern Caribbean University Story Posted - Friday, January
19, 2007 |
