Hart Hill Basic School Update

When the sun rose over the hills of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica on March 10, 2025, the small community of Leeds awoke to heartbreak. Smoke still drifted from the blackened remains of their beloved Leeds Primary & Infant School — a century-old cornerstone of the community that had stood for generations as a place of learning, laughter, and hope. The fire had started late the previous night, tearing through several critical sections of the school: the principal’s office, staff room, library, and a classroom . By morning, little was left but ash, twisted metal, and memories. Teachers wept as they sifted through the debris. Children stood silently, clutching their books and uniforms, trying to make sense of what had happened to their second home. The estimated loss — over J$50 million (approximately US $320,000) — is devastating for this rural parish. Leeds Primary & Infant School isn’t just a building; it’s a symbol of opportunity in a community where education represents the only bridge to a brighter future. “Everything is gone.” Those were the haunting words of Principal Sharon Bennett , speaking to local reporters the morning after the fire. Decades of progress, supplies, and hard-earned improvements — gone overnight. Yet amid the ashes, something powerful began to stir. The people of Leeds refused to lose hope. Parents volunteered to clean the grounds. Teachers began holding lessons under trees and in borrowed community spaces. And soon, word spread beyond Jamaica — reaching the hearts of compassionate believers around the world. A Call to Rebuild Christos Ministries International (CMI) , a nonprofit organization dedicated to building and restoring educational facilities for children in under-resourced communities, answered that call. For years, Christos Ministries has been committed to helping children access safe, quality education — from constructing new classrooms to equipping schools with essential resources and technology. Their mission is simple yet profound: to transform communities through Christ-centered education and compassionate action. Now, they are launching one of their most urgent initiatives yet — a $300,000 fundraising campaign to rebuild and fully restore Leeds Primary & Infant School . A School at the Heart of the Community Leeds Primary & Infant isn’t a large institution. It serves fewer than 200 students, yet its influence radiates across generations. For families in this rural part of St. Elizabeth, the school is the heartbeat of the village. It’s where parents once sat on those same benches decades ago. It’s where grandparents come to watch concerts, graduations, and community meetings. It’s the first place every child in Leeds learns to read, to dream, and to believe that a better life is possible. When the fire struck, it didn’t just destroy classrooms — it interrupted the rhythm of the community’s daily life. Students preparing for their Primary Exit Profile (PEP) exams were displaced. Teachers lost years of instructional materials and resources. And yet, the spirit of resilience that defines Jamaica refused to be extinguished. With support from the Jamaican Ministry of Education , temporary classrooms have been set up, and some areas of the school have been cleaned and cleared. But full restoration — rebuilding the classrooms, installing new furniture and equipment, and creating a safe, modern learning environment — will take far more resources than the local community can provide on its own. Christos Ministries Steps In Christos Ministries is no stranger to rebuilding what’s been lost. Founded on the belief that “every child deserves the right to learn in safety and dignity,” the organization has been instrumental in constructing and restoring schools across the Caribbean and beyond. Their approach is holistic. Christos Ministries doesn’t just build walls — they build futures. Each project includes not only physical reconstruction, but also the provision of furniture, educational materials, and teacher support. For the Leeds project, the plan includes: Rebuilding the destroyed classrooms, library, and administrative offices Installing updated electrical and fire safety systems Providing new furniture, technology, and learning resources Creating a safe playground and outdoor learning area for students Establishing a “Hope Fund” for ongoing maintenance and teacher development The goal is not simply to replace what was lost — but to make it better than before. The $300,000 Vision Raising $300,000 will make it possible to restore the Leeds Primary & Infant School to full operation and expand its capacity for future generations. $100,000 will go toward construction and materials $75,000 toward furnishings and educational equipment $50,000 toward fire safety, wiring, and structural upgrades $50,000 for technology and learning tools $25,000 for teacher support, training, and ongoing maintenance Every dollar raised will directly contribute to rebuilding the heart of this community. Why This Matters For many of the children at Leeds Primary & Infant, education is not just about reading and writing — it’s about survival and opportunity. In rural Jamaica, access to quality education can determine whether a child escapes the cycle of poverty or remains trapped within it. As Christos Ministries Founder [Insert Leader’s Name] put it: “When a school burns, a community’s light goes out. But when we rebuild, that light shines brighter than ever — because now, the world knows they are not alone.” Through this campaign, Christos Ministries invites donors, churches, and partners around the globe to be part of that light. How You Can Help Rebuilding a school is more than a construction project — it’s an act of faith and love. Christos Ministries is calling on individuals, families, and businesses to join the effort in one of three ways: Donate: Every contribution, large or small, brings the project closer to completion. Sponsor a Classroom: Major donors can dedicate a classroom, library section, or playground area in honor of a loved one or organization. Share the Story: Awareness is power. Spreading the word about Leeds Primary & Infant helps inspire others to act. Donations can be made securely at www.christos-ministries.org