Bon Accueil RCA School

During our first visit to Bon Accueil RCA School in March 2017 the headteacher, Mr. Rudaryo Ramsamy, showed us the ICT (computer) classroom which was quite dysfunctional, with most of the computers and equipment in a poor state of disrepair. Indeed, given the lack of computers that were properly functional, the ICT teacher could only accommodate a limited number of students for each lesson and had to share one computer across 2/3 pupils.

We committed to funding a complete refurbishment of the ICT facility which included repairing several computers, and purchasing several new computers, keyboards, a projector and air-conditioning units.

When we next visited the school in October 2017, we were pleased to see the newly upgraded ICT classroom, and to be informed by Mr. Ramsamy that it was regarded by SeDEC as one of the best primary school ICT facilities in the region.

In March 2019, the teaching staff informed us of their desire to create dedicated ‘reading corners’ in each classroom, with the express purpose of encouraging greater ‘active’ reading among the pupils. Following further in-depth discussions with the headteacher and educators, we provided the funds to produce new, more easily accessible, bookcases for all classrooms. We were later informed that, as a direct result of creating the new ‘reading corners’, the teaching staff were pleased with the responsiveness of the pupils.

In January 2021 we provided the funds for a new suite of 12 two-seater junior desks and 24 junior chairs for Grade 1 pupils.

During our visit to the school in March 2023 it was brought to our attention that the extremely hot temperatures in the classrooms during the summer months was adversely affecting effective teaching and learning. We therefore agreed with the headteacher, Mr. Bell, and his deputies to acquire 15 new fans together with all the necessary ancillary electrical cabling. This intervention enabled the school to create better ventilated classrooms, and a more conducive teaching and learning environment for both staff and pupils.

During a visit to Bon Accueil RCA School in February 2024, we discussed with Headteacher, Rosabi Boodhoo, and her educators a most interesting holistic educational project which Rosabi had identified; and the concept entailed introducing ‘Garden Towers’ at the school, whereby pupils from Grades 1-6 would be taught how to nurture and grow a wide variety of herbs and vegetables.

In April 2004, our Foundation funded the introduction of an initial three ‘Garden Towers’ at the school, and our Foundation members were pleased to attend the inaugural launch of the, ‘My Garden, My Passion’ project. We are confident that this exciting new project will develop to be a huge success, not only at Bon Accueil RCA School, but other RCA primary schools across the region.

Following the launch of the ‘Garden Towers’ holistic learning project in April 2024, we returned to the school in October that year, and were delighted to be informed about the overwhelming initial success of this interactive – and highly tactile – educational concept, the first of its kind among primary schools in our region. Not only had the pupils achieved excellent results in nurturing and growing a wide range of herbs and vegetables from seed, they were able to sell the ‘fruits of their labour’ to parents and people living in the vicinity of the school; and the proceeds were used to purchase more seeds for growing additional herbs and vegetables. Well done, and congratulations to the pupils of Bon Accueil RCA School!