Ministry Reaffirms School Donation Procedures
The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports has reminded the public of formal procedures that govern donations, equipment and infrastructure placed on public school grounds after recent discussion around the Ivan Dawson Primary School. The Philanthropy Donation Acceptance Policy (Public Education), tabled in the House of Assembly on 5 March 2024, aims to ensure safety, accountability and transparency for all donor-supported projects.
The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports has reissued a reminder about the formal procedures that govern donations, equipment and infrastructure placed on the grounds of public schools, following recent public discussion concerning the Ivan Dawson Primary School campus.
The Philanthropy Donation Acceptance Policy (Public Education) — tabled in the House of Assembly on 5 March 2024 — sets standards intended to ensure that all donations to public schools meet clear requirements for safety, accountability, transparency and proper integration into the school environment.
The Ministry says these measures are not intended to discourage generosity but to protect students, schools, donors and the public interest. In a statement, Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Honourable Sharie B. de Castro stressed the procedural safeguards. "Any equipment, materials or infrastructure placed on the grounds of a public school must follow established procedures, including the Ministry’s Donor Acceptance Policy and site approval processes, to ensure student safety, accountability and proper integration into the school environment," the Minister said.
The Ministry highlighted that the policy framework has already produced tangible results. Since the policy’s adoption, eight playgrounds have been completed across the territory, seven of which were donor-funded, alongside other donor-supported initiatives. The Ministry cites these projects as evidence that the process can work effectively while maintaining community partnership in education.
Officials also noted that direct public investment in school infrastructure continues. The territory-wide playground replacement and rehabilitation programme remains underway; works are being carried out in phases and scheduled during school breaks to minimise risk and disruption to students.
The Ministry reiterated that coordination and approved site planning are required whether a project is donor-funded or government-funded. The Ministry encourages individuals, organisations and community partners who wish to support public education to engage through the established process so their contributions can be realised safely and transparently.
The full Philanthropy Donation Acceptance Policy (Public Education) is appended to the Ministry’s press release for guidance. For further information, the Ministry’s Information Officer is Ms. Angelique Lettsome (Telephone: 1-284-468-9448/3190; Email: anlettsome@gov.vg). International media enquiries: BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com.
Primary source: BVI Government