Renovated Franklin Towne Elementary School library.

In a show of community support, students at Franklin Town Elementary School in Kingston were given the opportunity to start anew by renovating the school library, which fell into disrepair after a devastating fire in October 2023. This initiative is part of CIBC Caribbean’s Adopt project. The -A-Cause program, administered through the ComTrust Foundation, aims to create a new world of learning opportunities for the 147 students enrolled at the school.

The project, led by Debbie Henry, King Street Branch Manager, with support from CIBC Caribbean’s eight branches and divisions – King Street, New Kingston, Portmore, Manor Park, Finance, Human Resources, Country Management Committee and Port Antonio – was designed to meet the needs of students. The newly renovated library now features fresh carpeting, newly painted walls and bookshelves, three laptops, a printer, a computer desk and child-friendly seating. The space is also air-conditioned, creating a comfortable and inviting environment for students to read, study and explore.

Founded in 1891, Franklin Towne Elementary School is more than just a school, it is a cornerstone of the community. Many of its students come from challenging socioeconomic backgrounds, and the school has been a client of CIBC Caribbean since 1980. The bank has consistently supported the school over the years, and this latest Adopt-A-Cause project reflects its ongoing commitment to educating children. young minds.

The fire caused significant damage to the library, including water damage from subsequent cooling operations. For more than a year, students were left without a functioning library.

“This project is about students—their future, their education and their dreams,” Henry said. “We take pride in providing them with a space where they can learn and grow. CIBC Caribbean believes in the power of education to change lives and we are thrilled to be a part of this chapter at Franklin Town Elementary School.”

For his part, Nigel Holness, Managing Director of CIBC Caribbean, said they are deeply committed to advancing education and empowering young minds, especially in communities like Franklin Town where access to resources can make a significant difference.

“By restoring this library, we are not only investing in the future of these students, but also helping to create a space where learning and curiosity can flourish. We are proud to provide such meaningful support to Franklin Town Primary,” Holness said.

Expressing his gratitude, Principal Rohan Treleven said the new library is a game changer for students.

“It’s not just a room filled with books and computers—it’s a symbol of hope and possibility. Many of our students do not have access to such resources at home, and now they have a great place to learn, dream, and grow. We are truly grateful to CIBC Caribbean for their generosity and commitment to the future of our school,” he said.

The official handover of the updated library took place on Friday, October 25.