The launch ceremony, held on February 16, 2026 brought together representatives from the Ministry of Education, school administrators, teachers, students, and Rotarians to celebrate a project that will have a lasting impact on the health and well-being of the school community.
The project spearheaded under the watchful eye of Rotarians Olwen Urquhart and Mary Beth Sutton was supported by community partner Mary Wilson and other Rotarians. Business man, Terry Foster of EQP Signs, also supported the project by providing technical consultancy and all artwork for the unit and 4-way test signage.
The launch event served as more than just the unveiling of a new piece of infrastructure. It was also an opportunity to educate and inspire. During the assembly, speakers highlighted the global importance of clean water, reminding students that while water covers most of our planet, only a small fraction is safe and readily available for human consumption. The message was clear: clean water is a precious resource that must be protected, conserved, and used responsibly.
Students learned about the many benefits of staying hydrated, including improved concentration, higher energy levels, better physical performance, and overall wellness. These lessons were particularly timely as the school prepares for its Sports Month activities, during which the new station will help ensure that students and staff have convenient access to safe drinking water throughout the day.
The programme featured vibrant student participation, including a dance performance, live water colour abstract painting, and a moving poetry presentation that reflected on the value of water and its role in sustaining life. These contributions reinforced the event's central theme—that access to clean water is fundamental to health, education, and opportunity.
The water station utilizes ultraviolet (UV) filtration technology to provide safe, filtered drinking water, offering a sustainable solution that reduces reliance on single-use plastic bottles while promoting healthy hydration habits among students.
Representatives from the Ministry of Education expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that it aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on good health and well-being, quality education, and clean water and sanitation.
As part of the ceremony, students received reusable water bottles, symbolizing both the importance of hydration and the shared responsibility to conserve and protect water resources for future generations.
The Rotary Club of the Caribbean Plus remains committed to supporting projects that create meaningful and lasting change in communities across the region. The Clendon Mason Memorial Secondary School water station is a testament to the power of partnership and service, ensuring that students have access to one of life's most essential resources—clean, safe drinking water.
Together, we are helping to build healthier schools, stronger communities, and brighter futures—one drop at a time.