The Roof Over Our Heads – A Sore Situation for Over Seven Years
Danny Williams School for the Deaf (DWSD) is run by the Jamaica Association for the Deaf with limited support from the Government of Jamaica. Started in 1970, DWSD has over 90 students - from 18 months for preschool through to Grade 6. There is also a mainstream Unit Class for hard-of-hearing children at the Excelsior Primary school. Our school's roof is badly in need of repair

Leaks Abound Causing Interior Damage and Other Hazards
“A leak was identified in the roof bordering the Guidance Counsellor’s office and the Caretaker’s living quarters, there are also signs of leak marks obvious to the eye inside the roof and the wall of the office. The water from the leak has damaged the partition drywall between the caretaker’s quarters and the Guidance Counsellor’s office. This has resulted in extreme damage to the drywall causing it to rot and to give off a foul odour. This present condition is making the stay in the office an unpleasant situation for the Counsellor.”

“The roof of the Preschool Department is in dire need of repairs. Whenever it rains heavily, the staffroom leaks and water runs in the Vice Principal’s Office and then the main office area. The Eaves along the corridors, starting from the entrance at Facey Hall leading to the classrooms show serious signs of erosion; pieces chip off and fall at random. This is hazardous to staff and students because the pieces can fall and hit them. The roof also shows signs of erosion in all the classrooms – there are big cracks and chipped areas.”

The Heat Drives Classes Outdoors
“I have been employed to the Danny Williams School for the Deaf for 7 years and during this time the roof has been a major concern for teachers, DCFs and other members of staff. One such problem is the heat in the classroom which comes from the roof. The heat is so unbearable at times, that the teachers have formulated their own solution in having makeshift classes under the trees which are much cooler and comfortable. It is my hope that some solution can be remedied swiftly so as to facilitate a welcoming and comfortable teaching and learning experience.”

Our Roof Needs Major Repairs
The application of a Tropical Elastomeric Acrylic roof coating (or equivalent) to the existing roof membrane will fix our leaks and add a protective top coat that will make our classrooms cooler.

The examination of the roof was done in 2017. Since then, the deterioration has worsened considerably. At the current rate, we may lose the existing membrane and need far more costly repair. The cost of repair has been escalating since the first visit in 2017. Just two years ago, the estimated cost was $1,937,376.00. Today, the updated estimate for repair is $2,984,184.00. As a school run by a charity and assisted by the government, this savings target remains elusive. We need from the individual and corporate citizens of Jamaica to stop the chipping of the roof by chipping in.