Operation Restoration Christian School
‘Operation Restoration’ is a Christian non-profit organization founded in West Palm Beach, Florida, in 1988 by Lorna Archer -Stanley. ‘Operation Restoration Centre’ was established in Rema, Trench Town in September 1994 in an attempt to help
alleviate the violence, poverty, and political conflict which exist in these inner-city communities. After operating an after-school programme for two-and-a half years the Operation Restoration Christian School (ORCS) was established.
About ORCS
When was the school founded?
The school started as an after school program in 1994, and evolved into a full-time day school in 1996.
What communities does the school support?
Students come from the Kingston inner-city communities of Arnett Gardens, Wilton Gardens, Federal Gardens, Rose Town, Denham Town, Hannah Town, Jones Town, and Admiral Town.
What are the respective numbers of students, faculty, and staff currently?
There are 60 students enrolled in the school. The students are lovingly supported but 10 fulltime (administrators, and teachers) and 3 part-time (ancillary) staff.
What the age ranges of the students attending?
The school caters to students 12 to 17 years old with literacy and numeracy deficiencies. Upon enrolment, each student is assessed in order to find their instructional level. They are then placed in a class according to their instructional level.
Level 1 L – Pre-primer to Primer
Level 1 O – Grade One to Grade Three
Level 2 R – Grade Four to Grade Six
Level 3 N – Grade 7
Level 4 A - Grade 8
What is the current mix of female and male students?
We currently have 44 boys (73%) and 16 (17%) girls enrolled.
Do the students pay school fees, and if so what is the current school fee?
The school fee for Operation Restoration Christian School is Ja$15,000 or US$130 for the year. The collection rate is 60%.
What extra-curricular activities are offered at the school?
Students have the opportunity to participate in Football (Soccer), Netball and Table Tennis
What percentage of your students continue to regular high schools over the last three years?
80-90% of graduates enter high schools after graduating.
Who is the school Principal?
Mr. Robert Dixon has been the principal of Operation Restoration Christian School for five years. He has a BSc in Economics and worked in a commercial bank for five years pursuing his dream of becoming a financial advisor. However, God had other plans. He left the bank in 2007 and by 2008 he was working in Trench Town. Robert has a passion for young people, education and for community transformation. Since taking over the leadership of the school from Mrs. Lorna Stanley, Robert has done well to facilitate the continued growth of ORCS. Robert is presently pursuing a Masters in Organization and Business Psychology.
Our Support to ORCS
-
Fund a percentage of the school's operating budget
-
Provide meals and tuition fees to students
Success Stories
CHRISTINE GREEN J.D.
At ten year’s old Christine moved to Trench Town from rural St. Catherine, Jamaica. She attended Operation Restoration Christian School’s (ORCS), in Trench Town, after-school program between the ages of 11-15. Christine credits the after-school program with not only helping her with homework and being a sanctuary in the afternoons but also a place where she was able to see beyond her surroundings and circumstances of the inner-city community in which she lived.
She recalls the times when “Aunty Lorna” – the principal at the time and founder of ORCS – would invite them over to her home on weekends for sleepovers. This she said was, “A great way to see how others lived.” Now 26 years old Christine recently graduated with her Juris Doctorate in May 2011, and passed the California bar in November of the same year. Her plans for the future involve either owning her own law firm or being a partner at one that is well established. She also hopes to be able to give back to the community of Trench Town in particular ORCS; not just financially but also as an example of how far hard work, determination and of course being blessed by the Lord can get you.
Christine is just one of the many students who have benefited from the support of Integrity to schools such as Operation Restoration Christian School.
TROY ANDERSON
Troy was transferred from Trench Town High School because it was felt “it would be in his best interest.” He was placed in Level II because he had difficulty with phonics but soon advanced to Level IV where he mastered literacy. He sat the Grade Nine Achievement Test and as a result he attended and graduated from Jamaica College, one of the top performing ‘all-boys’ school in Jamaica.
TOWANA HANAN
Towana started out in Level One after not attending school for three years because she was jeered about her disability at other schools. Towana excelled and is now attending a high school in the community where she is an A student and is also a Prefect.
CHRISTOPHER ROSE
Christopher was also transferred from Trench Town High School and placed in Level I because of his inability to read. He graduated after mastering literacy and enrolled in the HEART skills training programme. He is now employed as a cook at a popular restaurant.