St Francois Girls’ College, which celebrated its 54th anniversary this year, is well established as one of T&T’s most successful secondary schools.
Since it first opened its doors in 1962, the country’s only all girls government secondary school has produced many scholars, with an impressive list of successes in academics, sports and culture.
It was originally called Belmont Girls’ Secondary School and was often referred to as St Francois Girls’ High School, but in 1965 the name was officially changed to St Francois Girls’ College.
Starting off with a school population comprising of a principal, three teachers and 96 students, the school now houses to more than 750 students, taught by 54 teachers with 14 members of support staff
However, after more than five decades, with only a few upgrades over the years, the school located at St Francois Valley Road, Belmont, is showing its age and funds are needed for renovations and expansion.
Clifford Mendez, who heads the school’s PTA, told the T&T Guardian the school labs are in deplorable condition as they have not been redone or updated since inception. There is a rodent infestation and the roof, guttering and septic system are in deplorable condition. The computer lab is currently non functional as there are less than five workings systems.
In effort to raise funds for urgently needed repairs and upgrades, the PTA has joined forces with the school board and alumnae for Francois Fun Fest 2016 which takes place tomorrow at QRC Grounds, Port-of-Spain.