INTRODUCTION:
The Prince of Wales School is undoubtedly a beacon of academic excellence and sporting prowess. Established in 1925 we celebrate our centenary on 6th April 2025 and we reflect with pride on the numerous talents that our school has nurtured, they have all gone on to bring glory not just to our institution, but also to our nation on the international stage.
Notwithstanding our laudable strides and glory, the current state of our sporting facilities is a cause of pressing concern. They are in disrepair, denying our students the resources they need to cultivate their talents. Recognizing the vital role of sports in our pupils' academic development, the centenary celebrations committee is urgently seeking funds to construct a multi-purpose sports complex. This project will stand as a lasting testament to our centenary. The legacy of the Centenary.
Project Concept:
The niche in our hearts when visited will no doubt appreciate fully why this project is important and timely as we celebrate one hundred years. We suggest here a way to implement the project and a way to sustain the facility once it is completed:
1. What is the purpose of the project? Why pursue this project?
a. Mark the Centenary: This project will leave a significant monument to the school’s centenary whilst also demonstrating in an unmistakable way that the alumni of the school are committed to its development thereby providing a pathway for more significant involvement in discussions about the school's future development.
b. Improve Sports Capability: This project is geared toward making sports an integral part of the school’s curriculum while providing the boys with much-needed outdoor recreation. This facility will primarily be for the use of the pupils. We recall the aspirations of the founders to have the school excel not only in “science lore” but also to have our tale of triumph told in “the cricket and the athletic ground”. We have had glorious days in sports but we have been using nothing but the bare natural space to train and prepare. This project will provide an enhanced space in which training in a modern way can take place and in a more organized way. It will provide the present and future generation of Prince Waleans with a space that’s a lot more inspiring than that which past generations had- modern and forward looking.
c. Community Use: when not in use by the school this facility will benefit the Kingtom community. It can be used to host community events sporting and otherwise. This use will be available to schools and groups from outside Kingtom as venues for events sporting and social remain a challenge. Many schools do not have the space to house their events resulting in queuing for the few available venues. This project will significantly cater to easing that community need.
d. Income Generation: Financial challenges abound that would benefit greatly from additional sources of revenue for the school. The facility when not in use by the school, especially on weekends, will be rented under strict guidelines that will be set out. It will attract community use on hire. The income generated will provide funds that may be used to pay for ancillary teachers and support staff. It will also provide some support for extra curricula events which vitally augment the learning experience but seldom receive appropriate funding; scouting, field trips and sports. The rent Will primarily be used to maintain and keep the facility in good repair.
2. Project Implementation:
Designs, drawings and projected costs of the project have been received from Engineering firms mainly owned by Prince Waleans. The project will cost approximately $ 200,000. (Two Hundred Thousand Dollars)
i. The celebrations committee and the project financiers will make a selection (based on price and design) of the implementing firm. The project site will be adjacent to the science block, a few meters apart between the two buildings. The project is expected to be completed within 6 months of commencement so as to finish at least a month before 6th April 2025.
ii. The celebrations committee will supervise the project together with OPWA’s engineering team, and the school administration jointly. Periodic reports (both financial and technical) will be prepared and shared with all parties.
➢ Funding of this project will depend on:o the Alumni of our dear school The Chapters who have entertained the realisation of this monument for long will be expected to take a lead and to firmly contribute leading the way for the input of other chapters, with the guidance of the Global and the co-ordination of the CCC. Class groups will also participate and o the individual Prince Walean from far and wide will have the opportunity at this special centennial moment to make his mark too.
3. Facility Management:
Upon completion, the facility will be managed by a small Management committee agreed on by the OPWA secretariat and the school’s administration. The Facility Management Committee (FMC) will enjoy autonomy subject only to scheduled use by the school. The FMC will operate a separate account into which will be deposited all proceeds from using the facility. This account will be administered by OPWA and the board of Governors.