FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Download the press release here
The Earth School in Rwanda Commits to GBAC STAR™
Facility Accreditation Program
Contact : Dr. Juan Carlos Bonilla
Kigali, Rwanda – August 20, 2020 – The Earth School has announced its commitment to achieve Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC) STAR™ accreditation, the gold standard for prepared facilities. Under the guidance of GBAC, a Division of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, The Earth School will implement the most stringent protocols for cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention in its Kigali campus in Kiyovu.
As the cleaning industry’s only outbreak prevention, response and recovery accreditation, GBAC STAR™ helps organizations establish protocols and procedures, offers expert-led training and assesses a facility’s readiness for biorisk situations. The program will verify that The Earth School implements best practices to prepare for, respond to and recover from outbreaks and pandemics.
“GBAC STAR accreditation empowers facility owners and managers to assure workers, customers and key stakeholders that they have proven systems in place to maintain clean and healthy environments,” said GBAC Executive Director Patricia Olinger. “By taking this important step to pursue GBAC STAR, The Earth School will receive third-party validation that it follows strict protocols for biorisk situations, thereby demonstrating its preparedness and commitment to operating safely.”
“Social responsibility, care for self and others are key Earth School values. Pursuing GBAC STAR™ accreditation is a testimony of how The Earth School leads by example in its daily operations. We are among the first schools in the world and the first one in the African continent to pursue this strict biosafety accreditation as a preventative measure and in preparation for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year” said Edna de Bonilla, Founder of The Earth School. “Well before the pandemic, our health education program incorporated into our unique academic approach the notions of hygiene, cleanliness, order and self-care as a basis for personal and community well-being. We will build on these strengths to maintain an environment where all members of our education community feel safe to work, learn, and grow.”
To achieve GBAC STAR™ accreditation, The Earth School will demonstrate compliance with the program’s 20 core elements, which range from standard operating procedures and risk assessment strategies to personal protective equipment and emergency preparedness and response measures. Learn more about GBAC STAR accreditation at www.gbac.org.
About The Earth School
Founded in 2011 in Kigali, Rwanda, The Earth School is an accredited member of the International Schools Association (ISA) based in Geneva, Switzerland and the US—based International Montessori Council. A school grounded in the values of Montessori philosophy and the principles of international education, the Earth School learning community is composed by students, families and educators from over 25 different nationalities. The Montessori method is built strongly on foundations of peace and internationalism. Learning about the Earth as a whole system, and working daily in an environment of respect for self, for others, and for the environment, helps children understand and value the essential inter-relatedness of all humanity. Learn more about The Earth School at theearthschoolafrica.com.
About GBAC, a Division of ISSA
Composed of international leaders in the field of microbial-pathogenic threat analysis, mitigation, response and recovery, the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a Division of ISSA, provides training, guidance, accreditation, certification, crisis management assistance and leadership to government, commercial and private entities looking to mitigate, quickly address and/or recover from biological threats and real-time crises. The organization’s services include biorisk management program assessment and training, Forensic Restoration® response and remediation, the GBAC STAR™ facility accreditation program, training and certification of individuals and consulting for building owners and facility managers. For more information, visit www.gbac.org.
About ISSA
With more than 9,300 members—including distributors, manufacturers, manufacturer representatives, wholesalers, building service contractors, in-house service providers, residential cleaners and associated service members—ISSA is the world’s leading trade association for the cleaning industry. The association is committed to changing the way the world views cleaning by providing its members with the business tools they need to promote cleaning as an investment in human health, the environment and an improved bottom line. Headquartered in Northbrook, Ill., USA, the association has regional offices in Mainz, Germany; Whitby, Canada; Parramatta, Australia; Seoul, South Korea; and Shanghai, China. For more information about ISSA, visit www.issa.com or call 800-225-4772 (North America) or 847-982-0800.
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