MORE schoolchildren across the island are to benefit from the collaborative effort of the HEART Trust/NTA and the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) with the manufacture of additional ‘bannabags’ and pencil cases.

The second phase of the partnership was cemented at a ceremony held recently at the Garmex HEART Academy in Kingston. Garmex will produce 1,000 bags and pencil cases, which the utility company will donate to 2,500 students in various communities.

The main raw material for the ‘bannabags’ is used vinyl banners which are converted into attractive, sturdy, waterproof bags. All the bags are made from 100 per cent recycled material.

Executive Director of the HEART Trust/NTA, Dr Wayne Wesley, welcomed the initiative and praised the JPS for its creativity in extending its corporate social responsibility programme for the benefit of the youth.

“This public-private venture is timely, as some parents are in dire constraints to adequately equip the children for school. Our children’s development is crucial to Jamaica’s development and by providing something so basic, yet essential, we contribute to the nation’s upkeep while fostering the sustainability of our environment,” said Dr Wesley.

Joo Ok Chang, CEO for the Korea East West Power Company, a major shareholder in the JPS, said his company was pleased to be involved in the initiative and pledged continuous support for the programme. Chang was accompanied by executives of his company and the JPS on a tour of the Garmex Academy and shown first-hand how the ‘bannabags’ are made.

President and CEO of the JPS, Kelly Tomblin, said the ‘bannabags’ project promoted environmental preservation while filling an important need. She also had high praise for the production employees at Garmex who are manufacturing the products.

“To witness someone weave something out of nothing is simply fascinating. To be able to do this as a skill should not be taken for granted. This project clearly shows that we have a wide array of important skills in Jamaica and these should be highlighted and expanded as we continue our journey to economic stability,” Tomblin said.