KINGSTON, Jamaica — Bauxite company WINDALCO has donated more than $4 million to three primary schools to assist with several safety related projects at the institutions.

The company in a release today said it handed over J$1,170,000 to the Jericho Primary School and J$2,250,000 to the Orangefield Primary school, both located in close proximity to its Ewarton Works Plant in St Catherine.

Principal of the Jericho Primary School Fabian Facey-James said the that company’s “gracious” donation will help to build a reading/homework waiting area for students to occupy after school. She said it will also be used to enhance the safety and security of the school compound.

Principal of the Orangefield Primary Jasmine Edwards-Lennox, in the meantime, expressed appreciation to the bauxite and alumina company. The donation will be used to construct a perimeter fence at the institution.

$1 million was also given to the Crescent Primary School to assist with the construction of a wall at the back of the premises. That donation was made as part of WINDALCO’s ongoing Facts for the Tracks Public Education campaign.

Crescent Primary is located adjacent to the railway tracks in St Catherine.

“The train tracks are just metres away from the school property and we need to ensure that the students are protected. We also have to take measures to protect the company’s property and to prevent acts such as the stoning of the trains,” said WINDALCO’s Human Resources Director Glendon Johnson.

He said the company sees it as its duty to ensure the safety and security of students in its operational areas.

The donations were handed over at the schools on January 31.