IN a significant step towards increasing educational access, the Embassy of Japan in Jamaica and Richmond Primary & Infant School in St Mary have officially signed a grant contract for the provision of a school bus valued at US$72,489. The school bus will address some of the transportation challenges currently faced by the 155 students of the rural St Mary-based primary school, and will help to reduce absenteeism and late arrivals of students from Richmond and nearby communities.

The grant contract-signing ceremony, which took place January 11 at the offices of the education ministry at Heroes’ Circle, marks a milestone in the long-standing bilateral relationship between Japan and Jamaica, reinforcing the spirit of international cooperation and solidarity. The grant signifies the commitment of the people of Japan to supporting the education system in Jamaica through its Grass-Roots Human Security Projects, which focuses on addressing basic human needs including education, health and poverty reduction.

Marsha Smith, minister of state at the Ministry of Education and Youth, expressed her delight at the ceremony, emphasising the importance of international partnerships in addressing critical needs in Jamaican schools. She commended the collaboration between National Education Trust (NET), which is the philanthropic arm of the ministry, and the people and Government of Japan, highlighting the impact of their joint efforts in facilitating 18 projects totalling US$1,541,102 between 2015 and 2023, with the aim of improving learning outcomes.

In his address His Excellency Yasuhiro Atsumi, ambassador of Japan to Jamaica, emphasised the historical significance of 2024, which marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Jamaica. The ambassador reiterated the commitment of Japan to supporting educational and socio-economic programmes, ensuring that students have the resources and a strong support system to fulfil their educational ambitions. He expressed hope that the new school bus will significantly contribute to the reliability, punctuality, safety and security needs of all students and teachers.

Dwight Sanderson, principal of Richmond Primary & Infant School, said the gift is greatly appreciated.

“Some of our students have to traverse several kilometres to get to school, and this bus will help in reducing late arrivals and even missed class sessions,” he added.