Canadian Forces Assist Operation Friendship’s School

KINGSTON — The Canadian Forces (Canada's armed forces) has assisted the HEART Technical School, East Bell Road, Kingston by repairing and replacing tools and equipment at a cost of nearly $200,000.  

The school, operated by Operation Friendship in collaboration with HEART/NTA, was in dire need of new equipment and tools. Under the project, the men and women of the Canadian Forces, the term used for the unified armed forces of Canada, replaced the school’s welding and carpentry tools with newer models, serviced some electrical problems and painted food preparation facilities.

The project was also facilitated by the Canadian High Commission, under the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives.

Canadian High Commissioner, His Excellency Stephen Hallihan, told students and staff following a tour on Monday (November 14), that the Canadian Government was pleased to have assisted the school, which has been doing tremendous work in the community.

"It's obvious to me that this is a great facility, with great students, a great staff and a great future," he said. He also commended the Canadian Forces’ “selflessness and humanitarian” initiative.

"There are no better ambassadors for Canada, anywhere in the world, than the women and men of the Canadian Forces," he stated.

"They always leave their area of operation better than when they went there, and that’s obviously and certainly the case here today,” he added.

Chief of Defence Staff, Canadian Forces, General Walt Natynczyk, said the Canadian Forces look forward to making a difference wherever they go, and Jamaica was no different.

"No matter where we go around the world, we look for ways and means of contributing off the battlefield, in ways that will have an enduring effect on people and societies," he said.

Executive Director of Operation Friendship, Rev Dr. Webster Edwards, commended the Canadian High Commission and the Canadian Forces for the assistance.

"From the work that has been done here, there is absolutely no doubt that we are going to able to function a lot more efficiently,” he said.

"We are grateful for the new lab, the equipment in the woodwork shop and what has now become a well functioning welding shop – none of this would have been accomplished without your involvement,” he noted.

The Canadian Task Force Jamaica began Search and Rescue operations here in August 2011 and, as part of its mandate to help preserve good relations between Canada and with Jamaica, took on the project as a “small humanitarian initiative” within its means.

Operation Friendship provides inner-city youth with skills training and remedial help in Mathematics and English. Skills taught include woodwork, welding, bodywork (autos), printing and garment manufacturing. A course in information technology is also offered.

Operation Friendship is located on the Kingston Industrial Estate and serves young residents of West Kingston communities, primarily.

By Athaliah Reynolds, JIS Reporter