All Age School in South Manchester to Benefit from $12 Million Grant

The Campbell’s Castle All Age School in South Manchester is to benefit from rehabilitation works, as a result of a $12 million grant being provided by the Government of Japan.

Japanese Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Yasuo Takase and Chairman of the school Board, Carmen Ward, signed the contract for the upgrading, on March 17, during a ceremony at the Japanese Embassy on Oxford Road, in Kingston.

Addressing the ceremony, Minister of Education, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, reiterated the Government’s commitment to education, noting that a good education system redounds to the benefit of the country and its people.

“The best thing a Government can offer to its people is the chance of a good education, as this is often the only way for many persons to (attain upward mobility),” he said.

For his part, Ambassador Takase said his Government values education and the development of human capital, emphasising that this is a main focus of Japan’s development assistance policy.

“As a cornerstone of nation-building, human resource development through education and training is one of the fundamental areas of our assistance. We strongly believe that education plays a key role in empowering people, especially those who are in vulnerable situations,” he added.

The Ambassador said the objective is to enable the Jamaican people to enjoy greater opportunities through good quality education.

Speaker of the House and Member of Parliament for South Manchester, Hon. Michael Peart, expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan for its continued support to Jamaica, noting that the nation remains “a faithful friend.”

“The performance of the school has been outstanding over many years and they are deserving of this special gift,” he said.

In the meantime, Principal of the institution, Rev. Owen Lambert, said the renovated building will provide a better environment for the students and teachers, pointing out that the facilities were last upgraded in 1931.

“This grant will go a far way in renovating our school, and so, we are eternally grateful for your generosity,” he told the Ambassador.

The money, which is being made available under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project, will see the rehabilitation of the school’s main building, which houses five classrooms, a library and a staff room.

A total of 175 students and eight staff members will benefit from the expanded facilities. The National Education Trust, which was instrumental in assisting the school to secure the grant, will oversee the renovation.