Early Childhood Centre in Whitfield Town to be Expanded

The Care Bear Early Childhood Development Centre in Whitfield Town, South West St. Andrew, is to benefit from expansion works, as a result of an $11 million grant being provided by the Government of Japan.

Japanese Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Yasuo Takase and Principal of the institution, Cynthia Roach-Porter, signed the contract for the upgrading, on November 26, during a ceremony at the school.

Addressing the ceremony, Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for the area, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, reiterated the administration’s commitment to making early childhood education a priority area for policy action and funding.

She emphasised that development of the nation’s children and securing their future in a safe and prosperous Jamaica with opportunities for their success, is a top priority of the Government.

The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the Government of Jamaica for its continued support to Jamaica, noting that the nation remains “a faithful friend.”

Mrs. Simpson Miller urged the adults to take care of the children and remain committed to securing their future. “Nurture them and let them know you love them and that you will always be there for them,” she encouraged.

For his part, Ambassador Takase said his Government is committed to providing support to Jamaica in the area of education.

“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.

In the meantime, Minister of Education, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, urged the parents to invest in their children’s education.

“The most important thing that parents can ever do for their children is to afford them the opportunity of a quality education,” he said.

For her part, Mrs. Roach-Porter expressed gratitude to the Japanese Government for their assistance, noting that the funds will be used to alleviate overcrowding at the school.

“We are most grateful for the consideration and keen interest taken in us by the Embassy of Japan,” she added.

The money, which is being made available under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project, will see the construction of an additional building to house three classrooms, an office, kitchen, and two bathrooms.

A total of 200 students and 16 staff members will benefit from the expanded facilities.