Gov’t of Japan Provides Grant to Purchase Bus for Richmond Primary and Infant School

Students of Richmond Primary and Infant School in St. Mary are set to benefit from a new school bus under the Government of Japan’s Grassroots Human Security Grants Project, which focuses on addressing basic needs, including education, health and poverty reduction.

Representatives of the Embassy of Japan in Jamaica and the institution signed a grant contract for the provision of the bus, valued US$72,489, at the Ministry of Education and Youth in Kingston on Thursday (January 11).

Minister of State in the Education Ministry, Hon. Marsha Smith, expressed gratitude to the Embassy and emphasised the importance of international partnerships in addressing the needs of Jamaican schools.

“We know how critical access to reliable transportation is for students traversing several kilometres, and the provision of a dedicated school bus will help in reducing late arrivals and even missed class sessions,” she said.

Ms. Smith shared that the Ministry is “deeply appreciative” of Japan’s support for Jamaican schools, noting that between 2015 and 2023, approximately 18 projects, ranging from the renovation of school premises to the provision of school buses, have been funded by grants totalling US$1.54 million.

In his remarks, Ambassador of Japan to Jamaica, His Excellency Yasuhiro Atsumi, noted that the grant contract signing is the first economic cooperation event between both countries in 2024, which will mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the countries’ diplomatic relations.

He said the Embassy’s “modest contribution” will help to alleviate transportation problems at the rural school, which has a population of 155 students coming from 13 communities.

“It is our strong hope the new school bus will contribute significantly to the reliability, punctuality, safety and security needs of all students and teachers who will utilise the bus service. Japan is pleased to support educational and socio-economic programmes, so that all students can fulfill their educational ambitions and life-long learning skills,” Mr. Atsumi said.

For his part, the school’s Principal, Dwight Sanderson, thanked the Embassy for its generous donation, which he said embodies the spirit of community and the shared vision of creating a better future for their students.

“A school bus is more than just a mode of transportation. It represents opportunity, accessibility and empowerment. This donation will facilitate safe and reliable transportation for our students, enabling them to access education more conveniently and ensuring that they arrive at school ready to learn and grow,” Mr. Sanderson remarked, adding that the Embassy’s benevolence will be felt for years to come.

School Board Chair, Deloris Smith, shared that the institution accepts with “pride, delight and much appreciation” funding for the purchase of the school bus, which will be facilitated through the National Education Trust (NET).

NET is a registered charitable organisation and a Government of Jamaica agency that mobilises financial and resource investments for the education sector.

“The pride and joy we feel no doubt reaches cloud nine. We are truly grateful for the donation and pledge to utilise this bus for the ultimate good of the school,” Mrs. Smith said.