Japan Gives Maxfield Park Children’s Home $3.5 Million

The Maxfield Park Children’s Home, in Kingston, has been granted approximately $3.5 million (US$39,915) to renovate sections of the 90-year old institution.
An agreement was signed today (March 19) between the Embassy of Japan and the Maxfield Park Children’s Home for the funding.
Japanese Ambassador, His Excellency Masahiro Obata, in his comments at the ceremony, held at the Home, said that the grant falls under the Japanese Government’s Grass Roots Human Security Project to Jamaica. The project was inaugurated in 1994, to provide non-refundable financial assistance for development projects designed to meet diverse needs in Jamaica.
He noted that the assistance is a reflection of Japan’s goodwill in contributing to a safe, secure and risk free environment for the children at Maxfield Park.

Japanese Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Masahiro Obata (left), and Manager of the Maxfield Park Children’s Home, Stacy Ann Nelson (second right) sign a contract valued at US$39, 915 today (March 19) for renovation to sections of Maxfield Park Children’s Home. The ceremony was held Thursday(March 19) at Maxfield Park Children’s Home, Kingston. Looking on at right is Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Environment, Dr. Grace Allen Young.

“Rest assured that the Japanese Government will continue to support developmental projects to help as many citizens, within economies like Jamaica, to alleviate certain obstacles, especially by providing funding that protect the vulnerable and unprivileged by fulfilling their basic human rights,” Ambassador Obata said.
Acting Manager of the Home, Stacy-Ann Nelson, explained that the grant will be used to refurbish 11 bathrooms; repair broken windows; and replace kitchen cupboards, damaged doors and hinges. The funding will also be used to purchase 15 bunk beds for the boys’ dormitory, as well as 15 cribs and mattresses for toddlers and babies at the Jeliffe House, which serves as a nursery for children from birth to six years.
“The repairs will directly and positively impact on the lives of the 100 children who reside at the Maxfield Park Children’s home,” Miss Nelson said.
In her remarks, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Environment, Dr. Grace Allen Young, said that the Ministry was grateful to the Government of Japan, as the grant would help to improve living conditions at the home.
“We sincerely appreciate the embassy’s strong interest in Jamaica’s children,” she added.
The Maxfield Park Children’s Home is the oldest co-ed child care facility in Jamaica. In February, 2008, the Home applied for grant funding from the Japanese Government’s Grass Roots Human Security Project.
Upgrading of the physical structures, to maintain the safety and well being of the children, is considered critical. It is expected that the renovation will begin in May.