IN JAMAICA: Japanese ambassador hands over classrooms valued at JA$11.5 million to Boundbrook Primary...Education Minister Ronald Thwaites said: "This is exactly the kind of partnership that we want and I am happy that Ambassador Takase is here.

Sunday, December 14, 2014   

The Boundbrook Primary School is the recipient of three classrooms block courtesy of the Japanese Government through their "Grassroots programme" that were officially handed over and opened by Japanese Ambassador to Jamaica Yasuo Takase at the school last week.

The school benefited through the Japan-Jamaica relationship, which is now celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations and friendship. The project costs approximately $11.5 million and the classrooms will host grade 1 students at the school and a resource centre for students who have challenges with literacy.

(From left) Minister of Education Ronald Thwaites; Janet Brimm,
 director, Region 2 in the Ministry of Education; Lola Palmer,
principal, Boundbrook Primary; Gwendolyn Lindsay-Johnson,
 former VP Boundbrook and acting principal at Orange Bay
Primary applaud after Japanese Ambassador to Jamaica
Yasuo Takase cut the ribbon to the threeclassroom block
 donated to the school. Other officals share in the celebrations.
(PHOTO: Everard Owen)

Japanese Ambassador to Jamaica Yasuo Takase at the handing over said: "The Government of Japan highly values the education in the conduct of our assistance to Jamaica. Education of the people has made Japan to advance to one of the most powerful industrialised nations in the world. After visiting the school, the embassy saw the need to construct the classroom facilities that would enhance the education here in this community."

Education Minister Ronald Thwaites said: "This is exactly the kind of partnership that we want and I am happy that Ambassador Takase is here. It is a wonder act on the part of the government and people of that country to benefit primary education in Jamaica as they do in so many arenas. This means Boundbrook will do better, the students will improve over the years and eventually they will be able to come off the shift system due to other benefits which we hope will follow this one with other stakeholders and partnerships. We have a plan; to plan what is really necessary that Boundbrook Primary can come off shift by June of 2016" more