Rest Primary and Infant School gifted new bus

Students at Rest Primary and Infant School in Clarendon are celebrating a major boost in transportation safety and convenience, thanks to the donation of a 15-seater Toyota Hiace bus valued at more than US$42,000 (approximately J$6.7 million) from the Government of Japan.

The vehicle, which was officially handed over last Thursday by Japan's Ambassador to Jamaica, Yasuhiro Atsumi, was provided under Japan's Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects. The initiative was coordinated locally through the National Education Trust (NET), an agency of the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information.

Beyond serving as daily transport for students, the bus will also allow for easier participation in field trips, academic competitions, and co-curricular activities.

Principal Dr Sandra Smith expressed deep appreciation on behalf of the school community, noting that the bus will directly improve student performance by reducing tardiness.

"Students will be fresh and ready to learn upon arrival at school," she said.

Smith added that the new vehicle will also enable students to participate in more competitive sporting events, and will enable them to take their athletic prowess further afield to parish and national meets.

"We have been champions for three years in a row in our inter-school divisional athletics meet," the principal said.

Student Exford Watson also expressed heartfelt thanks to the Japanese government for what he described as an "incredible gift."

"This will make commuting safer and more comfortable for all students," he said.

"We are deeply thankful for this act of kindness and commitment in supporting education in our community. This contribution will have a lasting impact on our lives as students, enabling us to focus more on our studies and other experiences through field trips without worrying about transportation challenges."

In his remarks, Ambassador Atsumi said the Japanese Government is pleased to assist Jamaica in strengthening its education system and helping students "fulfil their educational ambitions and [pursue] lifelong learning opportunities."

"I sincerely hope that the dedicated efforts of this noble institution of primary education will produce very fruitful outcomes," he said.