Rock River Primary to get new learning centre

The Rock River Primary School, in Clarendon has been awarded a grant of $10 million by the Japanese government to build a learning centre. Under the project to be completed over six months, a library and a computer room will be constructed at the institution.

Speaking at the signing ceremony at the Embassy of Japan last week Tuesday, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information Floyd Green said he was pleased that the rural school would now be able to boost its delivery through the partnership of the two countries.

"The construction of the two additional rooms to be equipped with computer terminals, laptops, multimedia projector, teaching equipment and learning aids will not only benefit the students, but the citizens of the wider community," he told the gathering.

Japanese Ambassador to Jamaica Masanori Nakano said that young students and adults should use the new facilities to improve their lives.

"I always believe that investment in education is one of the most vital investments for the empowerment of people," the ambassador said.

Funding of the project is being channelled through the Rock River Foundation, under the Japan Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security project, which has supported various sectors, including education.

For her part, principal of the school Marcia Ankle said the grant will help to improve lives in the community. "When the lives of adults are transformed academically, this will impact their children, thus producing a more literate society and a better Jamaica," she said.