Bauxite company Jamalco last Friday presented over 1,500 copies of Jamaica Observer’s Grade Six Achievement Test math and science workbooks, worth over $700,000, to 22 schools.
The handover ceremony, which took place at the Wembley Centre of Excellence in Hayes, Clarendon, saw principals, teachers and parents from those schools in the parish and neighbouring Manchester collecting their workbooks.
“This donation is our confirmation that Jamalco will continue to invest in education. We will continue to support in whatever way we can the various schools in our operating areas,” said Antonio Melo, CEO at Jamalco.
The company has so far invested over $9.4 million in 2016 on scholarships, bursaries, book grants, and other educational initiatives to benefit schools in Clarendon and Manchester, where the company’s refinery plant and the mines are located. Additionally, Jamalco has promised to spend $1.7 million on book vouchers for primary and secondary school students in several communities.
“At Jamalco, we take great pride in ensuring that we make a significant impact on the communities in which we operate. Investing in education is a priority for us and we firmly believe that our investment in education will yield the highest return,” said Antonio Melom, who added that, as a major corporate entity in Clarendon and Manchester, Jamalco takes pleasure in giving back to their host communities and foster educational development in the areas.
“We believe in the capacity of our host communities to produce great students. However, we understand that for this to happen, companies such as Jamalco have to play their part. Today we are playing our part by equipping primary schools with useful resource materials to help our children succeed in their school work,” said Melo.
In continuing their commitment to education, Jamalco has also set up a scholarship programme to support students from secondary and accredited tertiary institutions from those areas. Over the last five years, the bauxite company has invested over $60 million in educational initiatives.
“As educators, parents, adults, students and all stakeholders, we need to follow Jamalco’s lead and play our part in keeping our students, children and young people focused on the goal of education,” said Bernard Turner, dean of discipline at Foga Road High School.
Turner was the guest speaker at the handover ceremony on Friday. He emphasised that the society advances through education. “Gaining education enhances an individual’s chance to live a respectful life in the society,” he said.
Source: Jamaica Observer