JIS: The Hanover Educational Institute has received a $10-million (US$82,986) grant from the Government of Japan, through the Grassroots and Human Security Project, towards the construction of a hospitality training facility.
Japan’s Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Masanori Nakano, and Principal of the Hanover Educational Institute, Angela R. Haye, signed the grant agreement during a ceremony held at the Ambassador’s residence on Paddington Terrace, on March 23.
The new facility, to be built on the grounds of the Institute, will entail a dining room, one classroom with a computer room, kitchen, bar/event area, and male and female restrooms.
State Minister in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Floyd Green, said the Administration is grateful for the significant contribution that the Japanese Government has been making to the country in various areas.
He noted that the Grassroots and Human Security Project has helped to empower many Jamaicans.
“I think we all appreciate that unless our young people are empowered, we will not be able to transform Jamaica, and empowerment largely comes through a significant programme of education and training,” Minister Green said.
“What I like about the Hanover Educational Institute’s model is that it really gives our young people a second chance. It targets young people who may have not done so well in high school… to complete their high-school journey and ensures that they get a marketable skill,” he added.
Ambassador Nakano, for his part, said the project will be a great addition to the parish “in terms of providing skills training and educational opportunities and also poverty alleviation through employment opportunities for the people in need within the region”.
He noted that the Institute has been proactively engaged in activities to promote education as well as technical and vocational skills training for those who could not attend, or had to drop out for various reasons.
“At the end of their course of study, graduates should be well equipped and poised to enter the job market and seek gainful employment, hopefully in many hotels within the hospitality and tourism sector, which is very promising and a major income-earner for Jamaica,” the Japanese Ambassador added.
Chairman of the Hanover Educational Institute, Kenric Davis, in a message read by teacher at the Institute, Marcia Allen, expressed gratitude for the grant.
He said the construction of the hospitality training facility will enable the Institute to offer hands-on vocational training in addition to academic training.
Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects supports initiatives proposed by various bodies, such as non-governmental organisations and local government authorities for development at the grassroots level.
CAPTION: State Minister in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Floyd Green (2nd left), looks on as Ambassador of Japan to Jamaica, His Excellency Masanori Nakano (2nd right) and Principal of the Hanover Educational Institute, Angela R. Haye, sign an agreement for the provision of grant funding for the building of a hospitality training facility on the grounds of the institute. The signing ceremony was held at the Ambassador’s Residence on Paddington Terrace on March 23. Looking on (at left) is Consultant, Ministry of Tourism, Dr. Lloyd Waller.