Japan Grant to Provide Two New Buses for Muschett High School Students

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Muschett High School in Trelawny will soon receive two new school buses following a grant agreement between the Government of Japan and Jamaica’s Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information.

The funding arrangement was confirmed during a signing ceremony held Tuesday at the Student Assessment Unit Conference Room at the Caenwood Centre in Kingston. The support falls under the Japanese Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects programme.

State Minister in the Education Ministry, Rhoda Moy Crawford, said the US$151,588 grant will cover the purchase of two 29-seater Toyota Coaster buses. She described the investment as a measure aimed at strengthening equal access to education through dependable transport.

According to Crawford, improved school transportation will increase student safety and reliability while easing parents’ concerns about daily travel. She said secure bus services reduce exposure to road risks and help ensure students arrive and return home under supervised conditions.

She further noted that stable transportation arrangements contribute to better attendance patterns, which are closely linked to academic performance. Crawford also pointed to Japan’s long-standing partnership with Jamaica, highlighting its practical focus on development and human capital support. The National Education Trust (NET) was also recognised for its role in coordinating public-private education partnerships.

Japan’s Ambassador to Jamaica, Kohei Maruyama, said the event marked his first grant signing since taking up his post. He reiterated Japan’s commitment to human security initiatives designed to protect and empower communities. The ambassador also conveyed sympathy and solidarity with Jamaica following the effects of Hurricane Melissa and said the project will support safer, more dependable student travel.

Muschett High School Principal Leighton Johnson welcomed the assistance, describing it as a major boost for the institution. He explained that transportation accounts for roughly 22 per cent of the school’s yearly operating costs, creating financial strain.

Johnson said the additional buses will lower travel expenses for students and expand opportunities for participation in field trips, competitions, and co-curricular programmes that support well-rounded development.