Usain Bolt Partners With Epson To Donate Printers, Projectors To Schools In Jamaica

Retired track and field legend Usain Bolt has partnered with Epson Europe, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of computer printers and imaging equipment, to provide equipment to several Primary schools across Jamaica.

The allocation of one hundred printers and twenty projectors valuing £100,600, comes after the eight-time Olympic gold medallist partnered with Espon last month, to raise awareness of the company’s cartridge-free EcoTank printers via its “Just Fill and Chill” campaign across the UK and Germany.

Bolt made the revelation via his official Instagram page today, citing that the initiative comes through his Usain Bolt Foundation.

“Happy to announce that I have partnered with @epsoneurope to provide EcoTank printers and projectors to several Primary schools across Jamaica. #fillandchill #CY #UBF,” he captioned a photo that of the handing over ceremony on November 24, at his alma mater Waldensia Primary School, in Trelawny.

The other beneficiaries of the project are Salt Marsh, Duanvale, and Kinloss Primary Schools.

In an address Bolt said, “It is always a pleasure to give back to Jamaica. It is a wonderful feeling to see the children getting a better opportunity than I had because I know what a lot of them are going through and the hardship they have experienced throughout this pandemic.”

“I believe that children have a right to the best start in life. With access to the best equipment possible, primary schools throughout Jamaica will benefit greatly. Epson shares my vision of making education accessible to everyone and, together, we are helping kids across Jamaica to bring dreams of sustainable, healthier, and happier futures vividly to life,” he added.

Nugent Walker, Usain’s manager and best friend, also expressed his delight about the donations. “The donations couldn’t be more timely as the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a negative effect on thousands of children and I am happy that we are a part of positive change and the future for our children looks brighter,” he said.

In a release, Ministry of Education representative Karlene Segree and Nicola Ottey-Anderson, principal of Waldensia lauded the track star and Epson for making such valuable contributions for students.

“Equipment such as this is the needed solution for all educational institutions across Jamaica because our printing needs are grave,” Segree said.

She also noted that with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, scores of students are still having challenges accessing virtual classes, which has forced teachers and other stakeholders to go the extra mile to ensure they get learning material.

Epson’s Marketing Communications Director, Maria Eagling, that the donations will contribute to the development of  Jamaica’s children, so they can fulfill their dreams.

“We are pleased to be part of this partnership, and we look forward to working with the foundation in the coming years and doing everything that we can to provide as much help as we can along the way,” said Eagling at the handing over ceremony.

Founded in 2010, the Usain Bolt Foundation has been supporting activities and institutions that help children and youth realise their dreams and bringing relief to the most vulnerable members of the Jamaican society.

Since his retirement from track and field, Bolt has been dabbling in music with the release of his 2019 rhythm Olympe Rose. Earlier this year, he alongside his best friend and manager Nugent “NJ” walker released their first album titled Country Yutes.