Adopt-A-School

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School Adoption refers to a partnership between a school and an external entity such as a business, church, or civic organisation. The focus of the partnership is on identifying and solving problems which affect the quality of education and which the school and the government may not be in a position to remedy without external assistance. Importantly, the process provides an opportunity for community based organisations to become actively involved in increasing and sustaining the quality of public education. (School Community Outreach Programme for Education (SCOPE) Manual – Ministry of Education/USAID, 1992)

If you want to participate in the Adopt-A-School Programme please contact:

Chief Education Officer
Ministry of Education
2-4 National Heroes Circle
Kingston 4
Tel: 612-5974
Fax:
Email:

What is the driving force behind the Adoption Programme?

Each year the Government of Jamaica allocates millions of dollars to the education system. Even though a large portion of the National Budget is allocated to education, schools still experience a number of infrastructural, social, economic and educational problems, which require more, or different resources that cannot be provided by the government. The quality of education naturally will suffer if these issues are not addressed. If the quality of education declines, so will the quality of our graduates and eventually the productivity of our nation. Partnership between schools and adopting entities is, therefore, necessary to provide additional resources to our schools and providing the best education for our children.

Benefits of adoption

The benefits of adoption include:

  1. Improved school-community relations
  2. A improved corporate image
  3. Better quality education
  4. More educated workforce

Who can adopt?

The Ministry of Education thanks all our partners who continue to contribute to the education system. We are always seeking partners who wish to adopt a school however they must meet certain criteria before we can accept their donation. Adopters may include:

  • A public or private sector company
  • A service club
  • A social organisation
  • Another school
  • Community members
  • An individual.

These partners should not be involved in any criminal activity or gain their cash or kind through any criminal means. The MoE, through its Regional Offices will investigate any suspicious person who seeks to adopt-a-school or make a donation. Principals, too, are encouraged to screen adopters prior to their donation of cash or kind to school. Interested adopting bodies should first:

  • Contact the Ministry of Education to identify the particular needs of the school
  • Meet and discuss plans for adoption with the principal and Board Chairman of the school
  • Identify the major needs of the school and matches those within its ability.

(School Community Outreach Programme for Education (SCOPE) Manual – Ministry of Education/USAID, 1992)
If you want to participate in the Adopt-A-School Programme, please contact:

Chief Education Officer
Ministry of Education
2-4 National Heroes Circle
Kingston 4
Tel: 612-5974
Fax:
Email:

ROLE OF THE ADOPTING AGENCY

Investing in a school or adopting a school is one of the best ways in which communities can help in foster relationships with schools. Here are some great ideas to invest in your schools:
Volunteers

  • Tutor and assist in the classroom under the guidance of the classroom teacher
  • Assist with clerical duties in the school office
  • Provide assistance in the clinic or library
  • Demonstrate crafts and provide enrichment opportunities through drama, art and music
  • Mentor students
  • Help in organising school events such as barbecues and sports day
  • Mentor students by having them do internship in your company if you have one
  • Offer specialised training in technical and vocational areas

Monetary Assistance

  • Purchase and donate books (link to Donating Educational Materials) to your school and community libraries
  • Help a student by paying his or her exam fees or paying for his/her books, stationery and uniform
  • Contribute funds (link to NET)to help in the construction of school facilities, or the school’s breakfast and lunch programmes
  • Purchase and donate resources (link to Donating Educational Materials), such as stationery, lab equipment, computers, etc to schools
  • Donate scholarships to student.

Special Projects

  • Help in community awareness programmes
  • Sponsor events, such as after school projects, field trips and contests
  • Assist in the preparation of school newspapers
  • Help with nutrition and health reinforcement programmes.

Career Education

  • Encourage, support and assist in areas of management
  • Teach employment courses, which include areas such as applying for a job, resumé writing, interviewing techniques, grooming, job behaviour and etiquette
  • Teaching students how to manage money, invest and shop wisely
  • Provide information on job placement and career guidance
  • Create opportunities for students to come to business and historic community sites when possible through field trips, etc.
  • Offer counselling to students who are transitioning from various school levels

(School Community Outreach Programme for Education (SCOPE) Manual – Ministry of Education/USAID, 1992)

If you want to participate in the Adopt-A-School Programme, please contact:

National Education Trust
Caenwood Centre
37 Arnold Road
Kingston 5
Tel: 876 967-9007
Email: [email protected]