The Ministry of Education and Youth is ramping up efforts to attract and retain more Mathematics educators at the primary level as it seeks to improve student performance in the subject.

State Minister in the Ministry, Hon. Marsha Smith, said local and regional underperformance in the subject is influencing the Ministry’s increased focus on the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) subjects.

Addressing the Mathematics Teacher of the Year and Jamaican Mathematical Olympiad Awards ceremony, held on April 15 at the UWI, Mona campus in Kingston, the State Minister said the Ministry has also been collaborating with the teacher-training colleges to revamp their programme offerings with more opportunities and specialist teachers at the primary level, noting that is the foundation for many disciplines.

“It contributes to the advancement of different fields of knowledge and is vital for the prosperity of our society, and for that reason it occupies a central place in the school curriculum,” she said.

The Ministry and the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus, collaborated to stage the Mathematics Teacher of the Year and the Jamaican Mathematical Olympiad (JMO) Awards event.

Cameka Ingram of the Green Pond Primary School, Region 4, was announced the Mathematics Teacher of the Year 2024.

Outstanding students in the JMO competition were also recognised.

Organised by the UWI Department of Mathematics, the JMO (junior and senior competitions) are the nation’s two highest academic mathematics competitions held annually.

For the final round of the junior competition, more than 1,100 students representing 94 primary and preparatory schools participated.

The finals in the senior competition saw a total of 120 students from 19 high schools from various parishes vying for top awards.

The JMO competitions aim to identify, elevate and challenge mathematically inspired young students at the primary and high-school levels across the island.

In his address at the ceremony, Principal of the UWI, Mona campus, Professor Densil Williams, said the Mathematical Olympiad Competition has become a tool that is used to motivate and prepare a level of thinking that is needed to improve the competitiveness of the local labour force.

“The students here today are the ones who are going to lead tomorrow and, therefore, we have to ensure that they are given the best tools possible,” he said.

The awards ceremony formed part of the activities for National Mathematics Week 2024.

The Ministry of Education and Youth will host its annual National Mathematics Week of activities from Sunday, April 14 to Friday, April 19, under the theme ‘Adding Up the Excitement: Maths Rocks’.

Speaking during a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’ on Thursday (April 11), Mathematics Coordinator for the Ministry’s Region Seven, Camae Johnson Burrell, said wide-ranging activities have been planned to mark the week.

These will kick off with a national service at Webster Memorial United Church in Kingston on April 14, beginning 10:00 a.m.

More than 110 students from primary and secondary institutions who participated in the Jamaica Mathematics Olympiad, an initiative of the University of the West Indies (UWI), will be recognised during an awards ceremony on April 15.

The Mathematics Teacher of the Year Award will also be presented during that event.

Regional mathematics activities are scheduled to begin on April 16., with the first slated for Cedar Grove Academy in St. Catherine for Region Six.

The engagements will continue on April 17 at The Mico University College for Region One; Munro College in St. Elizabeth for Region Five; and Ashley Primary School in Clarendon for Region Six.

These will conclude on April 18 at Port Rhodes Sports Club, Discovery Bay Bauxite Partners, St. Ann, for Region Five; the Port Antonio High School in Portland for Region Two, and Cornwall College, Montego Bay, St. James, for Region Four.

Students will also have an opportunity to test their knowledge by answering the Mathematics Question of the Day throughout the Week.

These will be posted on the Ministry’s Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram pages.

According to Mrs. Johnson Burrell, these regional activities are geared to positively change the negative perception that students and Jamaicans on a whole have about mathematics.

She pointed out that in previous years, a national maths exposition was held at the UWI Mona Campus.

However, in an effort to increase participation from schools across Jamaica, the decision was taken to have regional activities instead.

Parents, community members, corporate Jamaica and, by extension, the general public are being encouraged to visit the schools hosting the week-long activities and support.

The St. Jago High School team proudly display their winning trophy in the 2024 Schools’ Challenge Quiz competition, at a celebratory gathering held on Monday, (April 8) at the school’s Monk Street premises in Spanish Town, St. Catherine. Them members of the team (from left) are Jermaine Miller, Jhanielle Esson (captain), Nathaniel Baker and Kevandra Blake. St. Jago secured victory against Calabar High School with a score of 37-33 in the competition finals held on April 4, securing the title for the third consecutive year.

Operators of early-childhood institutions (ECIs) are being encouraged to register their organisations with the Early Childhood Commission (ECC) to be able to operate legally in Jamaica.

ECIs are governed by the Early Childhood Act and Regulations 2005, which outline the requirements of these institutions.

Operators who act in contravention of the Law can be fined a sum not exceeding $250,000 or imprisoned for a term not exceeding six months.

Director of Regulations and Monitoring at the ECC, Dr. Tracy-Ann Morgan-Smith, told JIS News that there are 2,431 ECIs operating islandwide, 68 of which are deemed delinquent or unregulated.

She pointed out that in instances where institutions are unregistered but pose no health and safety threat to the children, they may be allowed to remain open while they regularise their operations.

“Presently, none of these unregulated institutions pose a health or safety risk or any danger to the children, and we have been working with them to help them become compliant,” Dr. Morgan-Smith informed.

Registered ECIs are required to display their permit to operate, or a certificate of registration as proof of compliance with the ECC.

Failure to do so is an offence and those culpable can be fined up to $25,000.

Violations of the Act include health and safety issues, infliction of corporal punishment on a child, and the employment of a person with a criminal record.

These infractions can lead to suspension of a permit to operate, revocation of registration or closure of the institution.

“Where it is found that the welfare of children at an ECI has been or is likely to be endangered, a closure notice is effected,” Dr. Morgan-Smith informed.

She pointed out that the Minister of Education and Youth, based on the ECC’s report and findings, has the power to issue a closure notice.

For further information, persons may visit the ECC at Shops 44-49, Kingston Mall, 8-10 Ocean Boulevard, downtown Kingston, or call 876-922-9296.

The Universal Service Fund (USF) has spent over $3 billion in the 2023/24 fiscal year on initiatives to boost digital inclusion, including increasing access to high-speed internet across the island.

The entity’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Daniel Dawes, made the disclosure at the launch of  Community Wi-Fi in Siloah, St. Elizabeth on Wednesday (March 20).

He said that the funds have been invested in the establishment of community access points (CAP), the setting up of Wi-Fi hotspots in communities and town centres, and other programmes.

“Also, we have 300 young people in training in institutions in [Kingston, St. Ann], Clarendon and Westmoreland. We give them $50,000 to learn coding, every two weeks, and promise them that once they are finished, and they do us proud and graduate, we will provide them with a job,” he noted.

Furthermore, Dr. Dawes said that the USF has committed to fully funding the tuition of any student who matriculates to Northern Caribbean University (NCU), University of Technology (UTech), or the University of the West Indies (UWI) from this coding programme.

Dr. Dawes said that the entity will continue to carry out its commitment to providing access to high-speed broadband in underserved areas, in fulfillment of a mandate given by Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Hon. Daryl Vaz.

“The charge that Minister Daryl Vaz gave us is that we are to go by the byways and provide  the people with access to this high-speed broadband,” he noted.

The launch of the Siloah Community Wi-Fi is the fourth such initiative in St. Elizabeth North Western, with previous launches in Balaclava, Quick Step, and Seven Corners.

The connectivity enables as many as 200 residents to freely log in simultaneously using their smartphones or tablet.

Grade five student at Siloah Primary School, Yanique Robinson, said the  service will assist her in completing her homework, projects, and learn about happenings around the world.

“I thank the USF for giving us free community Wi-Fi,” said another student, Torriann Haye.

Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Fayval Williams, says that despite the various challenges, significant progress has been made in literacy, teacher training, and the accessibility of high-school education, over the past six decades.

In her address to educators and stakeholders at the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) 60th Education Conference 2024, at the Ocean Coral Spring Hotel in Trelawny on April 2, the Minister emphasised the strides taken in improving literacy rates across Jamaica.

She praised the dedication of teachers and the collaborative efforts that have contributed to enhancing literacy levels among students throughout the country,

“Sixty years ago, only about 40 per cent of the teachers were trained. Today, we boast 10 teacher-training institutions, including those with teacher education faculties. And I would say 100 per cent of our teachers are trained,” Mrs. Williams noted.

“Even though there is still room for improvement, giant leaps have been made over the last six decades. Sixty years ago, if I could cast your minds back, almost half a million adults in Jamaica were illiterate. Today, the literacy rate of Jamaica overall is 88 per cent. Significantly higher. Yes, I’m also going to say [it is] not near that of our colleagues in the Caribbean, so we do have some way to go, even as we celebrate how far we have come,” the Minister added.

Reflecting on the advancements in teacher training, Mrs. Williams cited the continuous development and support provided to educators to ensure they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively educate the youth of Jamaica.

She emphasised the importance of ongoing professional development for teachers to enhance the quality of education delivered in the classrooms.

Mrs. Williams also noted the progress made in ensuring easy access to high-school education for all students in Jamaica, pointing to initiatives aimed at expanding educational opportunities and removing barriers to entry, particularly for marginalised communities.

She further reiterated the Government’s commitment to promoting inclusive education that caters to the diverse needs of students.

“While there is nothing wrong in celebrating these achievements, there is [absolutely] no room for complacency in the education sector. We are encouraging educators to continue striving for excellence and innovation in teaching practices to further enhance the quality of education in Jamaica,” the Minister said.

Mrs. Williams further stressed the importance of adapting to the changing educational landscapes and embracing new technologies to meet the evolving needs of students.

She commended the JTA for its dedication in advancing the teaching profession and advocating for the rights of educators, adding that she has always been impressed with the role of the association in promoting collaboration among teachers and fostering a supportive community within the education sector.

Mrs. Williams also called for a moment of reflection on the accomplishments to date, as well as the challenges that lie ahead, further emphasising the need for collective efforts to address gaps in the education system and work towards greater inclusivity and equity in education.

“I want to express, on behalf of the Ministry, our gratitude to all educators, stakeholders, and partners in the education sector for their unwavering commitment to providing quality education for the youth of Jamaica. We will continue to do our part to ensure the continued progress and success of Jamaica’s education system in the years to come,” the Minister said.

The Ministry of Education and Youth (MOEY) has an approved ‘Philosophy of Education for Jamaica’.

A bulletin issued by the Ministry states that in accordance with the recommendations of the Jamaica Education Transformation Commission Report, also known as the Orlando Patterson Report (2021), the Ministry was charged to “widely promote an education philosophy which sees learning as a collaborative interaction between teachers, students and the curriculum and pursue efforts to ensure widespread acceptance”.

Following extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including students and student leaders, parents, members of the church community, teachers, principals, Education Officers and other technocrats, the Education Philosophy for Jamaica has been finalised and reads as follows:

“Under God, the Jamaican educational philosophy embraces diverse learning capacities and styles, aiming to nurture each learner’s full potential. We provide a comprehensive education, blending academic and vocational pursuits with values-based teachings and life skills. Our focus is on fostering community harmony, appreciating our cultural heritage, promoting inclusivity, environmental stewardship, and respect for all. Through this approach, we aim to cultivate learners’ understanding of themselves, respect for humanity and love for country as embodied in our National Vision, Anthem, and Pledge.”

The education philosophy embodies the tenets of the Ministry’s efforts to Transform Education for National Development (TREND).

School administrators are being encouraged to disseminate this philosophy to all stakeholders to ensure its widespread adoption and incorporation in their school improvement plan, teaching and learning preparations and practices, and home-school engagements and community partnerships.

They are also being urged to familiarise themselves with the philosophy and incorporate its core principles into their daily routines.

The music programme at Kingston High School has been bolstered through the donation of musical instruments, valued at more than $1million, by the Ministry of National Security.

The items, provided under the Ministry’s Music, Sports, and Technology (MST) Initiative, include keyboards, acoustic and bass guitars, amplifiers, mixer board, microphones and stands, drums and percussion instruments.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, in his address at the handover ceremony on Tuesday (April 9) at the school’s campus at 172 King’s Street, said the MST initiative underscores the Government’s focus on proactively addressing the root causes of violence by engaging and empowering youth.

“We look at bringing to the schools restoration of the music, sports and technology programmes,” he said.

Dr. Chang urged the staff and students to make good use of the musical instruments and noted the Government’s commitment to “bringing a level of support to the institution to help you to do the job to provide young people in this community with proper education”.

Acting Vice Principal, Sashauna Gordon, in expressing gratitude, said that music contributes to the enrichment of the students’ educational experience.

“Music holds a special place in our hearts and plays a vital role in our school community. It has the power to inspire creativity, foster teamwork and bring joy to our daily lives. The donation of these musical items not only embraces our existing music programme but also provides opportunities for students to explore their talents and passion in new and exciting ways,” she pointed out.

Music teacher, Michael Bennett, said the items will go a long way in enhancing the school’s music programme.

“We are very grateful for the items received. It will allow our students’ musical talents to blossom and to inspire even greater creativity,” he pointed out.

For his part, grade-nine student Jerome Williams, who aspires to become a musician, said the donation of the items is “truly a blessing”.

“I love music. It inspires me and it brings people together,” he added.

The MST initiative forms part of the Ministry’s national anti-violence campaign, which aims to promote community engagement initiatives, with a view to disrupting criminal activity, restoring public order and public safety, and encourage social responsibility.

Twenty-nine Programme of Advancement through Health and Education (PATH) beneficiaries have been commended for their outstanding academic performance.

The top-female and male students were selected from the seven education regions, based on the results of their 2023 Primary Exit Profile (PEP) and Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.

They were recognised by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security during Thursday’s (April 11) PATH Top Achiever’s Awards Ceremony.

The event was held at the Spanish Court Hotel in New Kingston under the theme ‘Celebrating Empowerment through Education’.

Primary awardees received a plaque, a $25,000 book voucher and a cheque of similar value, while secondary students were presented with a plaque, and a cheque and book voucher valued $50,000 each.

A former beneficiary, Jordon Freeman, was recognised with the PATH Trailblazer Award for excelling in his academic and career pursuits.

In his keynote address, Portfolio Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., said the Ministry plans to strengthen its partnership with the education sector as it undertakes an overhaul of PATH.

“We are doing this with a view to ensuring that we address the challenges that have been exposed, so that we can provide a system that gives maximum support to our children,” he stated.

The Minister noted that the PATH beneficiaries’ success stories fuel his commitment to lead the transformation that will continue to serve Jamaica’s most vulnerable.

“Our goal is to create a more responsive, more transparent and a more efficient and effective PATH. We want to ensure that the more than 300,000 beneficiaries are all excelling,” Mr. Charles said.

For his part, State Minister, Dr. the Hon. Norman Dunn, pointed out that since 2002, PATH has been a cornerstone of Jamaica’s social-assistance efforts.

“The achievements that we… witness today bear testament to the programme’s resilience and the collective will of our nation to ensure that no one is left behind,” he said.

Dr. Dunn charged the awardees to continue to emulate examples of resilience and sound character.

In her remarks, Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Fayval Williams, said the Government remains committed to supporting vulnerable students.

She commended the awardees and urged them to explore their potential for greatness through technical and vocational skill areas, academia, sports, entertainment, science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics or any discipline of their choice, “with the same tenacity and rigour you applied to the exams”.

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says conflict management should form a part of the curricula at schools as a means of reducing violence in the society.

Addressing students and teachers at Manchester High School in Mandeville on Friday (January 12), Prime Minister Holness said the principles of conflict resolution and management are critical to violence reduction and prevention, particularly among youth.

He referenced data indicating that a significant percentage of the shootings and murders are committed by young males under 24 years, adding that they are predominantly the victims of violence.

“We have a problem with resolving conflicts… we have a problem with violence. But we also have a problem with our young men [being] in conflict and using violence [to resolve it] and being the victims of violence.

“Governments usually try not to get too involved in regulating households, even in how they discipline children. But the social problems that we have, have become so challenging, they are now at crisis proportion that the Government has to be direct and instrumental in dealing with this problem of violence in a frontal way,” the Prime Minister stated.

Consequently, he maintained that “we need to take a different approach to solving conflicts; we can’t use violence to solve it.”

“We are going to have to incorporate the schools now, to deliberately teach in the curriculum how to manage conflict. It is going to have to be a curriculum subject,” the Prime Minister emphasised.

Meanwhile, Mr. Holness said there will be greater collaboration with the National Parenting Support Commission (NPSC) and educational institutions to reinforce best principles of conflict resolution.

“There has to be a solid link between the home and the school. What is being taught in the schools must also be reinforced in the homes. So, yes, the two-pronged approach… we will be dealing with the schools directly about treating with conflict and about dealing with violence and building peace; and through the National Parenting Support Commission, we will also be carrying this message to parents to see a transformation of our society,” he stated.

Mr. Holness encouraged the students to be Ambassadors for peace, noting that they will be instrumental to Jamaica’s continued growth and development.

“You are going to be the ones to inherit a properly run and structured economy, and you are going to grow it. You are going to create the labour force that will attract the investment that will [transform] Jamaica into a first world country. But on the other hand, we need good citizens. We need people who will respect the law, we need people who will become good parents, we need people who will take a peaceful stance in resolving conflict.

So as we have worked on the economy and building the productivity of the country… we must now work on the person, the human being,” he underscored.

Prime Minister Holness was joined on the visit to the school by Member of Parliament, Manchester Central, Rhoda Moy Crawford, and other stakeholders.