Sharing her own story of overcoming personal and academic challenges, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Dr. Kasan Troupe, has charged students to believe in themselves and pursue a path of excellence.

She noted that they will face obstacles but they should never give up.

“You will always have challenges, be it big or small. You may see us up here and feel we did it overnight and feel [it was done] by a magic wand; it’s not a magic wand. It was really about hard work and determination. It’s really about understanding that in life it’s not what has happened to you, but life is what you choose to become. Life is not about what others say about you, but how your successes make the noise for you. Your achievements must be the noise,” she said.

Dr. Troupe was addressing the Leadership Development Programme (LDP) Awards ceremony at St. Andrew High School for Girls where certificates were issued to 123 grade-13 students for successful completion of the programme.

Speaking to the students who are preparing for the next phase of their lives, the Permanent Secretary related her story of a tough childhood growing up without a father.

She did not pass for a traditional high school after sitting the Common Entrance Examination but allowed God to lead her while she bloomed where she was planted.

She rose to become head girl at Trench Town Comprehensive High School, where she was placed, and then a trained teacher after graduating with honours from The Mico University College and is now elated to help lead the Education Ministry.

Dr. Troupe credited teachers at Trench Town Comprehensive High for believing in her and pushing her to excel.

“I had no choice over which family I was born in, which school, all of those were chosen for me. That only choice I had was to maximise the experience I got [and] to be determined to excel,” she said.

“As I stand here this morning, I tell you my own story. I didn’t start out at St. Andrew High School for Girls. I didn’t get the Common Entrance in my days… I didn’t see my name in the paper. I cried… I had to dig deep. I did not get the opportunity of a traditional high school but I didn’t stop,” she pointed out.

“I recognised from very early that there was something deep within me. I had the pedigree for excellence. I never went to St. Andrew, so consider yourself privileged…; do not take this for granted,” she said.

She told the students to “remember that it’s not about where you have started, it’s about where you are going. That’s understanding resilience. You cannot stop on the journey because it is not going your way. It will not always go your way”.

For her part, Principal, St. Andrew High School for Girls, Keeva Ingram, urged the students to learn from and be inspired by Dr. Troupe’s story.

“One of the things I really appreciated was her own life experience and sharing her path but she made a decision to choose her own success. It was really encouraging for the girls to hear that you can achieve what you set your mind to, and I think that is very important for them,” she stated.

The LDP helps students transition more effectively to the world of work, college and university through participation in 20 hours of community service and talks, workshops on important topics led by experts in various field.

At the end of the two-year programme, each student is required to present a written report on their community service and they receive a certificate of participation as proof of their successful completion.

Following this awards ceremony, the school opened the multimillion-dollar Lois Lake-Sherwood Centre built in honour of the late well-known businesswoman, philanthropist and past student.

The space will be dedicated to harnessing the skills of students with an interest in the performing arts.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Dr. Kasan Troupe, has emphasised the urgent need to digitise record keeping systems across the education sector, citing hard lessons learned in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.

She highlighted the challenges schools experienced in locating students after the hurricane, noting that the destruction of physical records severely hindered response efforts.

“Our principals would say to us, ‘we don’t have the addresses because the files have been damaged’. So, this has forced us to move expeditiously into the digitisation of our records and, of course, rolling out the information management systems at the tertiary level and at the secondary, primary and infant-school levels,” Dr. Troupe said.

She delivered remarks during Monday’s (April 20) Records Information Management (RIM) Implementation Programme Offboarding Ceremony, held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston.

The Permanent Secretary argued that an increasingly digital and interconnected public service requires strengthened RIM practices.

“We don’t need any more reminders of how important that is. I draw your attention to a recent special interest story that was posted by UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) in the media about two or four schools who testified that they were able to reduce the number of students that were unaccounted for because they were actively using the Education Management Information System. So they had, in very quick succession, more of their students in school than out of school,” she shared.

Dr. Troupe noted that the Ministry intends to strengthen data systems for tracking student performance and managing school administration, while also enhancing access to information across the education sector.

“These efforts depend fundamentally on reliable, secure and well-managed information systems. So colleagues, it’s not about whether or not we can do this. We must do this,” she said, adding that student data must be accurate, protected and accessible when needed.

The Permanent Secretary further underscored the importance of proper record keeping in safeguarding institutional continuity.

“Too often, when a new principal comes in our system, there’s no record to make sure that there’s continuity of operations. It’s almost like they have to start all over,” she shared.

Meanwhile, Dr. Troupe emphasised that RIM is a critical enabler of the education transformation process, pointing out that effective records and information management remains both foundational and fundamental to good governance.

“It strengthens accountability and transparency, supports timely and evidence-based decision-making, preserves institutional memory and improves the efficiency and quality of public service delivery,” she stated.

Procurement is under way for a renewable energy laboratory at St. Andrew Technical High School (STATHS).

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, advised that the lab will be constructed over the summer holiday and is expected to be opened in September.

“Students will learn about solar technology. They’ll learn about solar installation. They will learn about the batteries. They’ll learn about wind power too. Using that lab, they will learn how to instal solar systems, how to monitor them, how to fix them and even look at other systems too, because it could be wind-based or other types of renewable energy solutions,” Dr. Morris Dixon said.

She was addressing an alumni engagement visit to St. Andrew Technical High School on Tuesday (April 14), in commemoration of the institution’s 65th anniversary, under the theme ‘Inspiring Change: Reshape, Realign, Refocus’.

During the visit, Dr. Morris Dixon toured the school’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) facilities.

Grade-11 students Nathaniel Hurge and Cameron Pinnock delivered a presentation on STATHS Autopeck, an automated chicken feeder they developed in collaboration with two other students.

“Teachers are not able to monitor or find monitoring the chick-feeding process overnight a hassle. So, we came up with a design, an automated chicken feeder to tackle this problem,” Nathaniel shared.

He explained that the device has two reduction motors which give it power and three 3D printed spiral screws which are placed clockwise, anticlockwise and in the middle to help with the downward movement of the feed.

“This device also comes with a timer module which you can set for how long you want it to feed and the time intervals in which the machine runs for,” he said.

The 16-year-old student added that the device features a weighted sensor to prevent overfeeding.

He explained that if the chicks are not eating as expected and too much feed is in the basins, the machine automatically shuts off once the basin is weighed.

“This device is not the first of its kind. This is just our specific design, and for future innovations we plan to programme an app to this device so that you can monitor it from anywhere,” he said.

Cameron shared that the project combined multiple industrial areas – electrical engineering, building construction, plumbing and visual arts.

He explained that the device was built in two weeks using materials such as reduction motors, a DC outlet, a five-gallon bottle, pipes and a switch.

“It was a task but we got through… . Our next plan is to add a solar system to this so that it doesn’t have to use electrical energy all the time,” Cameron said.

Glenmuir High School in Clarendon has received a donation of US$100,000 from the Burnett Family Foundation, to assist with the repair of the institution’s auditorium roof, after it was damaged by Hurricane Melissa last October.

The contribution was formally handed over during a ceremony held at the school on April 13.

Facilitating the initiative was the National Education Trust (NET), which continues to play a critical role in mobilising resources and coordinating partnerships aimed at strengthening education infrastructure.

The organisation has been instrumental in bridging support between donors and schools, particularly in the aftermath of natural disasters.

Delivering the keynote address, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Hon. Rhoda Moy Crawford, underscored the significance of the donation, noting that the funds, valued at more than J$16 million, represent a powerful act of generosity.

She said that the Burnett family could have chosen to spend the money in numerous other ways, but instead opted to invest in the future of Glenmuir High School and its students.

The Minister of State also commended the leadership and academic tradition of the institution, describing Glenmuir as a long-standing beacon of excellence within Jamaica’s education system.

She praised the Acting Principal, Howard Edwards, and the wider school community for their continued commitment to maintaining high standards and expressed confidence that the donation would be effectively utilised under their stewardship.

In his remarks, Head of the Burnett Family Foundation, Dale Burnett, explained that the contribution was driven not by wealth alone but also by a deliberate choice to give back to Jamaica.

He encouraged students and members of the wider community to adopt a spirit of generosity, urging them to “lift as they climb” rather than waiting until they have accumulated significant wealth before making a difference.

Mr. Burnett called on members of the Jamaican Diaspora to play a more active role in supporting national development efforts.

Director for Donor and Partnership Management at NET, Keisha Johnson, highlighted the collaborative nature of the initiative, noting that the organisation works closely with donors to ensure transparency and accountability.

She commended the Burnett Family Foundation for its commitment and expressed optimism about the potential for a long-term partnership that will continue to benefit the school.

For his part, the Acting Principal welcomed the donation, describing the auditorium as a vital space for both academic and cultural activities.

Mr. Edwards noted that restoration of the roof is critical to preserving a central hub for assemblies, graduations, and community events.

Head Boy, Javier Johnson, expressed gratitude on behalf of the student body, noting that the contribution represents not just financial support but an investment in the future of the institution and its students.

President of The Mico University College, Dr. Asburn Pinnock, says Mathematics plays a central role in shaping reasoning, strengthening problem-solving skills, and empowering individuals to succeed in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven society.

According to Dr. Pinnock, mathematical literacy is no longer optional but is a critical life skill necessary to navigate modern challenges and opportunities.

He pointed out that Mathematics underpins every sector, including education, healthcare, finance, engineering, and the creative industries.

Addressing the institution’s recent Mathematics Expo 2026, held recently at the University, in Kingston, the President underscored the transformative power of mathematics in education and national development.

The President argued that for developing countries like Jamaica, strengthening mathematical competence is vital to building a competitive workforce and achieving sustainable economic growth.

He said students need to regard mathematics as far more than numbers, as it is a way of thinking and understanding the world.

Reflecting on his own journey, Dr. Pinnock admitted that he once feared mathematics as a student, even to the extent of being intimidated by his teachers.

He shared that, over time, he experienced a change in perspective, attributing his transformation to both personal growth and faith.

Dr. Pinnock also advocated for competency-based learning, arguing that education systems must move beyond traditional assessment methods to focus on what students can actually do.

He noted that when mathematics begins to make sense to learners, it builds confidence, adding that many students struggle, not because of lack of ability but due to a lack of connection to the subject.

The President said that grounding mathematics in real-world contexts, such as science, technology, and everyday decision-making, makes the subject more accessible and engaging. This, he said, allows students to transition from understanding to confidence, and ultimately to competence, which is essential for both personal and national development.

Dr. Pinnock said that The Mico University College continues to focus on training educators who are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about teaching and urged student teachers to embrace their responsibility to inspire curiosity and transform classrooms into spaces of discovery and innovation.

The President encouraged students to approach mathematics with confidence and view it as an opportunity rather than an obstacle.

He noted that the Mathematics Expo is part of a broader effort to reshape how the subject is taught and experienced, ultimately empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and contributing to the building of a stronger Jamaica.

At the function, keynote speaker, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, was praised by first-year Mathematics student, Dorrianne Bennett, for her inspiring and impactful presentation.

Miss Bennett said the Minister’s address challenged the deeply rooted cultural fear of mathematics and reinforced the message that the subject is accessible to all Jamaicans.

She also called on educators to lead with empathy and ensure that no student feels incapable of learning mathematics.

Miss Bennett stressed the importance of addressing fear before building competence, noting that when mathematics is made relevant and engaging, it can become a source of confidence and even joy for students.

Schools hardest hit by Hurricane Melissa on October 28 will receive additional support through the distribution of 20 generators, provided by the National Education Trust (NET) in partnership with Jamaica Vacations Limited (JamVac).

The new 15,000 watt dual fuel portable generators were officially handed over on Tuesday (April 7), during a ceremony at the National Education Trust (NET) Building, Caenwood Centre, Kingston.

They were donated by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) Foundation, based in Geneva, Switzerland, with support from its local affiliate, MSC Jamaica Limited.

Speaking during the ceremony, Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Hon. Tova Hamilton, underscored that the generator donation reflects the far reaching impact of tourism on individuals, communities, and national development.

“These generators represent the tangible link between tourism and social development. They ensure that when challenges arise, our schools can remain operational, our children can continue learning, and our communities can maintain stability,” she said.

Ms. Hamilton noted that in the immediate aftermath of the devastating Category-Five cyclone, Jamaica’s cruise partners were among the first to extend support to those affected.

The State Minister said this demonstrates the spirit of “true partnership”, which has continued throughout Jamaica’s recovery efforts following the major storm.

“Today’s donation is another example of that commitment… one that strengthens our education system, supports resilience, and uplifts communities that form the backbone of our tourism product,” Ms. Hamilton added.

NET Executive Director, Latoya Harris Ghartey, noted that more than 700 institutions, ranging from the infant to tertiary level, were devastated by Hurricane Melissa.

She added that the generators will be distributed across rural communities still without electricity, providing not only lighting but also powering pumps to ensure reliable water supply for sanitation, food preparation, and other essential needs.

Mrs. Harris Ghartey expressed heartfelt gratitude to JamVac and MSC, noting that the intervention will provide lasting benefits for both students and administrators.

JamVac Executive Director, Joy Roberts, and MSC Jamaica Limited Managing Director, Roger Hinds, both highlighted the significance of the intervention, noting that schools were among the institutions most severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

They welcomed the opportunity to support the beneficiary schools, reaffirming the entities’ commitment to initiatives that deliver a lasting positive impact for Jamaicans.

“Ensuring that these institutions have reliable access to electricity is essential to maintaining the resilience of the communities that are served. To the principals, teachers and students… please note that you are not alone,” Mrs. Roberts stated.

The distribution of the generators, aimed at advancing recovery efforts and ensuring the continuity of education across Jamaica, will be coordinated by NET to prioritise institutions in greatest need.

The Government is advancing a major expansion of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) as part of its push to transform and future proof Jamaica’s education system.

The initiative was underscored by Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Hon. Rhoda Moy Crawford, during the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) Education Conference, being held at the Princess Hotel in Hanover from April 7 to 9 under the theme ‘Future Proofing Education in Times of Crisis: Advancing STEAM and TVET to Sustain Innovation, Resilience and Recovery’.

Addressing the opening session on Tuesday (April 7), Ms. Crawford said the Ministry is pursuing a bold and systemic overhaul to better prepare students for an increasingly technology driven and unpredictable global environment.

She emphasised that the Ministry is working to establish a more resilient system – one capable of adapting to disruptions while ensuring continuity in teaching and learning.

The State Minister said central to this transformation is the repositioning of TVET as a core pillar of national development.

“For far too long, TVET has been perceived as a secondary pathway. TVET is not an alternative. It is a critical pillar of our national development agenda,” she added.

Ms. Crawford disclosed that the Government has committed substantial investment to expand and strengthen TVET delivery across schools.

“This plan represents a transformative investment in skills development and includes over $400 million to strengthen TVET delivery across primary and secondary schools… . Importantly, an additional $400 million has been earmarked to retrofit our technical high schools with new and emerging laboratories,” she outlined.

Ms. Crawford reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to partnering with stakeholders in order to strengthen the education sector.

“Let us remain guided by a shared vision, creating an education system that empowers every Jamaican learner with the competencies, creativity, and confidence to thrive in the 21st century and beyond,” she encouraged.

The State Minister further highlighted that the integration of STEAM and TVET is already delivering positive results across the education system.

“When students are equipped with the right tools, they do not simply learn, they innovate, they solve, and they lead,” Ms. Crawford pointed out.

For his part, Custos Rotulorum for Hanover, Hon. Lennox Anderson Jackson, welcomed participants to the conference and emphasised the central role of educators in national development, underscoring the importance of continued engagement on education reform.

He noted that the conference serves as an important platform for collaboration and innovation in education.

“This year’s conference theme… is both timely and thought-provoking. STEM and TVET are basically no longer optional pathways. They are essential foundations for national growth, innovation and global competitiveness,” the Custos said.

Mr. Anderson-Jackson also commended educators for their continued dedication to the nation’s children and the wider education sector.

“Your work is not easy but it is very important. Every day you help to shape the lives of our children and guide them towards a better future,” he stated.

The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information is staging its annual Easter Mathematics Camps from April 7 to 10.

Targeted at secondary-level students, the camps are part of a strategy to strengthen performance in the subject in external examinations.

Building on the notable gains achieved last year, the Ministry has signalled its commitment to sustaining improvement in the subject during the 2025/26 academic year.

In a bulletin, the Ministry has advised all secondary schools to organise camps for students.

They will provide grade-11 students with comprehensive review sessions focused on critical content areas of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination and the City & Guilds Mathematics syllabus.

They will also strengthen analytical and problem-solving skills through interactive lessons and the use of past examination papers, while offering targeted support and effective test-taking strategies to enhance examination readiness.

Principals, working in collaboration with heads of department for mathematics, are asked to plan and implement the camps, engaging subject specialists or volunteers to facilitate sessions.

Additional support will be provided by the Ministry’s mathematics coaches, specialists, and education officers. All grade-11 students are expected to be registered, and schools must maintain accurate attendance records throughout the camp. To support effective delivery, the Ministry has developed grade-11 learning kits and modules targeting key curriculum areas and transferable competencies essential for success.

Schools are responsible for selecting the appropriate modules for each examination.

These targeted, face-to-face camps represent a valuable opportunity to improve student performance and ensure learners are adequately prepared for their upcoming examinations, the Minister said.

Describing education and skills training as the bridge from poverty to prosperity, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, says the Administration values people development and has increased funding to support critical areas within the sector.

“Despite everything, the hurricane, once-in-a-generation economic fallout, and geopolitical upheavals around the globe, the Government increased the allocation to the Ministry of Education,” the Minister said, as she made her contribution to the debate on the Appropriation Bill 2026 in the Senate, recently.

“This was done because we see education and skills training as a pathway from poverty to prosperity. When one stands back and examines our 26/27 Plan of Action for Human Capital Development, a coherent continuum emerges. The task now, however, is execution. We’ll now take these announcements, as we always do, from the pages of the ‘yellow book’ to the people,” she continued.

The Minister pointed out that people development is central to national development and highlighted several of the initiatives that will be undertaken in the 2026/27 fiscal year.

Some of the initiatives the Minister pointed out, included implementation of the Learning, Earning and Prosper (LEAP) Programme, aimed at expanding pathways from tertiary education to employment; implementation of a contractor incubator programme; ground-breaking ceremonies that will be held for the development of STEAM schools; and the placement of at least one trained teacher at every early-childhood institution across Jamaica.

“The STEAM schools must be built well and staffed properly. LEAP placements must be meaningful. Apprenticeship pathways must lead to real employment and the emergence of new industries. A resilient and resurgent Jamaica cannot be built by concrete or asphalt or any measure of capital expenditure alone. The new Jamaica will be built by trained minds, skilled hands, empowered teachers, and a confident people.

“This Administration is serious about Jamaica’s resurgence, and we are serious about unleashing the potential of people. This Appropriation Bill is the people’s Bill,” she said.

She further noted that the HEART/NSTA Trust will establish the Western School of Construction as part of efforts to expand the talent pool of construction-related persons.

“We know the West was damaged severely, and there are a lot of reconstruction projects there, and we need to have the workforce, so we have a school of construction in Portmore, but we need to have one in Montego Bay. So, we are going to be opening a school of construction in the West to increase the talent pool of construction-related trade persons in the West,” the Minister noted.

Furthermore, she said the contractor incubator programme will place selected graduates from HEART and the University of Technology (UTech) Jamaica on a structured developmental pathway.

The Minister indicated that the Government will be eliminating tuition fees at HEART/NSTA for all programmes up to Level 5. “It’s equivalent to a bachelor’s degree, so our children can get a bachelor’s degree for free,” she said.

She noted that provisions are in the budget to enable the 108 early-childhood institution across Jamaica to be staffed with at least one trained teacher.

“The Government will continue to provide lunch and breakfast for our worst-performing schools. In addition to that, in the yellow book, we know there are more special needs students in our country, and we have doubled the number of special needs assistants to 1,400,” she said.

The Minister said that measures will be taken to increase internet connectivity and noted that $100 million has been allocated to treat termites in schools.

“We’re adding satellite to the mix. We have acquired 800 smart boards, and every single primary school in Jamaica will get their computers for their computer lab. In addition, those numbers in the yellow book speak to 18 new schools that will get their security fencing,” she said.

The Minister added that funds have also been allocated for electrical upgrades and infrastructure repairs.

Education, Skills, Youth and Information Minister, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, has underscored the critical role of mathematics to national development, noting that it is key to building a more innovative, competitive and resilient society.

Delivering the keynote address at The Mico University College Mathematics Expo at the institution’s Marescaux Road location in St. Andrew on Tuesday (March 31), she said that the country’s progress depends heavily on strengthening mathematics education.

She argued that achieving national goals would be impossible without placing the subject at the centre of learning and innovation.

Highlighting the pervasive role of mathematics, she said that the subject underpins everyday activities and multiple sectors, including finance, agriculture, engineering, healthcare and technology.

“Mathematics is everywhere,” she said, pointing to its importance in managing money, designing infrastructure, delivering medical care and driving entrepreneurship.

Even in the digital age, Minister Morris Dixon said that strong numeracy skills are increasingly vital in an era shaped by artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies.

She noted that AI systems rely on mathematical principles such as statistics, probability, calculus and linear algebra, noting that those proficient in mathematics will be better positioned to succeed in the future economy.

“Your goal is to build the next generation of technology,” she told the students, adding that confidence in mathematics is key to unlocking opportunities in fields such as coding, engineering and data analysis.

The Minister commended The Mico University College, particularly the Mathematics Department, for organising the expo and advancing the teaching of the subject.

She said that the event, under the theme ‘Mathematics For All: Building Communities, Confidence and Creativity’, is more than a school-based activity, positioning it as a “national development event” aligned with Jamaica’s broader growth agenda.

Addressing the widespread fear of mathematics, which, she noted, continues to hinder many learners, she said that too often students view mathematics as something to endure rather than master, a perception reinforced by adults who project their own anxieties about the subject onto the younger generations.

She emphasised the need to transform how mathematics is taught and experienced, advocating for approaches that make the subject accessible, relevant and engaging.

The Minister said that mathematics education must move beyond abstract concepts to practical application, allowing students to develop reasoning, problem-solving and decision-making skills essential for life, work and active citizenship.

She commended mathematics teachers for their pivotal role in shaping disciplined, analytical thinkers, acknowledging their efforts to overcome students’ fear of the subject.

Senator Morris Dixon urged continued emphasis on engaging teaching methods, meaningful integration of technology and stronger links between classroom learning and real-world application.

She encouraged students to persevere through challenges, reminding them that mistakes are part of the learning process, and expressed hope that the expo would inspire greater appreciation for mathematics and its transformative potential in Jamaica’s future.