Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Jamaica, Her Excellency Dr. Erja Eskola (fourth right), presents a chaque for $8,345,000 to the Creative Language-Based Learning Foundation in support of summer literacy camps during a handover ceremony on June 26. The funds were raised through the EU JA 5K and 10K Run/Walk, which held in March in downtown Kingston, in partnership with the Jamaican Government and Running Events Jamaica. The presentation was made at the EU Delegation office in Kingston. Also participating (from left) are Edward Seaga Primary School student, Kashae Matthews; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth & Information, Dr. Kasan Troupe; Greenwich Primary student, Rajaun Drummonds; Cockburn Gardens Primary student, tyeisha Lindsay; Whitfield Primary student, Devana Thomas; Calabar Primary student, Carlan Malcolm, and Cockburn Gardens Primary student; Jayden Hemmings.

Creative strategies being undertaken at the Louise Bennett-Coverley Primary School that have improved academic outcomes, particularly for boys, are being praised by Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon.

The learning strategies include targeted student support to address the specific needs of pupils; a mentorship programme for boys; and consistent value-added learning, where progress is measured and tracked over time.

“The school is working, and I applaud the creativity and the programmes,” Senator Morris Dixon said at the school-leaving ceremony held recently at the institution in Gordon Town, St. Andrew. “I love the fact that you have the all-boys class and… a mentorship programme for our boys,” she added.

Principal of the school, Sheena Taylor-Morgan, commended the graduates for their resilience and growth.

“You will not all pursue the same path or have the same achievements… but when all is said and done, you should all strive to be great in your own way so that your family, community and society as a whole will be better for it,” she said.

Providing details about the support being provided to the boys, she noted that at the beginning of grade six, the school launched a mentorship programme for the all-boys class, consisting of 11 students, to assist with learning, behaviour, and social skills. They were mentored by an alumni ambassador.

Highlighting the growth over the year, she said that in grade five, all the students in the all-boys class had one or more ‘Beginning’ on their profile. By grade six, only three of the boys were designated as ‘Beginning’, and by [by the end of] grade six, only one remained at that level for mathematics,” she said.

In addition, “three of the boys attained ‘Proficient’ in one subject in grade five, while five of the boys attained ‘Proficient’ in two or more subjects in grade six,” she emphasised.

“This is what you call adding value; moving our students from where they were academically to a point of marked improvement. We are not only about high-school placement but more so the value we add to every student under our care,” Ms. Taylor-Morgan emphasised.

She thanked the school’s staff and parents for their continued support. “From providing assistance with homework, support for lunch money and other critical inputs, you have played your part; you have done well. We salute you and celebrate this momentous occasion with you,” added the principal.

She noted the importance of collective effort, adding that, “Transformation requires cooperation, diligence, and dedication… teamwork can make the dream work”.

Member of Parliament for St. Andrew East Rural, the Most Hon. Juliet Holness, who donated 10 fans to the school, congratulated the graduates.

“I am so proud of you, graduating class of 2025,” she said.

During the ceremony, tablet computers were presented to Most Improved Student, Chadrick Bailey, and Top Student, Shakeria Stewart.

A significant step forward in educational infrastructure is under way with the introduction of new school building standards islandwide, focusing on safety, sustainability, and student-focused design.

The initiative was outlined during a sensitisation session on the New Building Standards for Schools, hosted by the National Education Trust (NET) on Friday (June 27), at the Overseas Examinations Commission, in Kingston.

Stakeholders, including architects, contractors, and Education Ministry officials, gathered to explore the comprehensive framework aimed at transforming learning spaces nationwide.

“These new standards represent a major step towards greater uniformity, quality assurance and safety across all school construction projects,” declared Manager of Marketing, Communications and Public Relations at the NET, Oraine Wallace.

“This session isn’t just about compliance or ticking boxes; it’s about ensuring that every structure we design, every brick we lay, and every decision we make contribute to a school environment where students can thrive and teachers can safely deliver quality education,” he continued.

The event, branded as ‘Engage 360’, was designed not only to inform participants but to foster collaboration and alignment among the education sector’s diverse partners.

“These standards need also to be shaped through your own voices, so we need to hear from you today. You are the practitioner,” emphasised Deputy Chief Education Officer, Planning and Development Division, Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Viviene Johnson.

“What we want to unveil today… is not just a technical framework but a national blueprint of excellence in educational infrastructure,” she added.

She noted that the new building codes are grounded in international best practices yet customised for Jamaica’s unique cultural and environmental context. “They’re responsive to green building technologies and climate resilience,” she added, reinforcing the Government’s vision for future-ready schools.

Meanwhile, Executive Director of NET, Latoya Harris-Ghartey, highlighted the broader infrastructure strategy and its alignment with national priorities.

“One of the main recommendations was a framework for infrastructure development… to ensure that we have the standard, policy, [and] strategies for infrastructure development,” she said.

“These are the standards that we have now implemented as a Ministry for the public sector, and we are working with the Bureau of Standards to elevate those to national voluntary standards, so that private entities also can tap into and use it,” the Executive Director continued.

Mrs. Harris-Ghartey emphasised that infrastructure is not merely a construction concern but a vital element of educational transformation.

“Our schools are used as shelters in times of disaster, so we have to really build them with that in mind. These facilities need to be resilient; they need to be able to stand up to rigour; they need to be cool, because they have multiple functions,” she said.

“We have to adjust our learning environment, so that it can be more student-centred… designing with the environment in mind,” she added.

In the meantime, Ms. Johnson reinforced the profound role schools play beyond academics.

“A school is not simply a structure of walls and windows… . A school is a place where dreams are born, where values are nurtured, and where a nation’s future takes root. Let us ensure that every school is a beacon of safety, of pride, of possibility,” she said.

As these standards move toward implementation, all stakeholders are being urged to contribute their expertise and insights.

“Let us build not just with blocks and skills but with vision and purpose… . Let us prepare to build the schools that our children deserve,” Ms. Johnson urged.

The National Summer Academy (NSA) 2025, hosted by the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, will get under way on July 7 and run until July 24.

Under the theme ‘Every Learner, Every Level: Targeted Strategies for System-Wide Success’, the initiative aims to address learning gaps in literacy and numeracy among primary and secondary students, fostering educational transformation for national development.

All grades at the primary level and grades seven to nine at the secondary level will be part of this year’s NSA.

The Ministry, in a bulletin, said that the NSA forms part of the ongoing learning recovery strategy and will target students from grades one through nine, with a particular focus on those requiring additional academic support.

The programme promotes active engagement through problem-solving and critical thinking using three modalities – virtual, in-person, and blended formats. Principals and teachers are encouraged to inform parents and students about this important initiative.

While existing school-led summer programmes are acknowledged, priority should be given to enabling the execution of the Ministry-led initiative for those students who need the support, to ensure equitable access to quality learning opportunities.

Schools are also urged to utilise recommended resources to bolster their own summer initiatives.

Regional sensitisation sessions for facilitators and stakeholders will be held during the week of June 30.

Literacy and numeracy coordinators will provide ongoing support throughout the programme to ensure its success.

The Ministry is inviting all educational institutions to participate actively in NSA 2025, working together to create a robust support network that enhances student achievement and success.

For more information, visit the NSA Information Centre at https://sites.google.com/moeschools.edu.jm/information-centre/home or contact the Regional Literacy/Mathematics Coordinators.

Beginning this September, students in grades one to three across Jamaica will benefit from enhanced reading classes and newly printed storybooks as part of a comprehensive literacy initiative.

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, made the announcement during the graduation ceremony at the Louise Bennett-Coverley Primary School, on Thursday (June 26).

The Minister underscored the Ministry’s commitment to nurturing a love for reading from an early age.

“At the Ministry, we are now printing… storybooks for the children. Every child from grade one to grade three is going to have a stack of storybooks that they can read,” Senator Morris Dixon said, highlighting the importance of early literacy.

In addition to new reading materials, the Minister pointed out that “we have put internet in over 700 schools”.

This expansion of digital access is a key part of the Ministry’s broader strategy to ensure that “our children [are] using the laptops, using the devices, and having access to technology, because the world is changing,” she added.

The Minister also addressed efforts to improve educational equity, particularly in rural communities. “That’s why we’re doing this rural school bus system,” she explained, noting that many students miss school due to unaffordable transportation costs.

“No child should be out of school because their parents can’t afford it,” the Minister emphasised.

Beyond infrastructure and resources, Senator Morris Dixon challenged both students and parents to embrace a future shaped by technology and innovation.

“I tell you, a lot of the jobs that you see today, you’re not going to see in 10 years,” she noted.

“Help your children to focus on where the world is going,” the Minister urged parents.

She encouraged the students to aim higher and differentiate themselves. “Do not just tell me you want to be a nurse. Tell me how you’re going to be different than every other nurse that’s out there… specialise in cutting-edge technology,” she encouraged.

The Minister emphasised that innovation is transforming every sector, from agriculture to business, and urged students to consider how they can apply advanced technologies like aerial robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) to drive change in Jamaica.

Highlighting the importance of ambition, Senator Morris Dixon urged students to “use your education as a ladder and never stop climbing. Dream big and make sure that you, like ‘Miss Lou’, are making history in this world”.

These initiatives, combined with the Minister’s call for innovation and ambition, underscore the Ministry’s commitment to equipping Jamaica’s youth with the tools and mindset needed to succeed in an ever-evolving world.

By improving access to quality education and fostering a culture of creativity and resilience, the Ministry aims to empower students to become leaders who will shape Jamaica’s future.

The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information (MOESYI) is reminding that it does not facilitate routine student transfers between schools, except in exceptional or adverse circumstances.

In a bulletin issued by the MOESYI, parents and guardians seeking to transfer children already placed in schools through the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) placement process are reminded of their responsibilities in the transfer process.

They must identify a willing accepting school and follow the outlined procedure – the accepting school must provide the parent/guardian with an acceptance letter.

Conversely, the school where the child was initially placed must issue a release letter. Both letters must include the child’s full name and Student Registration Number (SRN), which can be found on the top left corner of the PEP Student Report.

The parent/guardian must write a formal letter addressed to the Permanent Secretary at the  Ministry, Dr. Kasan Troupe, requesting approval for the transfer. This letter should include the child’s name and SRN and must be accompanied by the acceptance and release letters. The application must be submitted to the respective Regional Office.

Transfer requests will be processed by the Ministry through the Regional Offices, which will send approval letters to both the accepting and releasing schools within one week of receiving the request. These approval letters will also include the child’s name and SRN.

The Ministry’s offices operate from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays, and from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Fridays. For further inquiries or additional information, parents and guardians are encouraged to contact their Regional or Central Offices or email [email protected].

The Ministry emphasises that transfers outside of these adverse circumstances are at the discretion of the MOESYI and are not part of routine procedures.

Primary schools in St. Elizabeth are celebrating a wave of success following the release of the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examination results for the 2024/25 academic year.

The grade-six students have earned placements at prestigious secondary institutions throughout the breadbasket parish and beyond, driven by exceptional performance and a determination to overcome adversity.

Principal of Schoolfield Primary and Infant School, Okeshue Bigby, told JIS News that of the 10 grade-six students who sat the PEP exams, seven earned placements in Pathway One – the highest performance category.

The remaining three students, however, were placed in Pathway Two, according to Mr. Bigby.

He noted that students earned placements at prominent institutions, including Sydney Pagon STEM Academy, Munro College, Manchester High School, Black River High, Roger Clarke High, Maggotty High, and St. Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS).

“The students have performed very well this year, given that most of these students would have started school at grade one when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. So, a portion of their learning would have been online throughout the duration of the pandemic,” Mr. Bigby explained.

He added that, despite early disruptions, the students adapted well – benefiting from a strong support system led by the institution’s dedicated team of teachers, who helped them to “perform at a very high standard”.

The Principal indicated that the school’s improved performance over the previous year was the result of several targeted interventions.

“We recognised pretty early that reading and comprehension are a major part of the programme. So, we would focus on reading comprehension pretty early, looking at the data from internal and external assessments to treat with those deficiencies,” Mr. Bigby outlined.

The Principal expressed confidence in the students’ continued success as they transition to the secondary level.

Meanwhile, Santa Cruz Primary and Infant School has also recorded remarkable success, with students earning placements at secondary institutions across St. Elizabeth and Manchester.

These include Hampton School, Manchester High, Bishop Gibson High, STETHS, Black River High, Belair High, Maggotty High, Newell High, Lacovia High, Roger Clarke High, Sydney Pagon STEM Academy, BB Coke High, and Christiana High.

“I want to celebrate with our parents and the teachers who would have worked assiduously in helping the students to accomplish their goals at the primary level,” said Principal, Karen Smith-Whyte.

She pointed out that the school community is now eagerly anticipating the students’ continued success as they transition to their respective high schools for the 2025/26 academic year.

Sudbury Primary and Infant School in St. James now has a new, fully equipped playground providing students with a space for physical activity and social development.

The facility boasts four swings, two seesaws, and a jungle gym.

It was established at a cost of approximately $800,000 through donation from owner of All Seasons Vacations in Pennsylvania, United States, Wanda Keefer, which was facilitated by Sandals Foundation.

Addressing the recent opening ceremony, Principal of the school, Susan Davis, noted that the new playground is a timely addition to the school’s efforts to promote an active lifestyle among students.

She underscored the importance of play in fostering the holistic development of the pupils.

“Play helps our children develop socially, physically, and educationally. They need to play and interact with one another so that true learning can take place. This dedicated play area will encourage students to continue learning beyond the classroom, fostering cognitive development and essential life skills such as socialisation and teamwork,” she said.

In addition to the new recreational space, students at the institution received three large boxes of school supplies.

Principal Davis expressed gratitude to the donors, noting that the contributions will leave a lasting impression.

“You’re making a profound impact on Jamaica’s future,” she said.

Ms. Keefer said that the idea for the playground was borne five years ago when she visited the school and donated more than 300 backpacks filled with supplies.

Despite facing challenges, including delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the vision endured. With the help of her team and the Sandals Foundation, the idea bore fruit.

“Reaching this point feels like a miracle, and I am forever thankful to my team, my family and, of course, the Sandals Foundation for all the support and logistics that made this dream a reality,” she shared.

Ms. Keefer was touched that the school named the facility ‘Terry’s Playground,’ in honour of her late husband, Terry Kershner, who passed away from cancer 14 years ago.

For her part, Regional Public Relations Manager at Sandals Resorts, Rochelle Forbes-Reid, told JIS News that the project reflects the Foundation’s commitment to education and creating safe, nurturing environments for children.

“At the Foundation, we believe that every child deserves access to quality learning spaces so that they can be inspired to grow, to be creative and really to have a lot of fun while they’re at school,” she said.

“It’s not just about building a structure; it’s about building hope, joy, and a sense of community. For us, working with our travel partners is very, very important,” Mrs. Forbes-Reid added.

Several primary schools across St. Ann are celebrating remarkable success, following the release of this year’s Primary Exit Profile (PEP) results.

Among the standout performers is Breadnut Hill Primary School, where Principal, Sherron Minott, expressed her delight at her students’ stellar accomplishments.

“I am very proud of our students’ performance this year. Some  have secured placements in some of the most prestigious high schools, and some even achieved their first or second choices. It’s a testament to the dedication of our teachers, students, and the entire school community,” she told JIS News in an interview.

Ms. Minott highlighted that although Breadnut Hill is not as large or as historically renowned as some of its counterparts in the parish, the school has been steadily building its reputation for academic excellence and vibrant extracurricular activities.

She credited her dedicated team of teachers and the supportive parents for creating an environment where students can thrive.

“Our teachers go above and beyond, working tirelessly to ensure every student reaches his or her potential. Our parents are also very involved, which makes a big difference,” she said.

At Ocho Rios Primary School, Principal, Suzette Barnes Wilson, shared her enthusiasm about the results.

“We are very pleased with our students’ performance this year. Many achieved placements in their high school of choice, while others secured spots at their second option. It’s a reflection of our strategic approach to teaching and learning,” she told JIS News.

Principal Wilson explained that the school employs an innovative rotation strategy where teachers are periodically rotated across different subjects and groups. This approach helps keep students engaged, focused, and on par with their peers, fostering a collaborative and dynamic learning environment.

“Excellence is our motto, and these results show that our efforts are paying off. Our steady improvement over the past three years confirms our position as a key feeder school for high schools in St. Ann, and we remain committed to maintaining and surpassing these standards,” she said.

The achievements across the parish have garnered praise beyond the school walls. Councillor Michael Belnavis, Mayor of St. Ann’s Bay and Chairman of Ocho Rios Primary, expressed his pride and optimism in the schools’ performance.

“It’s truly heartening to hear about the excellent grades attained by our primary-school students. These results are a reflection of the hard work of teachers, students, and parents alike. They also reflect a significant boost in student achievements and the schools’ rising reputation as critical feeders into Jamaica’s secondary-education system,” he said.

Councillor Belnavis emphasised that the structure and strategic initiatives of the schools are instrumental in their continued growth.

“Parents are becoming more involved in their children’s education, which greatly supports our schools’ efforts. With such collaborative efforts, I am confident that our schools will continue to improve and produce even more outstanding results in the future,” he said.

Minister of Education Skills Youth & Information, Senator Dr. the Honourable Dana Morris Dixon (second right) accepts a painting from President, Jamaica Independent Schools’ Association (JISA), Tamar McKenzie (right), during a courtesy call by JISA members at the Ministry’s Heroes Circle offices in Kingston on Tuesday (June 3). Sharing in the presentation (from left) are Permanent Secretary, Dr. Kasan Troupe; and Director, Liberty Academy at the Priory, Susan Williams, who painted the artwork.