The National College for Educational Leadership (NCEL) has launched five innovative programmes and products designed to enhance the leadership capacity of educators and school administrators.

These are ‘Leadership Footprints’, ‘Leadership in Action: A Practical Guide to Transform Schools’, ‘Leadership 360, Financial Leadership and Management in Schools’ and ‘Introduction to School and System Leadership’.

They were unveiled on Thursday (March 20) by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Dr. Kasan Troupe, and NCEL Interim Principal/Director, Keriffe Clark, during the College’s Leadership Day, which was held at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Regional Headquarters in St. Andrew.

Moderator, Brithney Clarke, who outlined details of each initiative, said the Leadership Footprints programme takes a grassroots approach to leadership development and transformation.

It is intended to engage critical stakeholders in matters impacting the success of schools and the education sector from a leadership perspective.

“Leadership Footprints is designed to create a platform where all stakeholders, regardless of geographical location in Jamaica, are provided with an opportunity to be engaged in leadership discourses and strategies to support school improvements,” Ms. Clarke said.

‘Leadership in Action: A Practical Guide to Transform Schools’ will assist school leaders to effectively transform their institutions into high-performing, inclusive, physically and emotionally safe environments where critical stakeholders thrive.

“This workbook combines frameworks and templates to lead and manage organisational change, design leadership interventions that are contextually relevant, measure impact and sustain effective practices in schools,” Ms. Clarke shared.

The Leadership 360 initiative is designed to provide a holistic view of education transformation and equip pre- and in-service educational leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively exercise greater levels of leadership for a better society.

Ms. Clarke said this initiative will also focus on system and school leadership, community engagement and partnerships and national development.

Financial Leadership and Management in Schools aims to expose participants to critical financial leadership and management principles, equip them with the knowledge and skills to undertake effective financial leadership and management and promote greater levels of financial accountability in schools.

NCEL will also offer an introductory course to school and system leadership.

New teachers will be targeted for this course as NCEL believes they must be engaged in leadership discourses and reflective practices to align themselves within varying school contexts, while responding to the dynamics of an evolving education system.

A total of 1,310 students, who will be sitting Information Technology in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exam and Computer Science in the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), this year, will have their fees fully paid.

The NCB Foundation, through its CSEC/CAPE National Bursary Programme, has provided a grant of $7.8 million to subsidise the cost of these exams.

Chair of the Foundation, Thalia Lyn, handed over the cheque to Training and Client Relations Manager at the Overseas Examinations Commission (OEC), Noleta Case, during a ceremony on Wednesday (March 19) at Immaculate Conception High School in St. Andrew.

Through the CSEC/CAPE National Bursary Programme, the NCB partners with the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information and the OEC to cover the examination fees for select students in private and public schools across the island, who are pursuing IT and Computer Science at the CSEC and CAPE levels.

The objective is to ensure that the students meet the subject requirements for tertiary education or career advancement.

Deputy Chief Education Officer, Winnie Berry, who brought remarks on behalf of Portfolio Minister, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, highlighted the importance of the grant for the recipients.

“This occasion is an important one, as it marks not only the continued partnership… but also the deepening of our collective commitment to ensuring that our young people have the opportunity to excel,” she said.

She commended NCB Foundation for providing “a vital lifeline for those who need it most”.

The Foundation has invested more than $240 million in the bursary programme, since its inception in 2003, benefiting more than 109,000 students.

Adhering to its education mandate, the Foundation initially issued grants to students pursuing Principles of Business and Principles of Accounts but shifted its focus in 2022 to Information Technology and Computer Science, citing the changing digital world.

Mrs. Berry applauded the shift stating, “This initiative is particularly important as we navigate a rapidly evolving technological landscape. The future of our country depends on the skills and expertise of our young people, particularly in the field such as Information Technology and Computer Science.”

Additionally, she highlighted the Education Ministry’s commitment to give further assistance to students through the Transforming Education for National Development (TREND) programme, which is aimed at addressing key challenges within the sector and improving educational outcomes, while fostering national development.

“The combination of financial support and educational initiatives creates an environment in which our students are not only financially supported but are also given the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world,” Mrs. Berry said.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Lyn reiterated the Foundation’s commitment to the bursary programme, adding that it is an investment in the country’s future.

She went on to encourage students in attendance at the ceremony to keep their talents in Jamaica and contribute to the country’s development.

“Stay with us a little, help Jamaica to develop these [technological] industries. We have invested in you; we have great faith in you [and] we want you to help us carry it on. Pay it forward because that’s the only way we are going to build a better Jamaica,” she said.

Students at the St. Catherine-based José Martí Technical High School who have been recognised for achievements in academics, sports and other areas of school life, have emphasised the importance of hard work, motivation and support in their success.

For Chevaughn Johnson, who was named the top student for exceptional performance in academics, there were no shortcuts to success, crediting his accomplishments to dedicated studies.

“I always hear people say that the [journey] is the destination, but the process was extremely hard – studying after school, late at night – so it was an endless process,” he told JIS News at the recent awards ceremony held at the institution.

He noted that his parents, teachers, fellow students, as well as friends from other schools, pushed him towards success.

“We have this competition going on for a while now where we motivate and push each other,” he said, noting that they also share in his accomplishments.

Sports Girl of the Year, Ashawna Sibbles, who was recognised for outstanding performance and dedication to the netball team, said she was shocked but proud at the honour.

She noted the importance of students engaging in sports for their mental wellness.

“It gives us a better mental state even when you are going through something. Sports help me through my daily life because after a full day at school, I can turn to sports to release that stress or anxiety that I have been through,” she said.

Ashawna hailed her fellow team members and encouraged them to continue to work hard.

“We all have talent. Continue to give your dedicated time to the sport and I know most of us… will reach far in life, as in making a Jamaica team, or branching off to whatever we want as our goal,” she said.

Chayanne Daley, who received a trophy for outstanding performance in the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), told JIS News that staying focused and disciplined are key ingredients in achieving academic excellence.

She said there “there must be a determined effort not to give up” when things become challenging.

“Have faith in yourself. At one point… I did not want to go to school, but eventually, I picked myself up and pushed through,” she related to JIS News.

The budding medical doctor credited her parents for standing with her during the difficult periods, and the teachers who motivated her.

“Thanks for having faith in me,” she expressed.

For students facing similar doubts in their abilities, Chayanne urged them “not to give up and keeping studying even though you don’t like to study and read, read, and read”.

The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information has commended efforts under the Inter-Ministerial School Support Strategy (ISSS) that have facilitated critical interventions for students residing in parishes where Zones of Special Operations (ZOSOs) have been implemented.

One strategy employed is a Mathematics Problem-Solving Competition, which targeted primary and secondary students in the Ministry’s Region One (Kingston and St. Andrew) and Four (St. James, Westmoreland and Hanover), to enhance their problem-solving skills, foster teamwork and promote a culture of mathematics excellence in schools.

The inaugural competition was held recently in partnership with the British High Commission through its Violence-Prevention Partnership Programme.

Speaking during the closing ceremony at Merl Grove High School in Kingston, Assistant Chief Education Officer, Dr. Tamika Benjamin, who represented Portfolio Minister, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, hailed the partnership between the Ministry and the High Commission.

“The inter-ministerial project is really a shining example of what can be achieved when several arms of our government, strengthened by the support of international development partners such as the British High Commission, work together to tackle complex problems, and understandably, education is an important part of that initiative,” she said.

Dr. Benjamin pointed out that education is critical to achieving the goals under the country’s long-term National Development Plan – Vision 2030 Jamaica, adding that the competition “is not just an investment in our schools but it’s an investment in the future of our entire nation”.

The competition also focused on tackling the prevailing issue of low performance in Mathematics in primary and secondary schools.

Dr. Benjamin pointed out that despite an increase in the numeracy mastery levels over the past decade, much remains to be done.

She was, however, optimistic that with interventions such as the ISSS mathematics problem-solving competition, greater improvements will be recorded in numeracy levels.

“As a Ministry, we have been targeting these specific schools with one goal… to improve mathematics outcomes for the students. We are proud of the gains that we have made, particularly over the last 10 to 12 years, [where] we’ve moved from numeracy mastery levels of 38 per cent and we are now in the 60s,” Dr. Benjamin said.

Twelve schools participated in the finale of the competition, which tasked students with applying their mathematical knowledge to real-world scenarios.

Along with trophies, medals, certificates and gift baskets, which were given to the students and teachers adjudged sectional and overall winners, each participating school received material to be used in their mathematics resource rooms.

Consequent on the work done, so far, through the ISSS, Governance Advisor at the British High Commission, Sharon Weber, said the organisation is committed to the continued support of the Education Ministry and the schools in their initiatives, not only in mathematics but also in activities associated with foundational learning.

More than 800 primary and secondary institutions across Jamaica are set to benefit from a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Education in Schools Programme over the next three years.

The GB£1.7-million programme is an initiative of the British Council, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, e-Learning Jamaica Limited, National Education Trust (NET) and Micro:bit Educational Foundation.

Portfolio Minister, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, described the programme as a critical cross-agency and bilateral partnership, noting that the Government cannot achieve its goal of becoming a STEAM country by walking the journey alone.

She was delivering the keynote address during the initiative’s launch on Wednesday (March 19) at AC Hotel by Marriott Kingston.

Senator Morris Dixon noted the targeted focus on teachers in the programme, pointing out that in order to transform Jamaica and its education system, the educators’ capacity to deliver high-quality STEAM instruction must be strengthened.

“We expect, through this project, to have over 10,000 teachers trained in STEAM education. Also, 1,350 master STEAM teachers will… be trained, and there will be some courses that will be done online and offline. Over 7,000 primary-school teachers will also be receiving hands-on training,” she outlined.

Dr. Morris Dixon shared that e-Learning Jamaica will continue to outfit schools with laptop, desktop and tablet computers, and interactive panels and projectors to support the programme.

Approximately 32,000 programmable micro:bit devices will be distributed to primary-level students, providing them with valuable opportunities to engage in hands-on coding and digital creation.

For her part, British Council Caribbean Regional Director, Americas, Joanna Burke, said the organisation is committed to bridging divides, promoting understanding and creating opportunities that empower individuals and societies.

“Today’s launch is not just another programme. It’s about deepening our commitment to education, to young people and to the future of Jamaica. STEAM represents the skills and knowledge that will define the future by adapting to the growing need for a world and workforce equipped with 21st century skills, and they empower students to think critically, to solve problems creatively and to innovate boldly,” Mrs. Burke said.

She underscored that in a world where technology is reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace, all countries must ensure that their young people are not just participants in the global shift but leaders of it.

“Integrating STEAM into the curriculum will not only enhance the quality of education but also prepare students for the careers that will drive Jamaica’s economic growth and global competitiveness,” Mrs. Burke stated.

The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information has launched a pilot project aimed at improving students’ performance in Mathematics at 20 primary and secondary schools.

Underlining this thrust will be the focus on STEM/STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics/Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics.

The Reskilling Teachers Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in STEM Education to Raise Students’ Maths Identity (RAISE) Initiative aims to equip educators with STEAM-infused methodologies to improve student outcomes, particularly in mathematics.

This initiative, being undertaken in collaboration with the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) Inc. and 21st Century Education, is an expansion of the Ministry’s 1962 STEM/STEAM Programme.

The RAISE pilot will cost US$100,000 and is being funded by AFJ donors, Peter and Lisa Walker.

It will target 10 high schools and 10 primary schools across the island, focusing on enhancing students’ maths identity by providing teachers with cutting-edge AI-driven tools and strategies.

The beneficiary primary schools include St Martin de Porres in St. Andrew, Cockburn Gardens in Kingston and Annotto Bay All-Age in St. Mary.

Among the selected secondary schools are Norman Manley High in Kingston, Papine High in St. Andrew and Green Pond High in St. James.

Speaking during the initiative’s launch at the Ministry’s office in Kingston on Wednesday (March 19), Portfolio Minister, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, welcomed RAISE, noting that it will help to significantly improve educational outcomes.

“The foundation of any successful education system rests heavily on the preparedness of our educators. So, what’s happening here with the RAISE initiative, which aims to enhance STEM education through teacher reskilling using AI technologies, is a prime example of how technology deployment and strategic investment in teacher development can be used to improve educational outcomes,” she reasoned.

The Minister thanked AFJ for financing the initiative, underscoring the importance of partnerships in advancing education.

“Without this kind of support, we cannot do it… we can’t do it alone as a Ministry. We don’t have the kind of budget we would like to have to do all of these things. so we really rely on partners,” she added.

Executive Director of AFJ, Caron Chung, noted that the organisation has been funding projects in Jamaica for more than 42 years.

She expressed the hope that the RAISE initiative will make an indelible mark on the children who will benefit.

Ms. Chung noted that the primary goals of the project are to train and certify STEM leaders, enhance student engagement and significantly improve maths scores across participating schools.

“This project will not only focus on structured implementation but will also include ongoing assessments and continuous refinement to ensure we are maximising the impact. We are committed to adapting and improving this initiative as we go along, so that it continues to meet the needs of both the students and teachers, fostering an environment where STEM education thrives,” she said.

The AFJ Director emphasised that the importance of STEM education in an ever-changing world cannot be overstated.

“As we move further into the 21st century, the need for innovation, critical thinking and technical skills is more urgent than ever before. They help to equip students with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in this ever-changing global landscape,” she stated.

Ms. Chung said the AFJ is proud to play a role in advancing education and empowering the next generation of leaders in Jamaica.

“We believe that by investing in STEM education, we’re investing in the future of our country, helping to create a workforce that is skilled, innovative and prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead,” she added.

Meanwhile, Vice President of Curriculum and Implementations at 21st Century Education, Dr. Jerome Taylor, said he is looking forward to working on the project.

“I am particularly excited about reskilling teachers through AI, using artificial intelligence for STEM and STEAM education. We are going to train teachers in schools to focus on maths, to home in on that specific area, to help our kids excel, not just in maths, but in STEM and STEAM careers. I think this is going to be a monumental and remarkable endeavour,” he posited.

Dr. Taylor added that 21st Century is already making an impact in Jamaica through its work with the 1962 STEM/STEAM pilot project, currently under way.

The project, which was implemented in September 2023, incorporates 42 schools and almost 100 educators across the island.

Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) has signed two contracts, totalling $275 million, for construction of the new Mount Salem Infant School in St. James and road safety works at the St. Catherine-based Old Harbour Primary School.

The projects fall under the 10th cycle of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)-funded Basic Needs Trust Fund, which is being implemented by JSIF.

The signing ceremony was held on Tuesday (February 11) at the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, at Heroes Circle in Kingston.

Portfolio Minister, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, who addressed the ceremony, shared that the projects mark a significant step in advancing access to quality education and ensuring the safety and well-being of students.

“This is money well-spent and again, we thank JSIF for that,” she said.

Dr. Morris Dixon charged JSIF to consider climate resilience when implementing current and future projects.

“The reality of climate change demands that we approach all development projects with sustainability and resilience in mind. Our schools and roadways must be designed to withstand the increasing threats of extreme weather conditions – stronger hurricanes, heavier rainfall and rising temperatures. The multimillion-dollar investment we are signing off on today must serve generations to come,” she said.

In his remarks, JSIF Managing Director, Omar Sweeney, shared that since the Fund’s establishment in 1995, more than 40 per cent of its budget has gone to schools across Jamaica.

At Old Harbour Primary, the works will be undertaken at a cost of $89.2 million under the Safe Passage Project and includes waiting sheds, street signs, crosswalks, stop bars, murals and a pedestrian bridge.

These features, Mr. Sweeny said, “will provide safe passage for children as they leave the school gate to get to their mode of transportation, or even if they are walking home, they can leave and arrive safe”.

Meanwhile, he said construction of the new Mount Salem Infant School, at a cost of $185.8 million, is critical to the community and will benefit some 117 students.

At present, it is the only government-owned institution in the area, and there is a high demand for placement.

The students share a classroom block with Mount Salem Primary School, which is a less-than-ideal situation and in breach of the Early Childhood Commission’s standards.

“Beyond the physical environment, it is important that we improve the educational outcomes at the school, and so, we will continue to work with the Early Childhood Commission and the Ministry, in terms of curriculum development,” Mr. Sweeney said.

Member of Parliament for St. James Central, Heroy Clarke, said he lobbied for the infant school for years and is thrilled to see the project coming to fruition.

“This new block of classrooms will provide a conducive learning environment, equipped with modern facilities and technology to enhance the teaching and learning experience. This project is a shining example of what can be achieved when we work together,” Mr. Clarke said.

Member of Parliament for St. James West Central, Marlene Malahoo Forte, said the community of Mount Salem has been undergoing transformation, resulting in renewed pride among the people.

“I’m excited about this school… . Let me just add how pleased I am to see that we’re at this stage where we will be proceeding with the construction of the new facilities. It is no secret that we have to transform education and the transformation is on many levels, but, in particular, the physical infrastructure, which provides the holding ground for our students and our teachers and all the support staff,” Mrs. Malahoo Forte said.

The Government is investing heavily in ensuring that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to complete and excel in today’s rapidly changing world and workforce, says Acting Chief Education Officer, Terry-Ann Thomas-Gayle.

Addressing the launch of National Career Awareness Week 2025 at Meadowbrook United Church in St. Andrew on Sunday (February 9), Mrs. Thomas-Gayle said the global environment is one where automation, artificial intelligence, digital transformation and scientific advancements are shaping industries at an unprecedented pace, and in the fast-changing landscape, Jamaica cannot afford to be left behind.

She noted that the science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) fields are driving the economies of the most developed nations, and it is critical to ensure that local students are equipped in these areas.

“If we want to compete on the world stage, attract investments and create sustainable jobs, we must equip our young people with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in these areas,” she said.

Mrs. Thomas-Gayle said the recently announced investment of $400 million to transform and upgrade information and communications technology (ICT), science and art laboratories in schools across Jamaica reinforces the goal of “transforming education for national development”.

The initiative, she said, is designed to ensure that Jamaica’s students can thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Over the next five years, 50 schools will be rehabilitated annually with the vision of establishing high-quality labs in every secondary school.

The upgraded facilities will be key to fostering creativity, innovation and problem-solving, which are critical components in preparing students for the challenges of the future, she told her audience.

Mrs. Thomas-Gayle said that National Career Awareness Week 2025 will be used to educate youth in primary and secondary schools, as well as the broader community, about the opportunities available for career and business advancement.

The week is being observed under the theme ‘Career Success Through Self-Development’.

“Our major focus will be on careers in STEAM, which are critical to Jamaica’s future and essential for global competitiveness, economic growth and national development,” she said.

Mrs. Thomas-Gayle noted that the week, which ends on February 14, is an opportunity for students, educators, parents, and industry leaders to come together in a collective effort to shape the future of work in Jamaica.

“It is a call to action, to embrace STEAM careers, nurture innovation, and empower our young people with the tools to create, build and lead. Let us rise to the challenge to make Jamaica a STEM/STEAM powerhouse, a nation where science, technology, and innovation are not just valued but are actively driving progress and national transformation,” she said.

Principal of Old Harbour Primary School in St. Catherine, George Goode, has welcomed the implementation of the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) $89.2-million Safe Passage Project at the institution, anticipating a significant enhancement of student safety.

The contract for the project, which falls under the 10th cycle of the Caribbean Development Bank-funded Basic Needs Trust Fund, was signed on Tuesday (February 11) at the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information in Kingston.

The scope of works includes construction of rails, sidewalks, erection of signage and construction of bus sheds to shield students from the elements as they await transportation at the end of the school day.

“Our school is benefiting from a Safe Passage Programme, and that is simply because we have had a number of experiences over the years where our students have been hit by vehicles on the road.

It’s a very good stretch of road that we’re on, and so what has been happening is that the drivers… and bikers… tend to speed on the road,” Mr. Goode told JIS News.

He also highlighted challenges with indiscipline, noting that students are sometimes not well organised on the road and do not use it wisely.

“Thankfully, we have not had any deaths on the road. What this project is going to do is to prevent that from happening and ensure that the near misses don’t even happen again,” Mr. Goode said.

He further told JIS News that, “the Safe Passage Project will also incorporate the whole matter of building new vendors’ stalls that will be at the side of the school; so, the students won’t have a need now to go across the road, which would put them in danger”, adding that the project is intended to improve road safety education.

“We are really grateful, as a school, for this project that will not only benefit the students but, indeed, it will benefit the community. We just want to say thanks to JSIF and the Caribbean Development Bank for this wonderful partnership with our school,” Mr. Goode said.