Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, has expressed confidence that the administrative challenges at the HEART/NSTA Trust will be resolved under new leadership.

During Wednesday’s (May 6) Post-Cabinet Press Briefing at Jamaica House, the Minister officially introduced attorney-at-law, Camille Facey, as the institution’s new Chair.

Dr. Morris Dixon noted that the leadership change aligns with efforts to streamline operations, particularly addressing lecturer availability and inconsistent programme start dates.

She emphasised that these improvements are critical as the HEART/NSTA Trust expands its tuition free offerings up to Level 5.

“We have been looking at that, and we have to make it a lot more streamlined and very easy for you to know when courses are going to start, and have the application process be a lot smoother and simpler. All of that is the purview of HEART… at the administrative level. What we’re asking the Board to do is to make sure that that is, in fact, the case,” Dr. Morris Dixon said.

The Minister further emphasised that Mrs. Facey’s governance experience, along with her leadership at the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), will help bridge the gap between training and industry needs.

She noted that this expertise will guide the development of course offerings up to Level 5 – equivalent to a bachelor’s degree, ensuring that graduates are equipped to meet the specific demands of the private sector.

“They need to know where the world is going, what courses they should do, what skills they need for the future… so the private sector is going to be very important,” Dr. Morris Dixon said.

She maintained that in addressing the administrative issues at HEART, the aim is to provide students with clearer guidance and stronger support.

The Minister added that the goal is to ensure students registering online receive clear guidance on the most suitable courses, enabling them to earn and effectively provide for their families.

Education, Skills, Youth and Information Minister, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, is urging parents to maintain a balanced and responsible approach to technology use in the home, warning against over-reliance on devices as a substitute for engagement.

“We’ve learned, we’ve watched the data, and we understand that some of our children are around too much technology, especially at home, where they are on the tablets and the phones,” she said in an interview with JIS News at a Read Across Jamaica Day event at Brompton Primary School in St. Elizabeth on Tuesday (May 5).

She pointed to research indicating that excessive screen time at an early age can be detrimental to development.

“Children 0 to 2 should not be on any device. They should not be watching television. They should not be on a phone,” the Minister stated.

“So, parents, if you are looking at getting the brightest future for your child, you can’t use the phone as a babysitter. You have to engage with the children,” she emphasised.

Dr. Morris Dixon said that the Ministry is carefully calibrating its approach to technology in education, ensuring that it serves as a catalyst for progress without undermining essential developmental needs.

“We are learning that technology, no matter how beautiful it is, it is good, but it also has negatives to it, and at the Ministry of Education, we’re working to find that right balance, so that we are able to propel our children forward,” she pointed out.

She outlined ongoing efforts to modernise classrooms through increased access to digital tools and infrastructure, noting that students are responding positively to the interactive learning environments.

“We’re introducing a lot more technology in our schools through our labs and through even having our smart boards in our classrooms. A lot of our children like the technology, and they like to engage with it, and we’re doing more of that,” she said.

She noted that these tools are being carefully integrated to support, not replace, traditional teaching methods.

“Technology is important but technology alone is not a solution. Technology is a tool,” Dr. Morris Dixon said, noting that these tools are most effective when used to deepen understanding and bring lessons to life for students.

“It’s not technology for technology’s sake. It’s to supplement the learning. So, if a teacher is teaching a topic, they can go and they can show a video on that particular topic, and it enriches the entire class. That’s how we see it working,” she pointed out.

She told JIS News that the Ministry is developing an artificial intelligence (AI) learning assistant designed to support students beyond the classroom.

The initiative is intended to reinforce classroom instruction and strengthen independent learning, she said.

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, has commended teachers islandwide for going above and beyond their call of duty as the nation celebrates Teachers’ Day 2026.

“They deliver more than lessons every day. They are more than just your teacher. Given what we have in our society, in our communities, in our families, they have to take on additional roles. They are family members. They have done so with so much pride and joy, and they just never forget about our children,” Dr. Morris Dixon said.

She was speaking on Wednesday (May 6), at a Post-Cabinet Press Briefing held at Jamaica House in Kingston.

The Minister extended special commendations to teachers in western Jamaica who, despite sustaining personal losses during the passage of Hurricane Melissa, have remained steadfast in their commitment for their students.

“Yesterday I spoke to some teachers who still have not been able to recover. They are still struggling but they are going to school every single day and doing the best for their children who, too, are traumatised. And so, we thank them for that work on this Teachers’ Day, and we continue to honour them,” Dr. Morris Dixon shared.

She maintained that respecting and supporting teachers remains a priority, as they are vital in the Ministry’s mandate of establishing a strong academic foundation for students to reach their full potential.

“I again want to just say Happy Teachers’ Day to all our teachers. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the work that you continue to do and the service that you provide to our country,” the Education Minister added.

Teachers’ Day is being observed as part of Education Week 2026, running from May 3 to 9.

Parents are encouraged to play a more active role in fostering good reading habits among their children.

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, in making the call, said that literacy development must be reinforced both at school and at home to ensure the best outcomes.

“You have to do your part at home. We’re doing our part at school so, let’s work together to get our children reading so that they can reach those big [goals] that I know every parent wants for their child,” she said.

The Minister was speaking to JIS News, while participating in Read Across Jamaica Day activities at Petersfield Primary and Infant School in Westmoreland on Tuesday (May 5).

Acknowledging that many parents struggle to get children to read, Dr. Morris Dixon said the challenge is one she understands.

“I get the question asked all the time by parents, ‘how do I get my child to read more?.’ We all know, the data is very clear, that children who read well at the early ages do better in mathematics and then will perform better generally throughout their academic life,” she pointed out.

The Minister said that parents must be willing to experiment with different approaches in order to spark children’s interest in books.

She said that parents must also lead by example, noting that children are more likely to embrace reading when they see adults engaging in the activity.

“You have to show what it is that you want to see from your children. So, if you’re not reading, it’s going to be less easy for them to read,” she contended.

Minister Morris Dixon further encouraged parents to pay closer attention to their children’s interests when selecting reading material, explaining that traditional book choices may not always resonate with young readers.

“Talk to them about what it is that they want to read about because sometimes they find the books that we’ve chosen absolutely boring,” she said.

She noted the growing popularity of graphic novels and illustrated books as alternative formats that can help cultivate a love for reading among children.

“You have new types of books where you have a lot more pictorial depictions of the story; they tell a story almost like a comic. So, you have to figure out what your child likes, what topics they like, and then what format they want to read in,” she suggested.

Senator Morris Dixon told JIS News that the Ministry has been supporting literacy development in schools by timetabling reading sessions and increasing access to books for students who may not have reading materials at home.

“We’ve also gone a step further in printing books that our children can read because, for so many of our children, the only time they see books is at school,” she said, noting that providing books for students has become a critical part of the Ministry’s literacy strategy.

Reaffirming the Government’s literacy goals, she said that the Ministry is working towards ensuring that every child leaves primary school able to read proficiently.

“No child is going to leave grade six not literate; that’s what all of Jamaica has to have as a goal,” she said.

Teachers at Lawrence Tavern Primary School were honoured with digital devices and classroom technology during a Teachers’ Day celebration, held on the school grounds in St. Andrew on Wednesday (May 6).

Thirty-six teachers at the institution received laptops courtesy of the Flow Foundation, while the school was presented with a BlackPoint smartboard through a partnership involving BlackPoint and Imperial Appliances.

Speaking at the handover, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, said the celebration served as an opportunity to recognise the important role teachers play in shaping the nation’s children.

The Minister said members of the Ministry team were able to visit classrooms and interact with students during the Teachers’ Day activities, noting that they saw “the best of Jamaica” through the work being done at the institution.

“When you go around the classrooms and you interact with the students, you see the best of Jamaica and it’s that way because of the teachers and the leadership of this institution,” she said.

Dr. Morris Dixon underscored that partnerships remain critical to improving the education system, noting that the Government welcomes support from corporate Jamaica.

“We can’t do education without partners,” the Minister said, while thanking BlackPoint and Imperial Appliances for supporting schools with smartboards and other resources.

She noted that the company is distributing 250 smartboards across the education system, with Lawrence Tavern Primary School being the first institution to benefit under the initiative.

“They’ve also said they’ll help us in other ways so we’re going to be expanding this partnership,” the Minister added.

Dr. Morris Dixon also expressed gratitude to the Flow Foundation for providing the teachers with laptops, explaining that the Ministry wanted to do something special for the educators in recognition of their dedication and service.

“We wanted to do something special for the teachers at Lawrence Tavern Primary… because they deserve it and it’s the least we could do,” she said.

The Minister pointed out that while the Ministry already has a programme to provide laptops for teachers, the devices presented during the Teachers’ Day celebration were intended as gifts to show appreciation to the staff.

Executive Director of the Flow Foundation, Rhys Campbell, said the organisation was pleased to support educators who continue to shape the lives of Jamaican children.

“Today…we’re giving 36 teachers brand-new laptops. We’re really excited about this because this is an opportunity for us to recognise the people who are changing the lives of our children and Jamaicans on a whole,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer, BlackPoint and Imperial Appliances, Gul Mansukhani, said the company decided to assist schools after many educational institutions sustained damage during Hurricane Melissa.

He said the company imported 500 smartboards for schools across Jamaica, with 250 being handed over to the Ministry of Education for distribution to schools islandwide.

“The other 250 I personally will go and hand over to some of the schools in a couple months to come before September,” Mr. Mansukhani told JIS News.

He added that the initiative forms part of the company’s commitment to supporting education and helping schools recover following the hurricane.

For her part, Principal of Lawrence Tavern Primary School, Marlene Davis-Fairweather, described the occasion as a memorable and uplifting Teachers’ Day celebration for the school community.

“Today was really a wonderful Teachers’ Day here, as our school was chosen by the Minister and the team from Region One to share and celebrate our teachers here,” she said.

“Our teachers are really dedicated, hard-working teachers and have made an invaluable contribution to our community,” the Principal added.

Mrs. Davis-Fairweather said the laptops and smartboard will enhance teaching and learning at the institution.

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, has underscored literacy as a cornerstone of Jamaica’s development, emphasising that the country’s future hinges on its children’s ability to read.

Positioning literacy as a non-negotiable priority, she pointed to deliberate policy actions being taken to ensure that reading is embedded in the daily school experience.

“If we’re going to build the country that we want, our children have to be literate and that’s what we’re doing in the Ministry of Education. We’re prioritising literacy, starting in our primary schools,” she said.

Dr. Morris Dixon was speaking to JIS News after participating in a reading session with students at Petersfield Primary and Infant School in Westmoreland on Tuesday (May 5), as part of Read Across Jamaica Day.

The Education Minister also journeyed to St. Elizabeth on the day to read with students at Brompton Primary School.

She indicated that the Ministry has moved beyond advocacy to structured implementation, ensuring that reading is formally integrated into classroom routines.

“We’ve timetabled reading, put it on the timetable, because it has to happen,” she said.

Dr. Morris Dixon noted that literacy extends beyond language development, serving as a critical enabler of broader academic success and cognitive advancement.

“We know that when a child can read, it means also that they can do mathematics. It means that their brain is working differently, it means that we can get the outcomes that we want for our children,” she pointed out.

The Minister also reflected on the significance of the day’s engagement in western Jamaica, where many students continue to navigate challenging circumstances, noting that the simple act of reading can have a powerful emotional impact.

She said that the experience was a reminder of the resilience and potential of the nation’s youth, even in the face of adversity.

“They’re the most delightful children and even though they’ve gone through so much, you see them lighting up as they hear these lovely stories,” she said.

Read Across Jamaica Day is observed annually to promote a culture of reading and to strengthen literacy development among children at all levels of the education system.

This year’s observance was held under the theme ‘Literacy Resilience: Foundation to Nation Building’.

Norwich Primary and Buff Bay Primary schools will compete for top honours in the final of the Portland Mathematics Quiz Competition on Thursday, May 7, at the Social Development Commission (SDC) Portland Parish Office at 9:30 a.m.

Ahead of the final, Boundbrook Primary and Mount Pleasant Primary will contest the third-place play-off.

The final marks the culmination of a parish-wide academic initiative that has engaged more than 30 primary schools across East and West Portland over the past four months.

The winner of the competition will walk away with the Championship trophy as well as various gift certificates and book vouchers. Additionally, top-performing students will also receive awards.

Now in its fifth year, the competition, which is implemented through a partnership involving the SDC, the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information (MOESYI), and the Norwich Community Development Committee (CDC), has established itself as a key programme promoting numeracy and critical thinking among students.

This year’s competition was held under the Mathematics Month theme, ‘Maths for All: Building Communities, Confidence, Competence, and Creativity’.

Participants engaged in written assessments, problem-solving exercises and live quiz rounds, aimed at improving computational fluency, conceptual understanding and critical-thinking skills. The programme also supports the national effort of the Ministry to improve student performance and engagement in numeracy.

Director of Corporate Communications and Public Relations at the SDC, Mandel McKulsky, said the competition underscores the importance of Mathematics in national development.

“We are pleased with the level of participation and the performance of the students throughout the competition. It demonstrates the value of engaging young people in meaningful educational activities that build confidence and problem-solving skills,” he said.

Mr. McKulsky added that the initiative reflects the SDC’s continued commitment to youth development and community transformation through education and partnerships.

He noted that similar programmes are being planned for other communities.

“More than 50 communities are targeted for similar youth-focused activities, and programmes are scheduled to take place across Jamaica during the remainder of the year, reinforcing the Commission’s investment in building the confidence, creativity, and leadership potential of young people nationwide,” he informed.

The final is expected to attract students, educators, parents and community stakeholders as the parish recognises academic achievement and collaboration in advancing education.

The competition has received support from community leaders, elected representatives and private-sector organisations.

Students are being encouraged to serve as ambassadors of peace, promoting and practising peaceful conflict resolution among their peers.

This charge was delivered by Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Marlon Morgan, during the handover ceremony for a 2026 Toyota Coaster bus donated to Port Antonio Primary School in Portland on April 28.

“We want you to be safe. We want you to grow up and, ultimately, become productive adults in Jamaica. What that means is that… you, too, have to ensure that you are well-behaved and responsible. So if you are in class or if you are in the schoolyard or out on the streets and you see two other boys and girls or whichever number of them having a dispute and you can step in and just usher a calm and appropriate word that will cause the two warring factions to not go down the route of escalating into violence, I’m imploring you to do so,” he said.

Senator Morgan voiced concern over the troubling trend of individuals recording or photographing disputes for distribution across social media platforms.

“We are seeking, as a country, to have more peace prevalent among us as opposed to violent and antisocial behaviour. So when you see the potential for violence emerging, play your part in ensuring that that is diminished and brought to an end. That is why it is important for you to be ambassadors of peace and step up in that regard,” the Parliamentary Secretary further stated.

He also encouraged students to report disputes to adults, such as their teachers or other staff members, to ensure conflicts are addressed appropriately.

“Embrace that posture of peace and escalate to appropriate authority figures any matter that need to be brought to their attention, rather than taking matters into your own hands and seeking to settle them on your own,” Senator Morgan said.

Pointing out that peace is not simply the absence of conflict, Senator Morgan noted that disputes and disagreements are a natural part of human interaction.

He emphasised, however, that what truly matters is how individuals resolve these disputes, utilising appropriate channels to achieve peaceful outcomes.

Teachers from the parishes of Manchester and St. Elizabeth, who were severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa, have benefited from an $800,000 donation from Inova Solutions Jamaica, to assist with recovery efforts.

The support, facilitated by the National Education Trust (NET), is aimed at helping the educators rebuild and return to normalcy following the devastation caused by the storm.

It formed part of a broader effort to restore stability within the education sector in the aftermath of the hurricane, which has disrupted lives, damaged homes, and forced the temporary closure of several schools.

Executive Director of NET, Latoya Harris-Ghartey, in her address at the recent handing over ceremony held at Bethany Primary School in Manchester, said that while teachers are receiving the support, it is the students who will reap the long-term benefits.

“Teachers are the ones we entrust with our children every day, and their impact extends far beyond the classroom. This initiative recognises the importance of supporting them, especially in times of hardship, so that they can continue to provide the guidance and inspiration that students need,” she pointed out.

Country Manager for Inova Solutions Jamaica, Kiefa Gay Sandcroft, in her remarks, said that the company’s decision to assist was immediate once the extent of the hurricane damage became clear.

“When the call came, there was no debate,” she said.

“Communities were hurting, families were displaced, livelihoods were disrupted, and schools were closed. In moments like these, what matters most is action,” she pointed out.

She noted that the contribution, while it may seem modest, reflects the company’s commitment to supporting national recovery and standing in solidarity with those in need.

Miss Sandcroft said that Inova Solutions does not view its role as limited to business operations, but as part of a wider responsibility toward nation-building.

She commended NET and the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information for moving swiftly to secure assistance for teachers, noting that supporting educators ultimately ensures that students can continue their learning uninterrupted.

Principal of Merrywood Primary School in St. Elizabeth, Marva McKinnon, expressed gratitude for the donation, noting that several teachers suffered significant losses, including damage to homes and personal belongings.

She described the contribution as a meaningful gesture that will help educators begin the rebuilding process.

“This will go a far way for all the teachers who will benefit,” Mrs. McKinnon said.

“Some lost entire homes, others lost roofs, and this support will help them to build back better and stronger. We are truly grateful to the donors and everyone who made this possible,” she shared.

Inova Solutions Jamaica, a Microsoft Cloud and Managed Services partner operating across the Caribbean and Ecuador, specialises in information technology (IT) management, cybersecurity, and support services.

Child Month 2026 got underway on Friday (May 1) with a powerful morning of prayer, praise and bold declarations over Jamaica’s children.

Held at the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information’s Heroes Circle offices in Kingston, the Prayer and Praise Child Month Blastoff was highlighted by the symbolic release of balloons representing hope, healing, protection and the promise of a brighter future.

It was an opportunity for various stakeholders to come together to heighten efforts to address the well-being of children.

Senior Director of the Children’s Affairs and Policy Division, Hyacinth Blair, said that this year’s Child Month theme: ‘Prioritise our Children’s Mental Health: Strong Minds, Safer Future,’ is “particularly urgent as we support families still recovering from the displacement caused by Hurricane Melissa.”

Highlighting the slew of activities, she informed that the National Child Month Committee (NCMC) will be hosting a church service on May 3 at the Maranatha Gospel Hall, Deanery Road, Kingston.

The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) will launch season two of the Pickney Sense TV series on May 4, while Read Across Jamaica Day will be observed on May 5.

“On May 8, the Early Childhood Commission will host a ‘Mommy and Me’ poster competition and the Commission will also do a weekly parent and child shout out,” Ms. Blair informed.

May 15 will be recognised as National Children’s Day.

“This is a central day where we all celebrate our children and so, the Ministry is partnering with the Violence Prevention Partnership Programme and the Ministry of Health and Wellness to put on a Child Conversation Wellness Day,” Ms. Blair informed.

“We will be meeting at Spot Valley High School in Montego Bay [St. James], where we will have the wellness express bus. We will be providing psychosocial support to the children, not just at Spot Valley, but other children who are within the Zone of Special Operation (ZOSO) areas in that parish and we’ll also be unveiling a wellness bench at the school,” she detailed.

The NCMC will execute its Action Day project on May 15, which will feature the distribution of motivational stickers to children and the renovation of a guidance counselling room at a school.

Other activities for the month include a National Day of Prayer on May 20 at the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in Kingston; a conversation with special needs children on May 21; a National Day of Prayer and Worship on May 27; and a National Child and Adolescent Mental Health Day on May 28.

On May 30, a ‘Praying and Playing’ event will be held at Black River High School in St. Elizabeth.

Ms. Blair said that the “child-led psychosocial outreach event is specifically for children in Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth, who have been affected by the hurricane.”