The Corinaldi Avenue Primary School in St. James is pressing forward with a learning recovery plan following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

In an interview with JIS News, Principal Deon Stern Anglin said in the aftermath of the hurricane, which caused extensive damage on the grade-one and grade-two blocks, the institution’s staff have moved quickly to regroup and strategise.

Classes resumed on November 24, and the turnout has been growing since then.

“We have brought back the children … [The first day] we have got over 75 per cent of our cohort. On Monday [December 8] we had 900-odd students,” Mrs. Stern Anglin said.

With two grade levels displaced due to the damaged block, the school has implemented an adjusted rotation system to support learning.

“Grade one is very important, just as grade six. If the children don’t get the foundation, the ending is not going to be pretty,” Mrs. Stern Anglin pointed out.

As a result, grade-one students now attend school alongside grades four, five and six while grades two and three alternate.

The principal noted that to further support exam preparation, the grade-six cohort has been given extended hours.

“We dismiss at one o’clock for everybody, but our grade six goes one hour more. We don’t want the children on the road late because some places haven’t gotten back electricity,” she pointed out.

Mrs. Stern Anglin said that the school’s culture of frequent assessment has placed it in a stronger position to address learning gaps.

“We test our children daily. Before Melissa, after Melissa, we do weekly tests… that will [address] the learning losses that we will have,” she said, noting that the assessment cycle will continue into the final days of the term.

“We are doing some testing now, so we will get those results by probably next week. [By then] we will know where the students are,” she stated.

Mrs. Stern Anglin expressed gratitude to the parents, the school board and staff for their continued resilience.

“Amidst everything, we have some real good parents. We have a good board, and the teachers are exceptional. We just want to give thanks,” the Principal said.

Scores of student leaders from Corporate Area high schools have benefited from training in conflict resolution and gender-based violence (GBV).

The session, held recently at the Haile Selassie High School, aimed to sensitise the young people about the core concepts of GBV, including how to recognise, distinguish, and respond appropriately to its different forms and to empower them to be agents of change in their schools and communities,

It was staged by the British High Commission in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information and the Ministry of National Security and Peace.

National Coordinator, School Safety and Security Branch in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Richard Troupe, said that the training and sensitisation session was in keeping with the Ministry’s commitment to addressing the issue of violence in schools, particularly GBV, noting that there is a lot of silence in communities surrounding the issue.

“Gender- based violence is very real to our schools [and] to our communities. We want to make sure that we are participating in a process, we are leading a process, we’re guiding a process to build the awareness of our students, our educators, our communities,” he said.

Mr. Troupe noted that parents were invited to participate in the session “because sometimes, what is demonstrated in our schools, is the lived experiences of our children”.

“We know that the violence in our homes and the violence in our communities will impact the violence in schools. And so, we believe that our efforts within schools must also focus on the violence we are seeing in our homes and the violence we are seeing in our communities,” he emphasised.

“Until we do some things differently within our homes and our community, then what is manifested in our schools is seen as normal, natural behaviour,” he contended further.

Mr. Troupe said that the Government was pleased to have been invited to partner with the British High Commission in the training of the student leaders.

Principal, Haile Selassie High School, Anniona Jones, who spoke with JIS News, said that the institution welcomed the opportunity to host the session and participate in “any conversation that advances the lifestyle of young people”.

“Gender-based violence is quite topical, and, in a school like ours, this is the reality for many of our students. They’re going to be in relationships and they have to understand their roles as males and females, and how to interact with each other and deal with conflict,” she pointed out.

Mrs. Jones said that the training will equip the student leaders with the skills required to intervene in any conflict among their peers and to help resolve the issues before they lead to violence.

“Under the theme ‘Champions of Safety: Building Student Leaders Who Stand Against GBV’, the training session was part of activities under the UK-Jamaica Violence Prevention Partnership Programme (VPPP).

The six-year initiative, being undertaken through a £15-million grant, aims to support Jamaica in addressing the root causes of violence.

The training was also in keeping with the Citizen Security Plan (CSP) and the Inter-Ministerial School Support Strategy (IMSS) and reinforces the Government of Jamaica’s commitment to fostering safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments across the education system.

It further aligned with the national observance of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

The global campaign, which runs from the observance of International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25 to Human Rights Day on December 10, unites efforts to end violence against women and girls through awareness, advocacy, and action against various forms of abuse, including the growing threat of digital violence.

The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information is inviting schools across the island to enter the upcoming Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) in Action Challenge, to be staged on Thursday, January 29, 2026 as part of National STEAM Education Week.

The competition, being held under the theme ‘Creating Solutions, Driving Change’, will encourage students to apply problem-solving methodologies, such as the Design Thinking Process and the Engineering Design Process, to address real-world issues.

A bulletin issued by the Ministry said that National STEAM Education Week will be observed from January 25 to 31, 2026, and is designed to deepen public participation while promoting a learning model that equips students not only with knowledge but also with creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Schools participating in the challenge will be required to showcase projects to include categories such as renewable energy solutions, climate solutions, robotics and automation, health innovations, agriculture and food security, and environmental advocacy through the Arts.

Schools participating in the challenge must have completed STEM training by December 2025. Each school may submit up to three entries, with projects presented on trifold display boards outlining the problem identified, background research, solution ideas, prototype sketches or models, and next steps.

Documentary evidence of student participation, including artefacts, prototypes and photographs, will also be required.

Outstanding projects will be recognised at the national level, with special acknowledgement given to initiatives that demonstrate creativity, innovation, collaboration and community impact.

Ahead of the competition, schools are encouraged to host local STEAM exhibitions as part of their preparatory activities. These in-house showcases will inspire the school community, provide valuable feedback, and help refine projects for the national stage.

Registration for the STEAM in Action Challenge closes on Friday, December 12, 2025. However, special consideration will be extended to schools impacted by Hurricane Melissa, which will benefit from an extended deadline of January 8, 2026, as well as subsidies and psychosocial support.

These schools are also invited to participate in the special category: ‘Build Back Better: Resilient Schools Challenge’, which focuses on recovery and resilience.

For further information on how to submit their entries, schools may contact their Regional STEM Leads or the Core Curriculum Unit, at [email protected] or by telephone – 876-967-7867, extension 2101, or 876-398-5348.

A smart greenhouse, equipped with the latest in agricultural technology, opened on Friday (Dec. 5) at the José Martí Technical High School in St. Catherine.

Established under the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) expansion plan, the facility will operate as a satellite greenhouse for schools in and around Spanish Town, offering access to advanced agricultural technology to enhance teaching and learning at both the primary and secondary levels.

Technical Support Officer in the Ministry, Dr. Nahema Daniels-Heath, who delivered the keynote address at the launch, said that the opening of the lab “marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter” in agricultural training.

The smart greenhouse showcases Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) integration in agriculture by providing students with hands-on, technology-driven experiences, preparing them for careers in agriculture, renewable energy and engineering.

Key features include automated precision-farming systems with real-time sensor monitoring; internet of things (IoT)-enabled data processing and remote management; and a 12-kilowatt solar energy system, supporting sustainable operations.

Dr. Daniels-Heath said the facility serves as a “living classroom powered by innovation,” noting that it is a model of modern agricultural science education.

She noted that through precision agriculture, automation and IoT technologies, students will have access to “real time data and hands-on experiences that mirror modern farming practices”.

“Renewable energy systems will support learning in STEM, while agriculture, engineering, plant science and technology come together in a seamless learning environment,” she pointed out.

Dr. Daniels Heath said that the greenhouse lab will equip students to contribute to strengthening Jamaica’s agricultural resilience and food security.

“The Eat Jamaican movement encourages us to support our farmers, value our local produce and understand the importance of growing what we eat. This greenhouse helps students to appreciate their role in that national mission,” she pointed out.

The smart lab is a key element of the Ministry’s strategic vision to modernise TVET education in Jamaica through the establishment of cutting-edge exemplary labs.

Dr. Daniels Heath said that José Martí Technical High was selected as the flagship project based on its strong agricultural science foundation and long-standing partnership with the Ministry.

She noted that the institution, which has produced generations of innovators and nation builders, continues to shape young people who are academically grounded, technically trained and ready to contribute to national development.

The Students’ Loan Bureau (SLB) is providing support for students enrolled in tertiary institutions and customers across the parishes of St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, St. James and Trelawny, which were most severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

Addressing Wednesday’s (December 3) Post Cabinet Press Briefing at Jamaica House on Wednesday (December 3), SLB Executive Director, Nickeisha Walsh, announced that grants valued at $60,000 each will be provided to beneficiaries attending institutions in the parishes.

Some 1,948 students are expected to benefit from the initiative.

In addition, the 4,458 repayment customers who reside in the aforementioned parishes, will have their loan payments deferred for three months – November 2025 to January 2026.

Miss Walsh noted that support will be assessed on a case-by-case basis for beneficiaries who reside outside of these parishes but were adversely impacted by the hurricane.

“We’re ascertaining funds from our account to ensure that we can support them. If you do not fall into the five parishes, you can contact the SLB and we will offer you one of those initiatives,” she explained.

Ms. Walsh added that the SLB has been deploying relief support through corporate social responsibility activities.

“We have gone into some institutions, some schools, offering care packages and also giving donations to tertiary schools for their rebuilding efforts,” she said.

 

As the nation undertakes the repair and rebuilding of schools damaged by Hurricane Melissa, the National Education Trust (NET) has underscored the importance of embedding resilience in all new infrastructure.

“After [Hurricane] Beryl, a lot of the focus was on getting our schools ready for [the 2024/25 academic year, beginning] September, which we did. Now we are trying to be more clinical in the approach to rebuild and do renovations or repairs and put in place some resiliency in the infrastructure,” Executive Director, Latoya Harris-Ghartey, maintained.

She was speaking during the recent NET 360: Post‑Hurricane Melissa Technical Partners Virtual Forum, which convened key stakeholders to examine recovery efforts, sector needs, and collaborative approaches to rebuilding Jamaica’s education infrastructure.

Mrs. Harris‑Ghartey reported that approximately 690 schools have sustained some level of damage following Hurricane Melissa, with the worst impacts recorded in Westmoreland, St. James, St. Elizabeth, Manchester, St. Ann, and Trelawny.

She noted that NET is employing emergency contracting measures to ensure flexibility and efficiency in the rebuilding process.

The Executive Director further indicated that, where possible, slab roofs will be installed to replace damaged structures.

“What’s critical for us is that, based upon the structural integrity of all buildings in our schools, where we can replace the wood frame, we do so with either the slab or steel frame… but that depends on the structured assessments,” she explained.

Mrs. Harris‑Ghartey emphasised that, where school structures are outdated, rebuilding must be pursued to ensure compliance with national building codes.

“The approach is not just for the engagement of contractors for the fixing, but also contractors for the design and rebuild process. Our children are counting on all of us, and we stand ready to ensure that we get our schools back up,” she stated.

Mrs. Harris‑Ghartey underscored that schools serve as safe spaces for many students, beyond their role as centres of learning. She stressed that it is, therefore, critical to restore normalcy to the education sector as quickly as possible.

“[During the COVID-19 pandemic], we saw a rise in abuse, because children were out of school. So, what we’re looking for is safe spaces to be open for our kids. What we’re looking for is some long-term commitment because [Hurricane] Melissa’s rebuild, unlike [Hurricane] Beryl, is not a one-year programme. It is at least three to four years, which means we are all in this together for the long haul,” the Executive Director outlined.

She urged donors and partners to collaborate with NET as it undertakes the rebuilding of schools across the island to make them more resilient.

The National Education Trust, a charitable organisation and a government agency, plays a pivotal role in the transformation of Jamaica’s education sector through the mobilisation of resources and the fostering of strategic partnerships with the Jamaican Diaspora as well as local and international stakeholders.

The St. Catherine-based Jonathan Grant High School is celebrating 100 per cent passes in six subjects in this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC).

These are Agricultural Science, Building and Construction, Building Technology, Industrial Electrical Technology, Physical Education and Sport, and Textile, Clothing, and Fashion.

Acting Principal of the school, Cheryl Shippey, in her report at the recent graduation ceremony held at the institution in Spanish Town, noted that there were 98 per cent passes for Food and Nutrition and Health; 91 per cent for English A’ and Information Technology (IT); 90 per cent for Integrated Science and Visual Arts; 85 per cent for Technical Drawing; 80 per cent for Human and Social Biology and Biology; and 71 per cent for Economics.

Overall, the pass rate was 75.9 per cent, which is an improvement over the 69.5 per cent of 2024.

“Five students passed with nine subjects; 19 students with eight subjects; 20 students passed seven subjects; 43 students pass six subjects; 42 students passed five subjects; and 54 students passed four subjects,” she told JIS News.

She noted that every effort was made to deliver a curriculum that was relevant and achievable, as well as enjoyable, in an environment that is supportive.

The Acting Principal commended the staff of the Mathematics Department, who, she noted, continue to work tirelessly to support the students.

“So, despite the challenges and the 20 per cent pass rate, they refuse to give up. Their dedication and perseverance have been inspiring, offering extra classes, weekend classes, maths camps and marathons to help students grasp complex concepts and achieve success,” she said.

Miss Shippey said that students also benefit from character-building activities through participation in clubs such as Jamaica 4-H, Science and environment, drama, health, arts, media, music, chess, dance, Inter-School Christian Fellowship (ISCF) and quiz.

The Acting Principal further lauded parents for their participation in school activities and for keeping students focused.

“The school had faced tremendous and significant challenges as we worked to keep your boys and girls focused on the task of teaching and learning. Thank you, parents, for your presence at the school, for your involvement and service to the school. Thank you for your role in making the community a reasonably safe place for our children, for being good citizens,” she said.

A total of 59 seniors have graduated from the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC)–HEART/NSTA Trust Digital Literacy Programme.

The programme, which equips seniors with the skills to confidently use smartphones, tablets and computers, forms part of the Government’s ongoing initiative to bridge the digital divide and promote inclusive access for all Jamaican seniors.

The graduation ceremony was held on Friday (September 26), at the Stony Hill HEART Academy in St. Andrew, and was attended by Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr.

In his remarks, Minister Charles commended the achievement, noting that the initiative empowers older Jamaicans to thrive in an increasingly digital society.

“This programme… really affirms that seniors are never to be left behind, particularly in the digital age. By bridging that digital divide, we are ensuring that you, our seniors, remain connected,” he said.

Mr. Charles emphasised that digital literacy extends beyond basic device usage, enabling seniors to connect with loved ones overseas via video calls, access essential health and banking services, and foster intergenerational bonds that strengthen families and communities.

He encouraged greater male participation in future training sessions, noting, “We had only three men in this cohort, and I would love to see more stepping forward… age should not be a barrier.” The Minister emphasised that age no longer limits one’s relevance in today’s digital landscape.

Mr. Charles reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to fostering a digitally inclusive society through the expansion of training programmes, improved internet connectivity, and sustained support for initiatives that promote digital equity among older Jamaicans.

“To the graduates, may your new skills unlock information, joy, and purpose. To those seniors who haven’t yet started this journey, it’s never too late… and to families, we urge you to support your loved ones in embracing technology,” he added.

For her part, Executive Director of the Mona Ageing and Wellness Centre, Professor the Most Hon. Denise Eldemire-Shearer, underscored the far-reaching and transformative impact of the training, stating, “A course like this gives our seniors autonomy and independence.”

Executive Director of the NCSC, Cassandra Morrison, commended the graduates for their determination and encouraged them to remain active learners.

“You have not only completed this digital literacy course, but you have shattered stereotypes and proven that there is no limit to learning. Your success today is a beacon to others and a reminder that seniors continue to contribute meaningfully to national development,” she said.

Ms. Morrison also expressed appreciation to key partners—including the HEART/NSTA Trust, Universal Service Fund (USF), and the Flow Foundation—for their continued support in providing devices, internet access, and computer lab infrastructure, essential to the programme’s success.

The graduation ceremony formed part of the activities commemorating Senior Citizens Month 2025, being observed throughout September under the national theme: ‘Respect, Protect, Empower, Connect’.

State Minister in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Hon. Rhoda Crawford, has called on teaching institutions to work more closely with the Government to address the underperformance of boys in the education system.

She made the call during her first official assignment as State Minister at the Grand Gala for Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations, in St. James, on Monday, September 29.

“As a Ministry we do not presume having the solution to this question. We need institutions like you to help us to figure it out, as there’s so many questions that need to be raised,” Ms. Crawford said.

She noted that male students are underperforming in literacy and numeracy. Moreover, they are more likely to disengage from schools and are disproportionately represented among those who drop out before completing secondary education, according to the State Minister.

Ms. Crawford said this is not merely an educational issue, but a pressing national development crisis.

“Now, do we equip teachers with gender sensitive teaching strategies that acknowledge differently how boys and girls learn? Do we integrate more hands-on, skill-based and technology driven learning that excite boys and keep them motivated? Do we provide strong male role models in education so boys can see themselves reflected in their teachers and aspiring to excellence?” she asked.

She added that Jamaica cannot achieve its vision of increasing growth and prosperity if half of its young people are left trailing behind.

In the meantime, the State Minister indicated that special needs education is another area of critical importance.

She commended Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College for already producing excellent special education teachers.

“The future of teacher education in Jamaica must ensure that every teacher graduates with skills, empathy and creativity to support the students with exceptionalities. Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College is already well on the way,” Ms. Crawford explained.

“Special needs education must not be a side programme. It is not an afterthought. It must be part of the core DNA of training for our teachers,” she added.

Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College’s 50th Anniversary Celebration was held under the theme: ‘Celebrating Excellence, Advancing the Legacy’. The event featured a range of celebratory activities, including presentations and a balloon release to commemorate the college’s five-decade history as a pioneer of western Jamaica’s tertiary education.

Principal of the institution, Dr. Ricardo Bennett, praised the contributions of past principals and Board chairmen.

He pointed out the need for continued government support and robust alumni engagement, as the celebration underscored the college’s enduring commitment to educational excellence and its forward-looking vision for the future.

The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) is developing a special student card equipped with a built-in security alert feature, designed for use on rural school buses.

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, who made the disclosure during Wednesday’s (October 1) Post Cabinet Press Briefing at Jamaica House, urged parents to accompany their children to sign up for the card.

“It is that card that the students will start using very soon to swipe when they go on the bus. When they swipe that card, each parent will get an alert that they have entered the bus. They will get an alert also when they have left the bus,” she explained.

The National Rural School Bus Programme officially rolled out on September 8, with some 60 buses deployed islandwide.

Minister Morris Dixon expressed satisfaction with the programme’s implementation thus far.

“When I see the joy on our children’s faces when they go on [the school buses], I am reminded that the hard work of fiscal discipline actually can make lives truly better,” she said.

Senator Morris Dixon reminded Jamaicans that students will continue to ride the designated buses free of charge until the end of October. Thereafter, a subsidised fare of $50 per trip will be charged.

More than 200 schools are currently benefitting from the programme, with additional institutions set to be included in its phased implementation.

To support this expansion, 40 additional buses are expected to be deployed between September and November.