Jamaica’s newest cohort of educators has been charged to use their influence to inspire and shape young lives positively, recognising the lifelong impact of their words and actions.

The charge was delivered by Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Giovanni Dennis, to the 768 graduates, during the Teachers’ Colleges of Jamaica (TCJ) Graduation Ceremony, at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus on Sunday (November 8).

The graduating cohort is made up of students from Bethlehem Moravian College, Church Teachers’ College, the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE), G.C Foster College of Physical Education and Sport, the Moneague College, Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College, Shortwood Teachers’ College and St. Joseph’s Teachers’ College.

In his address, Mr. Dennis noted that a teacher may spend only a few years with a student, but the influence of those few years can last a lifetime.

He emphasised that people remember their teachers and the experiences they had with them decades later.

“They remember the ones who encouraged them and the ones who discouraged them. The ones who believed in them and the ones who made them doubt themselves. They remember the teachers who made them feel that they could conquer the world and those who made them feel that they were not good enough,” Mr. Dennis stated.

Referencing his personal journey, Mr. Dennis shared contrasting experiences from his school days to illustrate the weight of an educator’s influence.

He recalled a painful incident from grade four in primary school that he still remembers 20 years later, and conversely positive experiences from his time at Garvey Maceo High School and the UWI.

The JIS CEO also shared the story of Terrestrial Biologist and Lecturer, Damion Whyte, whose parent was told by a teacher that “it would be a waste of time to send him to university.”

Mr. Dennis noted that despite the teacher’s discouragement, Damion went on to successfully achieve his PhD earlier this year.

“The young man whose potential was once dismissed, has gone on to achieve the very thing that his teacher suggested was not worth pursuing. But there’s something else worth considering. More than 15 years later, he still remembers how that teacher made him feel. That is the power of a teacher’s influence,” the CEO said.

He noted that a teacher’s words can encourage or discourage, inspire or diminish, open doors or create barriers, and that a single statement can remain with a child long after a teacher has forgotten making the remark.

Emphasising that teaching goes far beyond completing syllabi or preparing students for examinations, Mr. Dennis stressed that the profession is ultimately about shaping lives and recognising potential, even before students see it in themselves.

“It’s about understanding that the child sitting in front of you today may become a doctor, an engineer, an entrepreneur, a scientist, a public servant or a leader tomorrow. And sometimes that child simply needs someone to believe in them,” he stated.

Mr. Dennis urged the graduands to be teachers who encourage, speak positively, clear obstacles rather than erects them, and inspire children to believe in themselves.

“Be a teacher who recognises that every child has potential, even when that potential is not immediately obvious, and remember that your responsibility does not end when the school bell rings or when a student leaves your classroom,” he affirmed.

In his remarks, Dean of the Teachers’ Colleges of Jamaica, Dr. Garth Anderson, echoed Mr. Dennis’ charge, while noting that teacher education remains one of the most important investments that any nation can make in its future.

He emphasised that teachers are facilitators of learning, mentors, role models, innovators, and agents of social and economic transformation.

“The quality of education that our children receive is significantly influenced by the knowledge, competence, values, and commitment of the teachers who guide them. Consequently, the preparation of competent, reflective, and compassionate educators must remain a priority of our teacher training institutions,” Dr. Anderson stated.

He urged the graduates to become teachers who inspire curiosity, nurture critical thinking, promote creativity, and cultivate responsible citizenship.

“Be patient with those who struggle, celebrate the achievements of those who excel, and never underestimate the influence that a caring and dedicated teacher can have on a child’s life,” Dr. Anderson stated.

He emphasised that the nation needs teachers who are not only qualified but also who are visionary, resourceful, adaptable, and committed to preparing learners to function successfully in a rapidly changing global society.

Meanwhile, Class Valedictorian La-Tanya Cowan-Lamont, affirmed that the nation needs committed, innovative, and compassionate teachers who understand that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed.

“Today, we accept that responsibility with humility and pride. We’re not merely graduates receiving a degree. We’re nation builders answering a call,” she stated.

The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth & Information has officially launched its Anti-Gang In Schools Week 2026, calling for a united national effort to protect Jamaican students from gang recruitment and guide them towards positive pathways.

Anti-Gang In Schools Week, which is being observed from November 8 to 14, under the theme, ‘Step Out of Gang, Step Into Greatness’, got under way with a church service at the Emmanuel Apostolic Church in Kingston, on Sunday (November 8).

The observance aims to encourage positive behaviours and choices among students and promote safer school communities.

In remarks at the launch, National Coordinator for Safety and Security in Schools, Richard Troupe, noted that for many children in Jamaica, the influence of gangs is encountered long before they fully understand what gang membership means.

He said in certain circumstances, young people may associate gang involvement with protection, financial security, respect, or a sense of belonging.

Mr. Troupe pointed out that these perceptions can become influential when children are exposed to violence, intimidation, or limited opportunities for positive engagement.

“What makes this situation especially concerning is that gang recruitment can develop through relationships that initially appear harmless. An offer of friendship, assistance, or protection may gradually introduce expectations of loyalty and participation in activities that place a young person’s safety and future at risk,” he detailed.

The School Safety Coordinator emphasised that understanding these circumstances is essential to developing effective prevention strategies.

He pointed to statistics from the Ministry’s 2023 National Assessment of Perception of School Safety and Security, which indicated that 20 per cent of over 9,760 students from 331 schools surveyed, indicated that they knew another student at their school who was a member of a gang.

“Although this finding does not establish the actual prevalence of gang membership, it raises concerns about students’ reported awareness of gang involvement within the school communities,” Mr. Troupe said.

He said the same assessment also revealed that nearly 1 in 4 children or 23.93 per cent of students surveyed, reported that they did not know an adult at school whom they could approach when they needed help.

The Coordinator said students who encounter intimidation, threats, or pressure to participate in gang-related activities need somewhere to turn.

“This reinforces the importance of relationships in our schools. Teachers, guidance counsellors, deans of discipline, and school administrators must remain attentive to the concerns of students and establish environments in which seeking them is encouraged and supported,” Mr. Troupe affirmed.

He noted further that the responsibility for prevention extends beyond the schools’ compounds, as faith-based organisations have an important role in strengthening the protective relationships available to young people.

“Through mentorship, counselling, youth activities, or community outreach, churches can and have been providing guidance and support to engage with children who may otherwise struggle to find acceptance and support,” Mr. Troupe affirmed.

He said that parents and caregivers are equally important, as they are uniquely positioned to observe changes in friendships, unexplained possessions, increasing secrecy, or sudden behavioural changes that may warrant closer attention.

Mr. Troupe said although none of these signs should automatically be regarded as proof of gang involvement, they could be proof that something is not right.

“The priority must be to understand what children are experiencing, maintain open communication, and seek assistance when concerns are there,” he emphasised.

Meanwhile, he noted that at the institutional level, the Ministry continues to work with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and other partners to promote school safety, strength, preventive interventions, and encourage positive student behaviour.

He said this collaboration is especially important given the wide international challenges posed by criminal gangs and criminal organisations.

“In the first quarter of 2025, police intelligence identified 85 active gangs across Jamaica’s 19 police divisions, compared to 120 during the corresponding period in 2024. While these figures reflected progress at that time, they also demonstrated the continuing presence of organised criminal activities within our communities,” Mr. Troupe stated.

He noted that the education sector remains committed to reducing opportunities for criminal influence to reach children, and to intervene appropriately when warning signs emerge.

Mr. Troupe said it is within this context that the Ministry is observing Anti-Gang In Schools Week 2026.

“Throughout the week, students and educators will participate in anti-gang lessons, educational workshops, restorative practice sessions, and motivational engagements. The programme also includes a townhall meeting that will be held at the Spot Valley High School in St. James, and the recognition of students through our first-ever anti-gang poster competition,” he detailed.

Mr. Troupe emphasised that these activities are intended to strengthen awareness of gang recruitment tactics, encourage peaceful resolution, and promote responsible decision-making.

He emphasised that stakeholders have a collective responsibility to ensure that children have the protection, encouragement, and opportunities necessary to make positive decisions.

Parents and guardians are being urged to take a firm stance against bullying and become active protectors of their children.

Acting Chief Executive Officer, National Parenting Support Commission (NPSC), Anna-Kay Magnus Watson, made the call at the National Parent Month 2026 launch on Thursday (November 5) at Holy Trinity High School in Kingston.

The theme for the month is ‘Parents Tek a Stand; Raise Kindness, Stop Bullying’.

“Today, I’m asking every parent and caregiver to make three commitments. First, know your child; know their friends, their struggles, their online world and what they’re not saying. Second, be accountable. Do not excuse cruelty, humiliation or bullying because the child responsible is your own. Third, take action. Do not be a bystander. Speak with the school. Speak with other parents, seek support. Come to us at NPSC. Follow through. Do not wait until your child reaches a breaking point,” she said.

Drawing from personal experience, she said she took a stand when one of her two daughters was being bullied in prep school.

“Thankfully, in my home, we have good communication, and one thing my children know is how much I love them. So, we were able to have that conversation but I watched as my daughter’s self-esteem plummeted. I watched how difficult it was for her to make friends as she transitioned to high school. I watched as she became a bit depressed and struggled. It felt very helpless as a parent but I knew I had to be there for my daughter,” Mrs. Magnus Watson said, noting she took her child to counselling.

“I did everything that I could to move her beyond this particular issue, and now my daughter is in college flourishing, but that’s what we have to do as parents. When we bring a child into this world, we make a decision to make Jamaica a better place and to give that child more than we had as children growing up,” she said.

She argued that it is the duty of parents to make the necessary sacrifices for their children to feel loved and safe, and that is a responsibility she takes personally.

“Every parent listening, your involvement cannot begin only when there is a crisis. Your child needs you present long before that moment arrives,” she pointed out.

Studies done by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), indicate that 60 per cent to 65 per cent of Jamaican students experience bullying at some point in their lives.

Mr. Magnus Watson called on parents, stakeholders and other partners to carry the anti-bullying message beyond Parent Month.

The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, through its School Safety and Security Branch, will observe Anti-Gang Week 2026 from November 8 to 14, under the theme ‘Step Outta Gang, Step Inna Greatness’.

This will be done in partnership with the Community Safety and Security Branch of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

National Coordinator for Safety and Security in Schools, at the Ministry, Richard Troupe, said that Anti-Gang in Schools Week is important, because it provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the dangers and consequences of gang involvement among children.

“It reinforces our collective responsibility to protect our schools, steer young people away from violence and create safe environments where they can learn, grow and fulfil their potential,” he explained.

Mr. Troupe pointed out that this year’s theme is a powerful call for young people to reject gang culture, negative influences and violence, and instead embrace their talents, ambitions and opportunities.

“It reminds our students that their identity and future should not be defined by gangs but by their choices, achievements and potential for greatness,” he told JIS News in an interview.

Activities for the Week begin on Sunday, November 8, with church services at the Emmanuel Apostolic Church, Slipe Road, Kingston 5, and the Pembroke Hall Methodist Church, commencing at 9:00 a.m.

Throughout the week, schools across the island will participate in a range of interventions designed to strengthen anti-gang messaging and foster safer learning environments.

These will include the delivery of anti-gang lessons by Health and Family Life Education (HFLE) teachers and school-based restorative practice sessions in targeted institutions being conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.

On Tuesday, November 10, Deans of Discipline and Guidance Counsellors will participate in a virtual Anti-Gang Workshop from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

The day’s activities will also include the ‘Liv Gud’ School Tour at August Town Primary School.

A major highlight of the observance will be an Anti-Gang Town Hall Meeting at Spot Valley High School on Wednesday, November 11, commencing at 3:00 p.m.

The forum will provide an opportunity for meaningful dialogue on the impact of gangs on schools and communities and the role of stakeholders in preventing youth involvement in criminal activities.

On Thursday, November 12, School Resource Officers will facilitate anti-gang motivational talks in 100 public schools between 7:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

Public awareness efforts will continue later that evening with a discussion on ‘JCF Now’ on Radio Jamaica from 8:15 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The observance will continue on Friday, November 13, with a special devotion for all public schools.

The winners of the Anti-Gang Poster Competition will also be announced during the day. Anti-Gang Week 2026 will conclude on November 14, with a church service at the Mandeville Seventh-day Adventist Church, commencing at 11:00 a.m.

Mr. Troupe is expecting that when the Week’s activities conclude there will be increased awareness of the dangers of gang involvement, greater student participation in positive activities, strengthened partnerships among schools, parents, communities and law enforcement, and renewed commitment to early intervention, prevention and positive youth development.

“Ultimately, we want students to make safer choices and become ambassadors for peace,” he said.

“The fight against gangs in our schools cannot be left to the Ministry of Education or the police alone. It requires all of us – parents, teachers, community leaders, faith-based organisations, businesses and the wider society – to work together. Let us guide our children, provide positive opportunities, challenge violence and create pathways to success. Let us give our young people every reason to ‘step outta gang and step inna their greatness’,” Mr. Troupe said.

Work has been completed on 151 schools that were damaged by Hurricane Melissa under the Government’s reconstruction programme.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Hon. Rhoda Moy Crawford, made the disclosure at the recent quarterly media briefing of the Education Transformation Oversight Committee (ETOC) held at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Regional Headquarters in Mona, St. Andrew.

“We are making progress in terms of where we are with the schools. When we started in September, we were a little over 50 in terms of the number of schools that were completed and I did mention in several interviews that by the end of October, we would’ve seen a significant increase based on where we were. So, I’m very, very happy today that we can report that we have 151 of our schools completed,” Ms. Crawford said.

She noted that the institutions include 144 Priority One schools, six Priority Two, and one Priority Three school.

“If you want to further break down the 144, we have 63 of those schools that are absolutely complete, and the other 81 is at 95 to 99 per cent completed, so just minor work,” she pointed out.

Ms. Crawford said the Government is using the reconstruction programme to improve the resilience of school buildings, rather than simply restoring them to their pre-hurricane condition.

The upgrades include stronger roofing, improved windows, better ventilation and higher ceilings to make classrooms more comfortable for students and teachers.

Ms. Crawford said that the Ministry has been monitoring the work at affected institutions to ensure that the completed facilities meet the required standards.

Chairman of ETOC, Dr. Adrian Stokes, pointed out that 682 schools across the island were affected by the hurricane, with the institutions classified according to the severity of the damage.

Schools placed in the Priority-One category are those that suffered the most extensive damage and require more intensive repairs and reconstruction.

Dr. Stokes noted that approximately $9.2 billion had been spent on rehabilitating hurricane-damaged schools.

He encouraged greater coordination among the Ministry and its agencies, including the use of additional capacity where necessary, to accelerate the recovery effort.

“We want the speed, we want the schools to be rehabilitated, we want the Ministry to be agile. All of the capacity may not necessarily lie in one agency but we need to be smart enough to leverage capacity across the country and, indeed, to import the capacity if necessary. We must get back our schools to an appropriate learning environment for our kids,” he said.

Bartons Primary and Infant School in St. Catherine has been certified under the National School Nutrition Policy, after meeting the requirements for creating and maintaining a healthy school environment.

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, who addressed the National School Nutrition Policy Certification Ceremony at the institution on Wednesday (October 29), congratulated the principal, teachers, students, parents and wider school community for their commitment to promoting healthy eating and positive lifestyle practices.

She said the certification represented a significant achievement and recognised the leadership, discipline and collective efforts demonstrated by the school community.

The Minister noted that her interaction with the students was impressive, describing them as intelligent, articulate and capable of asking thoughtful questions and synthesising information. “Whatever is happening in this school, to the teachers, the leadership, you are doing good work here,” she said.

Dr. Morris Dixon emphasised that proper nutrition was directly connected to educational achievement, arguing that hungry or poorly nourished children were less likely to concentrate and perform effectively in the classroom.

She said addressing nutritional needs from early childhood was essential to improving academic outcomes, including Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) performance and students’ progression to university.

She also highlighted the importance of establishing healthy habits during the early years, when significant brain development takes place.

The Minister urged schools to encourage greater consumption of water, fruits and vegetables, while reducing sugary drinks and promoting physical activity through initiatives such as Jamaica Moves.

She also encouraged parents to reinforce healthy eating habits at home, noting that proper nutrition was as important as providing school uniforms and transportation.

She disclosed that the Ministry was strengthening its school-feeding interventions, including the introduction of breakfast in schools identified under the National School Learning and Intervention Plan (NSLIP).

Other initiatives include reducing the sugar content of Nutrition Products Limited offerings, introducing products incorporating local produce, such as papaya and cherry muffins and pumpkin jam, and training school cooks to prepare more nutritious meals.

She said the Ministry was also collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture to increase the supply of fresh fruits and vegetables to schools, while expanding school gardens to encourage students’ participation in food production.

Dr. Morris Dixon noted that the National School Nutrition Policy provided an important framework for advancing children’s health and educational development, adding that the Ministry would continue working with the Ministry of Health and Wellness and other partners to have more schools meet the certification requirements.

She congratulated Bartons Primary and Infant School on its achievement, urging the principal, staff, students and parents to sustain their efforts and serve as an example to other institutions. “I will send a message of Bartons Primary and Infant School to the rest of the schools that I visit,” she said.

Permanent Secretary in the Education, Skills, Youth and Information Ministry, Dr. Kasan Troupe, has underscored the importance of early childhood educators in molding young lives and contributing to nation-building.

She said the experiences children encounter during their formative years help to shape their development and prepare them for the future.

She noted that the playroom is where children first learn important social skills, including sharing, taking turns and resolving conflicts, while also developing empathy, fairness and critical thinking.

“The child who learns to negotiate a block today…will be the adults who negotiate the contracts tomorrow, will be the adults who negotiate the peace treaties tomorrow, will be the adults who negotiate the national policies of this country,” she stated.

Dr. Troupe was addressing the Early Childhood Commission’s (ECC) Excellent Teacher Awards Ceremony on Friday (Oct. 30) at the National Arena in Kingston, recognising excellence in innovation in early childhood education and development.

The event culminated the two-day ‘Early Childhood Exhibition & Celebrating Teachers Expo 2026,’ organised by the ECC and the Jamaica Teaching Council (JTC), which showcased innovations in early childhood education and featured stakeholder engagements.

It was held under the theme: ‘From the Playroom to the Nation: This is Where Good Citizenship Begins! A Solid Foundation for a Sustainable Nation.’

Dr. Troupe said the expo provided a platform for educators to share their expertise, showcase their work and engage in discussions on teaching and learning.

“When I walked through the National Arena yesterday and today, I saw something that made my heart swell with pride,” she said.

“Teachers were engaged in deep conversation about pedagogy. Early childhood practitioners were demonstrating the science of play. We saw TVET [Technical and Vocational Education and Training] instructors showcasing the future skills and exhibitors connecting the dots between playroom and the nation,” she pointed out.

Dr. Troupe said the two-day event demonstrate the connection between early childhood education and TVET, noting that both stages of learning require skilled educators to guide students.

“The playroom and the workshop are not opposites. They are the same room at different stages of life,” she noted.

Dr. Troupe congratulated the educators and encouraged them to recognise the value of their work in changing lives.

Drawing on her own experience, she said it was a teacher, who inspired her to pursue opportunities beyond the difficult circumstances in which she grew up.

“I stand here this afternoon not as the ideal student but as a student who came up through humble circumstances. But it is the teacher who made a difference in my life,” she shared.

“That’s the power you have as a teacher. You speak dreams into reality. You speak a promise and a future over children,” she said.

Principal of Fairfield Kindergarten School, Region Four, Latoya Hamilton, who delivered the response on behalf of the ECC Excellent Teacher Award recipients, noted that teaching and learning have evolved since the COVID-19 pandemic, with information and communication technology (ICT) playing a greater role in facilitating education.

She noted that the integration of technology has helped educators to maintain connections with students and parents and to enhance teaching approaches.

She said that educators will continue to utilise digital tools strategically to improve learning outcomes.

Ms. Hamilton affirmed the commitment of the award recipients to continue to positively shape the future of students.

“As early childhood educators, we are aware of our impact. As the theme correctly dictates… this is where good citizenship begins,” she said.

The Government is investing more than $9 billion in school nutrition, as part of efforts to improve children’s health, strengthen educational outcomes and promote healthy eating habits across the education system.

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, made the disclosure while addressing the National School Nutrition Policy Certification Ceremony at Bartons Primary and Infant School in St. Catherine on Wednesday (Oct. 29).

She said that the funds, a portion of which will be directed towards making more fresh produce available to schools, reflects the importance the Government places on ensuring that children receive nutritious meals to support their growth, development and academic performance.

The Minister emphasised that proper nutrition is fundamental to achieving the country’s educational objectives, noting that children who attend school hungry or poorly nourished are less likely to concentrate and perform at their best.

“Nutrition is inextricably linked to the results we want in education,” she said.

She argued that efforts to improve Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) results and increase the number of students progressing to university must begin with addressing nutritional needs from early childhood.

Dr. Morris Dixon said the Government is pursuing several initiatives to improve the quality and variety of meals provided in schools.

These include introducing breakfast in institutions identified under the National School Learning and Intervention Plan (NSLIP), reducing the sugar content of Nutrition Products Limited (NPL) offerings, and incorporating locally grown produce into food products.

She cited papaya and cherry muffins and pumpkin jam as examples of efforts to introduce children to healthier food options.

She also highlighted plans to strengthen partnerships with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining to increase the supply of fresh fruits and vegetables to schools.

Emphasising the importance of instilling good eating habits from an early age, Dr. Morris Dixon urged schools to promote water as the preferred drink, reduce sugary beverages, incorporate fruits and vegetables into daily meals, and the creation of school gardens to encourage students to participate in growing food for their meals.

She also underscored the value of physical activity through initiatives such as Jamaica Moves, noting that healthy lifestyles require deliberate and consistent action by schools, families and communities.

The Minister lauded the principal, teachers, students and parents of Bartons Primary and Infant School for their commitment to creating a healthy school environment, which resulted in the institution meeting the requirements for certification under the National School Nutrition Policy.

She said that her interaction with the students demonstrates that the school is nurturing young people who are intelligent, confident and capable of expressing their ideas.

Dr. Morris Dixon urged parents to reinforce the school’s efforts by providing healthier food choices at home, including fruits, vegetables and water, underscoring that proper nutrition is essential in enabling children to realise their full potential.

The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information will focus its National Youth Month activities on Jamaica’s post-Hurricane Melissa recovery while expanding young people’s access to essential services and opportunities.

State Minister, Hon. Rhoda Moy Crawford, said the activities have been designed to reflect the country’s transition from relief to recovery in the aftermath of the hurricane.

She was speaking during the National Youth Month Church Service at the New Life Evangelistic Centre in Portmore, St. Catherine, on Sunday (November 1).

Ms. Crawford explained that the recovery effort will also seek to address gaps in access, noting that the activities are designed to help young people obtain critical documents and connect with essential services and opportunities.

The State Minister outlined a series of youth access initiatives, including a major youth access fair in the town of Mandeville, Manchester, and three ‘Pon Di Corna’ events scheduled for St. Thomas, St. Ann, and Portland.

The activities will bring together government service agencies and private-sector partners to assist young people who may be disengaged, at risk or without essential documents, including National Insurance Scheme (NIS) numbers, Taxpayer Registration Numbers (TRNs), birth certificates, and bank accounts.

Ms. Crawford said the events are intended to ensure that young people who engage directly with outreach teams can access the necessary documents, while those not reached in person will be referred to the relevant services and support systems within their parishes and communities.

The HEART/NSTA Trust will also participate, providing enrolment information and showcasing its ‘Try a Skill’ initiative, which gives young people the opportunity to explore available skills-training programmes and gain hands-on experience in various skill areas.

The Trust will also conduct on-the-spot assessments for individuals with skills in areas such as carpentry, tiling and electrical work who do not have formal certification.

The Ministry of Justice will also participate through its mobile unit, providing support for mediation and conflict resolution.

Ms. Crawford pointed to bullying in schools and broader conflict-resolution challenges as among the issues to be addressed.

She said the access initiatives would also assist eligible young people who are unable to apply for summer employment opportunities offered by the HEART/NSTA Trust and the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development because they do not have bank accounts or TRNs.

“We are looking at putting in place what didn’t exist…. and so, we will have several different activities,” Ms. Crawford added.

Beyond the access fairs, the Ministry of Education will organise a youth workday at Coker Early Childhood Institution in St. Elizabeth, where participants will assist with rebuilding the school and establishing a reading corner.

Capacity-building workshops are also planned across the Ministry’s Regions, focusing on areas such as public speaking, résumé writing and leadership development.

Additionally, Ms. Crawford noted that the Youth Summit, scheduled for November 4 in Kingston, is already oversubscribed.

She further advised that a Youth IGNITE conference will also be held in Westmoreland, with participants expected from neighbouring parishes.

Transportation arrangements have been made in partnership with the Ministry of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications, and the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) to help participants travel to and from the events.

Ms. Crawford added that the month will culminate with the 16th sitting of the National Youth Parliament, which will involve 70 young people assuming the roles of Members of Parliament and other parliamentary officers.

She emphasised that the selection process was conducted independently, with young people applying directly to the Youth and Adolescent Policy Division to share their perspectives and provide feedback on national issues.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Kasan Troupe, encouraged young people to play an active role in national development, reminding them that they are valued.

“You are the reason why we work. You matter… you count. Youth is not a limitation. Youth is an opportunity to get involved,” she said.

The Permanent Secretary urged young people to take an active role in shaping Jamaica’s future.

“Make it matter. Ensure that the message you send in the future is a message that will transform Jamaica, land we love,” she said.

Dr. Troupe noted that while National Youth Month provides an important platform for young people to make their voices heard, efforts to support youth development will continue beyond November.

Chairman of the Youth Advisory Council of Jamaica (YACJ), Rodain Richardson, also challenged young people to prepare themselves to contribute meaningfully to national decision-making, urging them to move beyond simply seeking representation, to equipping themselves to engage effectively with issues affecting the country.

“A seat at the table is an opportunity. What we bring to that table determines whether the opportunity becomes meaningful,” he said, highlighting the importance of informed participation, constructive engagement and accountability.

Mr. Richardson also urged young people to ensure that their participation in national affairs is grounded in preparation, research and a genuine commitment to contributing to Jamaica’s development.

The Hurricane Melissa School Infrastructure Recovery and Resilience Oversight Committee has welcomed the progress made in restoring schools damaged by Hurricane Melissa.

For the reporting period, ending September 30, repairs at 144 of the 308 severely damaged schools have been completed or are near completion.

The Committee, in a press release, said that based on current projections, another 66 severely damaged schools are targeted to reach practical completion by December 2026.

The group highlighted that the recovery programme presents an opportunity to deliver better learning environments, stronger construction standards and resilient schools that can withstand future severe weather events.

“Education is fundamental to Jamaica’s development. Every day of disruption matters to a child. Our responsibility is to help ensure that recovery proceeds with urgency, without compromising safety or quality. The real measure of success will be schools that are not only restored but better equipped to serve our children and future generations,” the release said.

The Oversight Committee has, so far, visited eight schools in Westmoreland, namely, Darliston Primary School, Maud McLeod High School, Cokes View Primary School, Ferris Primary School, Belmont Academy, Unity Primary School, St. John’s Infant School and Enfield Primary and Infant.

During those visits, members engaged school administrators, teachers and contractors, observed construction progress and gained first-hand insight into the conditions under which teaching and learning are continuing.

The Committee shared that based on internal reviews and school visits, the scale and complexity of the repair programme are significant.

Works range from minor repairs and waterproofing to roof repairs involving materials such as zinc sheeting and purlins, extensive rehabilitation and, in some cases, substantial reconstruction.

“Our school visits have reinforced our deep appreciation for the extraordinary dedication of principals and teachers, who continue to put their students first, finding ways to sustain teaching and learning while their schools are being restored. We commend their leadership, resourcefulness and commitment to Jamaica’s children,” the release said.

The Committee advised that key areas requiring continued attention include the availability of construction materials, procurement and approval processes, contractor capacity, payment certification and the coordination of works across multiple sites.

“The safety and well-being of students, teachers and school personnel remain central to the recovery effort, particularly where construction continues during the academic year,” the release said.

Established in September 2026 for an initial one-year period, the Committee is tasked with providing an additional layer of accountability in the rehabilitation and repair of schools affected by the hurricane.