Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Dr. Kasan Troupe, said 2025 is set to be a transformative year, marked by good relations, professional growth and fiscal accountability.

In her New Year’s message, she pointed out that the Ministry is focusing on increased efficiency through the integration of information and communications technology (ICT) aligned to the transformation agenda.

Key initiatives include the automation of critical operational processes such as pension management, staff recruitment, and the evaluation of teacher qualifications, which will improve service delivery and alleviate long-standing challenges.

Initiatives to be rolled out in 2025 include the highly anticipated Education Management Information System (EMIS), aimed at enhancing the tracking of student performance, attendance and behaviour.

According to Dr. Troupe, the EMIS is more than just a technological upgrade; it is a commitment to fostering excellence in education.

Additionally, several divisions within the Ministry are collaborating towards efficiency and accountability, including the Planning and Development Division, the Division of School Services, the National School Improvement Team, and the Corporate Services Division.

Their collective efforts reflect the Ministry’s dedication to creating a resilient and responsive educational environment, Dr. Troupe noted.

“Transformation requires courage and the willingness to step beyond our comfort zones. We will uphold the culture of care, excellence and service that defines the Ministry and continue to make a difference,” she said.

The Permanent Secretary described 2024 as a remarkable year for the Ministry, characterised by courage, resilience, and significant achievements.

She commended her staff for their selfless commitment, which has been the cornerstone of the Ministry’s success.

“Despite facing uncertainties and the high demands of our stakeholders, you met every challenge with grace and determination. The growing confidence from the public in our work is a testament to your tireless efforts,” she said.

The Ministry is committed to formulating and implementing policies that advance education and youth initiatives in Jamaica. It continually works to deliver a high-quality educational experience that empowers students and cultivates a culture of excellence.

The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information is applauding ZED Jamaica Technologies and its partners for their unwavering commitment and support to advancing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in the country.

“Your dedication has been pivotal in shaping a generation of thinkers, innovators and problem-solvers. As we work towards a more agile and impactful education system, STEM remains a focus of vision,” said Portfolio Minister, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, in a speech delivered at the second annual ZED Jamaica Technologies conference, at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel on January 7.

Dr. Morris Dixon’s speech was read by Deputy Chief Education Officer, Core Curriculum and Support Services, Winnie Berry.

“Guided by our Prime Minister’s declaration of Jamaica as a STEM island, we are creating learning environments that nurture proficiency in STEM disciplines and inspire innovation to drive economic growth,” the Minister said.

She noted that ZED Jamaica Technologies has proven to be an invaluable ally in the mission and congratulated them on their 21 years in operation.

“You supported the robotics agenda by hosting the inaugural ZED Technologies conference and a summer robotics camp that inspired countless students, even amidst the challenges posed by Hurricane Beryl. Your unwavering dedication has left a lasting impact on students and teachers, providing a strong foundation in STEM education,” the Minister said.

She pointed out that robotics and STEM education are no longer concepts of tomorrow, noting that they are the tools shaping the present, driving creativity, and unlocking boundless opportunities for students and teachers.

The Minister said that the Ministry has taken two approaches in ensuring Jamaica becomes a STEM island.

“We have our content, our STEM subjects, but also we utilise STEM methodology, problem-solving, critical thinking right across the curriculum,” she added.

Furthermore, she pointed out that the Ministry’s recent STEM in school pilot programmes, conducted in collaboration with partners, have further demonstrated the immense potential of this approach.

“Students are eager to learn, and teachers are embracing new challenges to refine and expand curriculum deployment to ensure sustained success,” the Minister said.

She noted, too, that the Ministry recognises the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) in advancing and enhancing learning.

Dr. Morris Dixon argued that the flexibility and willingness of school administrators to adapt to the evolving educational landscape are critical.

“Together we can ensure that our students are not only excelling in robotics but also thriving in any STEM specialisation area they choose to pursue. If we provide the right kind of environment for creativity in our schools and the wider community, we could well see a whole mindset shift and an economy that is booming,” she said.

Chairman, ZED Technologies Jamaica, Carlton Grant, reminded persons that upskilling is essential.

During the conference, approximately 100 students and teachers from schools across the country received certificates through a partnership with ZED Jamaica and Zebra Robotics.

One thousand five hundred OneTab Tablets have been donated to early-childhood institutions across Jamaica by the Project for the Advancement of Childhood Education (PACE) Canada, in collaboration with local partners.

The devices, valued at US$88,400, were handed over during a ceremony held at Jamaica China Goodwill Infant School I in Kingston, on Tuesday (January 7).

Presentations were made to three of the 300 beneficiary institutions – Jamaica China Goodwill Infant School I, Jamaica House Basic School and Little Angels Early Childhood Development Centre.

The tablets are dedicated learning devices, which means there are no other applications on them and children cannot change any of the device settings.

The dual-powered tablets can be charged by electricity or solar and no internet connection is required.

In her remarks, Minister of Education, Youth, Skills and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, underscored the importance of partnerships in education.

“The Government alone cannot do it. We have to have partners. We’re deeply grateful for the extraordinary contributions of PACE Canada, whose commitment and vision have continued to impact Jamaica’s early-childhood institutions. Your support is truly holistic in extending to the provision of education and security supplies, the development of infrastructure across many of our schools and playgrounds too, the professional development of our teachers, and importantly, modern technology. I thank you and salute you for that work,” Dr. Morris Dixon said.

She emphasised that play is critical for students at the early-childhood level and the tablets will promote learning through play.

“To our partners, please work hand in hand with us to create an education system that empowers our youngest learners, that nurtures their potential and lays the groundwork for a brighter, more equitable Jamaica,” Dr. Morris Dixon said.

The work of PACE Canada, a registered charitable foundation since 1987, is focused on enhancing the overall development of young children at the critical age of three to six years.

President, Diana Burke, shared that in its first phase, more than 900 tablets were donated under the Government’s One Laptop per Child Initiative, which was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“One of PACE’s mottos is helping young children succeed. We know these devices will be part of that process,” Mrs. Burke said.

Partners in the project include Barita Foundation, JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation, Doctor’s Cave, JPS Foundation, VM Foundation and author Marjorie Straw.

Executive Director of Barita Foundation, Tanketa Chance-Wilson, expressed gratitude to all the partners, highlighting the unique benefits of the OneTab devices.

“It can be used in different parts of the island where sometimes internet access is a challenge. Parents and teachers can feel comfortable to allow the children to use these tablets, because there is no internet access and the content is safe. Safe content in today’s world is so important because there is so much that children are often exposed to,” she said.

A Mathematics Camp hosted by the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, is among the many strategies being utilised by administrators at Tarrant High School in Kingston to improve the performance of students in the subject.

The institution is among 56 high schools which are receiving support under the National School Learning and Intervention Plan (NSLIP), for face-to-face camps aimed at providing students with an opportunity to sharpen their skills, build confidence and receive targeted support.

The Christmas Mathematics Camp was held between December 16 and 19.

Portfolio Minister, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, taught a class on patterns and sequences in mathematics at the institution on Thursday (December 19).

In an interview with JIS News, Principal, Paul Hall, disclosed that only 11 per cent of fifth form students received a passing grade in the last sitting of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination.

The national pass rate was 39 per cent.

“We do believe that maths is crucial. For any nation to move forward, maths, English, science and technology is a must,” he reasoned.

Mr. Hall shared that the school is equipped with a Mathematics Laboratory and intends to host its annual two-week Easter Mathematics Camp in the next school term.

“In addition to that, we have Saturday classes free to the students, every Saturday, albeit the two weeks out of December that we take a break. It’s free of cost to them but it costs the school because we have to pay the teachers,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Hall shared that the school has also partnered with Mico University College to offer weekly assistance to students on Wednesdays.

He shared that the school’s Mathematics Accelerated Programme targets grade 10 students who are excelling in the subject.

“We did it last year and this year we intend to do it again. We engage grade 10 students who we see with the capability of being able to do well and encourage them to sit the subject. This year, we are going to be sending up approximately 20 of them,” he shared.

He hopes that with the suite of intervention strategies, students will improve overtime.

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, has encouraged students of Immaculate Conception High School in Kingston to explore careers of the future.

“You have to know where the world is going so that you can choose your majors wisely, because you want to be at the cutting edge of future. The future isn’t the traditional jobs that we know about,” she said.

Dr. Morris Dixon delivered the keynote address during the institution’s prize giving ceremony on Wednesday (December 18), under the theme ‘Channelling Our Franciscan Value: Embracing Change, Leading with Vision’.

She told the students that, “as we move forward into an era shaped by technology, global connectivity and new ideas, you have to embrace it.”

“Everything is changing around us – how we communicate, how we do business, how our environment interacts with us. Change has been the default. The question before all of you, including me, is whether or not you are ready for this change. How are you going to embrace all of this change that is happening?” the Minister posited.

The over 1,000 students who were recognised for their outstanding academic achievements during the ceremony were commended by Senator Morris Dixon, who extended, “congratulations to you for putting in the hard work.”

Meanwhile, the Minister encouraged their parents to nurture the other elements that are crucial to their success, including being good stewards of what God has blessed them with.

She shared her personal story of leaving Jamaica on a Fulbright Scholarship, pointing out that after completing her PhD, she could have chosen to work in any global firm or university, but, instead, returned home.

“I came back to Jamaica because I understood that I had been given something that a lot of others had not been given. Throughout our lives, we always have a responsibility to think [and explore] how am I [going to] pay it forward?” Dr. Morris Dixon stated.

The HEART/NSTA Trust has certified 60 employees of Ripton Infrastructure Limited in the areas of welding, carpentry, plumbing, drywall installation, masonry, tiling, electrical installation and maintenance.

The certification ceremony was held on Saturday (December 14), at a commercial complex located at 45 Hope Road in Kingston.

In her address, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, commended Ripton Infrastructure for the exemplary step it has taken in work force development.

“Today’s certification is a reflection of true corporate responsibility. Partnering with HEART/NSTA Trust to provide [workers] with on-the-job certification and opportunities to formalise their competence, both theoretical and practical, is not just an investment in them as individuals. What you are doing goes far beyond just your company. Your corporate investment is an investment in Jamaica’s economic future and social wellbeing,” she said.

Senator Morris Dixon noted that for Jamaica to thrive, its people must have access to the tools, opportunities and skills that allow them to shape their futures.

“I’m hoping that more corporates are going to follow [the example] Ripton Infrastructure,” she expressed.

Meanwhile, Dr. Morris Dixon urged the employees to embrace a mindset of lifelong learning.

“Look at what HEART has and see if you can continue upskilling yourself. The more pieces of paper and the more skills you have, means the more in demand you will be and the more money you can make,” she pointed out.

For his part, Manager of Ripton Infrastructure Limited, Ricardo Foster, said the company is committed to investing in its human capital.

“I remember vividly being summoned to a meeting by [the Executive Chairman], Ripton Rodgers, and he was very frustrated. He said to me “Ricardo, I’m trying to grow this company, but I can’t grow it without developing the workers,” he recounted.

Mr. Foster noted that one of the benefits of upskilling their company’s employees is to reduce the need to look externally for workers in the construction industry.

“We want our own people to be able to fill any gap, to be able to fill any role in the sector,” he said.

In a brief testimonial, Ripton Infrastructure team member Ramon Smith, expressed gratitude to his employer for the opportunity to become certified.

“This is a very wonderful programme. It gives an opportunity to persons who are capable of executing a certain skill but are not available to attend physical classes or even individuals, who are afraid of the theory, to achieve a certificate. I always wanted to acquire certification to support my career choice,” Mr. Smith said.

He added that he is now motivated to pursue certification at a higher level.

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, says that the Government is committed to using technology to improve the skill sets of the island’s citizens.

Dr. Morris Dixon was addressing a session on the final day of the TechBeach Retreat, at Secrets Resort in St. James, on Friday (December 6).

“We’re embedding a lot of technology, especially in skills training. So, if you’re looking for skilled workers, we produce them and we’re going to continue producing them at this level, because for us, improving the skills quotient of every individual is important to the development of the country. This is very deliberate. We are very committed to it. We’re not turning back from this,” the Minister said.

“In the area of artificial intelligence (AI), as a Government, we were quite forward thinking and we decided to have an AI Task Force, because we felt we can’t be left behind as a country. Our practice always says, Jamaicans are consumers of technology,” she added.

The AI Task Force’s main function is to conduct research in the area and provide an evidence-based foundation for the development of a National AI Policy.

Dr. Morris Dixon also underscored the importance of the island becoming a producer of technology.

“You can’t become a producer of technology if your schools don’t have tech in there. You can’t become a producer of technology if you don’t have the right equipment in the schools, so we get it, and we must do better,” she said.

In this vein, the Minister pointed out that the Government has been increasing the focus of technology in primary and high schools across the island.

“This is the future that we want to see. So, we’re starting from very young in primary school, introducing technology there and focusing more on technology and focusing on the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and critical thinking and problem-solving elements. Then in high schools, layering more and bringing the skills training closer to the high schools,” she informed.

“There must be human capital development. You’re going nowhere without your people, and so we must focus on our people and develop our people. It starts in our schools, and it goes into our tertiary institutions, and it goes into the workplace and the work we do in upskilling and reskilling the workers that are there,” Dr. Morris Dixon argued.

The TechBeach Retreat was held from December 4 to 6 and brought together technology-based entrepreneurs, investors and innovators who shared best practices and information about new and emerging technologies.

Fifty-six high schools are being targeted under a tactical programme being implemented by the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information to significantly enhance student performance in Mathematics and English language in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.

Portfolio Minister, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, provided details during the recent post Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House in St. Andrew.

She said that the 56 institutions chosen were those assessed as “not satisfactory” in the National Education Inspectorate (NEI) reports.

“Those are the ones that have been identified for the interventions, which include helping the teachers to teach new methods. We are also going in and helping the principals, we are supporting the students more, we are having… some of the master teachers assisting them more, so its multifaceted,” she said.

Acting Chief Education Officer, Dr. Terry Ann Thomas Gayle, noted that the tactical programme in the 56 high schools will involve doing more handholding with the principals, heads of departments, and the students.

She said that among the elements are extended learning and teacher support, accountability, performance tracking and celebrating achievements.

“So, we are looking at extended learning…to a minimum of five hours for mathematics and English language. We’re also looking at students doing extended activities outside of the regular school curriculum delivery [such as] camps, webinars, one on-one sessions with experts in the areas,” she outlined.

Dr. Thomas Gayle said the tactical approach “treats each student at the level where they are. It treats each school at the level at which you get the students and how you move them towards that success that we will reap come the June exam.”

She pointed out that educators are being further trained to support the needs of students.

“We have begun training in professional development. Our heads of departments for English language and mathematics, they have begun several rounds of training as it relates to curriculum delivery, unpacking the curriculum, and customising the curriculum to the level of the students that they have under their charge,” she noted.

Dr. Thomas Gayle said that the activities will be rolled out in the coming weeks and months.

She encouraged all stakeholders to support the programme, which is expected to yield improvements in the targeted subject areas. She noted that a similar intervention has been used at the primary level.

“When we got the 2022 Primary Exit Profile (PEP) data for grade five and we saw how the students performed, we used the same approach at the primary level and we saw the [improved] performance at grade six.

“We believe that our high schools are more than capable of improving the students and so, we are comfortable and we are optimistic that this will yield the success that we so desire,” Dr. Thomas Gayle said.

Meanwhile, she is also encouraging persons to visit the Transforming Education for National Development (TREND) website at https://volunteer.trend-ja.com/ to lend their support to the education transformation process.

The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information is making use of artificial intelligence (AI) to transform learning experiences, catering to the individual needs and learning styles of students.

“We no longer have to imagine classrooms where technology empowers students, recognises their unique needs and adapts to their learning pace. These tools are here now, implemented and supported by the Ministry,” said Acting Chief Education Officer, Terry-Ann Thomas-Gayle.

She was delivering the keynote address at the Caribbean Examinations Council’s (CXC) annual staff appreciation and awards luncheon on Friday (Dec. 13) at the ROK Hotel in downtown Kingston under the theme: ‘The Impact of AI on the Education System.’

Mrs. Thomas-Gayle highlighted the range of technology tools available in the classroom, which are reshaping the delivery, measurement and experience of education, “challenging us to rethink traditional approaches”.

Among these are platforms like ALEKS and Knewton Alta, which tailor instruction to fit each student’s learning style and pace, while Lexia Core5 Reading and Google’s Read Along, engage students through interactive and personalised approaches.

In addition, there are applications such as ASSISTments and Math AI that provide instant feedback, helping students master complex concepts, while AI writing assistants like NoRedInk enhance students’ writing skills with targeted feedback.

Mrs. Thomas-Gayle further cited administrative tools such as Microsoft Copilot, which streamlines tasks, giving educators more time to focus on teaching.

Noting that the integration of AI into education brings significant benefits, the Acting Chief Education Officer said the technology adapts to individual needs, allowing every learner to progress at their own pace. She said it prepares students for the future by building vital technological and problem-solving skills.

“It provides educators with data-driven insights to refine teaching strategies and bridges gaps by expanding access to quality resources even in remote areas,” she added.

Stating that access to AI tools in the classroom must be inclusive, Mrs. Thomas-Gayle said that measures must be taken to ensure that no child or school is left behind.

She noted, however, that there are challenges that come with the use of technology and as such, protecting sensitive student information is critical.

“Teachers need robust training and support to use these tools effectively,” she pointed out.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Thomas-Gayle commended CXC on over four decades of shaping minds and transforming lives, creating opportunities and setting benchmarks for excellence in education across the region.

“This legacy has opened doors for countless learners, equipping them with the tools they need to achieve their goals and contribute meaningfully to society,” she noted.

“We celebrate this legacy and the contribution of every staff member. We are also looking ahead to an era where AI offers new possibilities to enhance and redefine education. I believe that your commitment to adaptability and leadership ensures that these technologies will be seamlessly integrated into the mission of fostering educational progress,” she said.