Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, has urged communities to play a greater role in addressing student absenteeism in schools.

Speaking during the Standing Finance Committee meeting of the House of Representatives on March 6 at Gordon House where members reviewed the 2026/27 Estimates of Expenditure, she reported that an islandwide absenteeism rate of 15 per cent was recorded for 2025.

The Minister expressed concern about absenteeism, even in education regions that were not significantly affected by the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

“Absenteeism is a problem across the system. It is not just in the west that we’re seeing it. We’re seeing it in Kingston. I’ve been looking at those numbers quite a bit. Even Region One, which is Kingston and St. Andrew, I only have 82 per cent consistent attendance at school. That is not acceptable at all; and then when you look at Region Six, it’s 65 per cent,” she said.

Region Six covers the parish of St. Catherine, while Region Four of the Ministry serves schools in Westmoreland, St. James, and Hanover, recording an average attendance rate of 66 per cent.

“When I say absenteeism, what we’re looking at is poor attendance. So, you come today, don’t come tomorrow… and so, it is a problem we are facing in this country,” Senator Morris Dixon said.

She emphasised that the Ministry needs the support of communities across Jamaica to help improve student attendance.

“You can’t see a child in the middle of the day in a fast-food establishment and not say something to them. The communities cannot hide them. We have to send our children to school,” Senator Morris Dixon further stressed.

Meanwhile, the Minister expressed gratitude to schools that have taken the initiative to engage with communities and locate their students.

More than 100 primary and secondary school students from institutions across Kingston, St. James, and Westmoreland participated in the 2026 Mathematics Problem-Solving Competition finale.

The event was hosted at Merl Grove High School in Kingston on March 12.

A total of 37 schools took part in the Competition, representing communities in vulnerable and high-risk areas across the three parishes. These schools are located within seven designated Zones of Special Operations (ZOSOs).

Participants were recognised with trophies, plaques, medals, and mathematics manipulatives designed to promote active learning, strengthen engagement, and deepen conceptual understanding.

The initiative forms part of the Inter-Ministerial School Support Strategy, and is funded through the Violence Prevention Programme in partnership with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the British High Commission.

Executive Director of Citizens Security at the Ministry of National Security and Peace, Dianne McIntosh, told JIS News that since its inception in 2020, the initiative has had a positive impact in targeted communities, helping children improve their performance in literacy and mathematics.

“The approach is really to bring all the different agencies together at different periods of time, to say that the issue of solving violence and crime in a particular space is about agencies coming together. Strategic priorities will focus on psychosocial and post-social activities to help youngsters to manage their emotional wellbeing and to promote better wellbeing, manage traumas, and help them cope with it while they are closing [literacy] and mathematical gaps,” she explained.

Senior Education Officer in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information’s Standards Development Unit, Dr. Lamar Edghill, noted that the initiative also aligns with the Government’s efforts to promote the disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM), as well as Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

“When we think about where we are going as a country and a society generally, we are in the fifth revolution where we talk about innovative approaches that look at technology… [and] STEAM/STEM is the way to go,” he shared.

Dr. Edghill noted that education once focused on familiar career paths, with students aware of the jobs available upon leaving school. He emphasised that the current priority is preparing students for an uncertain future.

“So the best approach is to go STEAM/STEM, where we are adaptable [so that] when you go into a new space you can apply the skills necessary to function,” he added.

Meanwhile, Dr. Edghill emphasised that the broader objective is to achieve crime reduction within the seven Zones of Special Operations.

He explained that as efforts are made to curb crime in these communities, the Ministry strongly believes that improvements in academic performance will play a critical role in supporting that reduction.

“We strongly believe that this math component of the project really looks at ensuring our students can improve their problem-solving skills,” Dr. Edghill further stated.

The Ministry of Education is engaging schools in a wide range of mathematics-focused activities throughout March.

This forms part of its broader observance of National Mathematics Month under the theme: ‘Mathematics for All: Building Communities, Confidence, Competence, and Creativity’.

The 2026/27 Estimates of Expenditure have been updated to include an $18 billion allocation for disaster preparedness, mitigation, and response in schools.

“I believe [that] at the start of the Standing Finance [Committee review] process, there would have been an amendment done, where $18 billion was allocated to the Ministry of Education for that line,” said Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, during Friday’s (March 6) meeting of the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives.

The allocation represents a significant increase over previous budget cycles. In 2024/25, a provisional expenditure of $2.5 billion was made, all of which was spent on Hurricane Beryl relief and recovery.

The revised Estimates for 2025/26 amounted to $2.8 billion, of which $500 million was allocated to Hurricane Beryl relief and recovery, while the remaining $2.3 billion supported Hurricane Melissa relief and recovery efforts.

The Ministry reported that more than 600 educational institutions sustained damage during the passage of Category Five Hurricane Melissa in October 2025.

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, in his Throne Speech during the 2026/27 Ceremonial Opening of Parliament at Gordon House on February 12, indicated that educational institutions damaged during the passage of Hurricane Melissa and classified as ‘Priority 1’ will be fully repaired within the calendar year.

The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information will be engaging schools in a wide range of Mathematics-focused activities in March, as the Ministry observes National Mathematics Month under the theme ‘Mathematics for All: Building Communities, Confidence, Competence, and Creativity’.

National Mathematics Coordinator at the Ministry, Dr. Lorna Thompson, told JIS News that the initiative reflects a renewed national focus on strengthening student engagement and recovery in Mathematics, following the disruption to learning caused by the recent hurricane.

She noted that the activities form part of a broader national effort to enhance Jamaica’s Mathematics culture and profile.

“These activities are aligned with the National Standards Curriculum and are designed to increase enthusiasm and positive attitudes toward Mathematics, support conceptual understanding and skills mastery, improve student performance and confidence, and promote problem-solving, critical thinking, and real-world application,” Dr. Thompson explained.

Suggested activities for the Month include Mathematics quiz competitions, ring games, board games, pageants, comic strips, creative performances such as dub, poems, songs, and dances, as well as Mathematics dominoes, chess, fairs, and problem-solving challenges.

These are expected to engage both students and teachers, fostering a vibrant Mathematics culture across the island.

The highlight of the month will be Mathematics Hat and Tie Day on Friday, March 13, where each education region has been assigned a specific Mathematics strand to inspire creativity.

Regions will showcase concepts in Algebra, Geometry, Measurement, Numbers, Statistics, and Probability through innovative hat and tie designs, featuring symbols, formulas, vocabulary, and real-life applications.

Schools are encouraged to involve students in hands-on, concept-based learning experiences that make Mathematics meaningful, interactive, and enjoyable.

Administrators are also asked to ensure that information about the month of activities is widely shared with students, parents, and teachers to support broad participation.

In addition to the national events, schools are invited to plan supplementary Mathematics-focused activities throughout the month, drawing on resources from the Mathematics Interest Building Handbook, which forms part of the National Comprehensive Numeracy Programme.

Meanwhile, The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus, will host the first round of the Mathematics Olympiad and, in collaboration with Rusea’s High School in Hanover, will stage a Mathematics Fair. In addition, several schools across the island have designated individual Mathematics Day celebrations.

To further support these initiatives, the Ministry has introduced a Mathematics Affirmation Calendar, encouraging students to practice daily positive affirmations. This effort aims to help reduce math anxiety, while building confidence, resilience, and a stronger appreciation for the subject.

The Ministry remains committed to ensuring that Mathematics Month 2026 serves as a catalyst for renewed energy, creativity, and excellence in Mathematics education, as Jamaica continues to strengthen its education system in the wake of recent challenges.

The Government is looking at strengthening the deans of discipline programme in schools as part of measures to better manage student behaviour and prevent conflicts.

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, in making the disclosure, said that the move is aimed at ensuring safer environments for learning.

She was speaking during a visit to the Ocho Rios High School in St. Ann on Thursday (March 5), following the tragic death of a 16-year-old grade 10 student, who was struck during a dispute with another pupil on Wednesday (March 4).

The Education Minister said that increasing the number of deans of discipline could provide additional support for principals and teachers in dealing with behavioural issues. This is particularly necessary in large institutions where administrators must manage thousands of students daily.

“So, yes, there is obviously need for more. The school community [at Ocho Rios High School] is 2200 and that’s a lot of students and there are also talks about issues in the communities where the students come from,” Senator Morris Dixon said.

“I’ve said to the Principal of Ocho Rios High School, whatever is needed, we’re going to work to provide that support to the school,” she assured.

As it relates to school resource officers, who are police officers, the Minister noted that there is always room for improvement in how the programme operates.

She pointed out however, that the officers cannot act without information, emphasising the need for early reporting of disputes between students to prevent situations from escalating on and off campus.

The Minister noted that Wednesday’s fatal incident appears to have been the culmination of a dispute that began the previous day.

“The school will tell you they have two [school resource officers] and they were here [on the day of the incident]. They’re working and that is why I say, if you know something is brewing, it has to be reported. We have the chairman of the board who is a minister of religion also,” she said.

During the visit, the Minister met with the principal, teachers and students, and assured the school community that counselling and psychosocial support would remain in place for as long as necessary.

 

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, is imploring parents to report disputes involving their children to school authorities or the police before they escalate into serious, violent incidents.

Her call comes in the wake of the tragic death of a 16-year-old grade-10 student at Ocho Rios High School, who was struck during a dispute with another pupil on Wednesday (March 4).

The other student involved in the incident is now in police custody as investigations continue.

The Minister noted that Wednesday’s fatal incident appears to have been the culmination of a dispute that began the previous day.

“I say this, parents, if your child comes home and tells you that something happened at school, come into the school and report it. Report it to the police,” Dr. Morris Dixon appealed during a visit to the institution in St. Ann on Thursday (March 5).

She indicated that schools are equipped with guidance counsellors, deans of discipline, and school resource officers from the police force, but these systems can only work if families speak up.

During her visit to the school, the Minister met with the principal, teachers and members of the school community, as well as relatives of the deceased student.

She expressed condolences and assured them that the Ministry will provide full support during the difficult period ahead.

Counsellors from the Ministry and neighbouring parishes have been deployed to assist students and staff as they process the traumatic event.

The Minister pointed out that the intervention will not be limited to a single day, noting that psychosocial support may be required for months as the school community works to heal.

“I ask all of Jamaica to pray for our children across the country. Our children are hurting. There is anger there, and we have to work really hard to get to the bottom of it, to provide the psychosocial support to these children and to develop communities that can support these children,” she said.

“These children do not just come out of thin air. They are hearts of communities, and what we are seeing in the schools is what we’re seeing in our communities and the behaviour from our communities, and we have to stop it,” she added.

Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change and Member of Parliament for St. Ann North Eastern, Hon. Matthew Samuda, who was also on hand, expressed sympathy to the grieving family.

He told journalists that there have been sustained efforts to reduce crime and violence in and around St. Ann since last year, making the incident a painful interruption to what has been a period of focused progress.

“We are deeply hurt for the families. My personal condolences and, indeed, the condolences of my team, to the family that is grieving this morning. This is a true tragedy and it will take some time to unpack,” Mr. Samuda said.

He urged continued, coordinated push by schools and their surrounding communities to foster safer environments.

Following the visit to the school, the team travelled to the home of the grieving family to offer condolences and support.

Principal of St. Mary Technical High School, Orville Richards, has hailed the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information for its role in establishing a state-of-the-art Innovation Hub for Electrical and Renewable Energy at the institution.

Mr. Richards said the hub is a significant step in the school’s journey to becoming the premier technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institution in Jamaica.

“This Innovation Hub stands at the intersection of education, innovation, sustainability, and national development. It is symbolic because it comes at a time when we are trying to create climate resilience, digital systems, and maximise the use of smart technologies. These are no longer optional; they are now essential,” he stated.

Mr. Richards further noted that the hub was “more than an investment. It’s a statement of belief. It’s a belief that technical education matters, and most importantly, it is a belief that our students are worth investing in at the highest level”.

The facility, which officially opened on February 6, was completed under the Ministry’s TVET Expansion Plan at a cost of $20 million.

Mr. Richards underscored that the school’s academic performance reflects the impact of this investment and its strong focus on both technical and traditional subject areas.

“In 2025… our overall CSEC (Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate) pass rate [was] 70 per cent, which we moved from 59 per cent in 2024. We currently boast about 10 CSEC areas that we have a perfect 100 per cent pass rate in,” he noted.

He pointed out that subjects under the Industrial Arts umbrella, including Mechanical Technology, Electrical Technology and Technical Drawing, all recorded 100 per cent pass rates.

Traditional subject areas, such as Geography, Physics and Chemistry, improved by as much as 40 per cent.

“When students exit this school, they are employable, ready and certified to go out there in the world of work,” Mr. Richards stated.

He further indicated that the Business and IT (Information technology) Department achieved a 96 per cent success rate at CSEC, while Industrial Arts, Home Economics, Visual Arts, Physical Education and Sport recorded 100 per cent pass rates. English Language stands at the regional average of 79 per cent.

The school also offers strong certification-based programmes, including Cosmetology, IT Office Skills, Food and Beverage, Renewable Energy Level 2, Electrical Installation, Welding, General Construction, Housekeeping and Furniture Making. Hospitality and Tourism Management was recently added as a dual-certification programme.

Mr. Richards emphasised that the school’s continued success, particularly with the addition of the Innovation Hub, is rooted in collaboration.

“What makes this moment powerful is not the equipment; it’s not the wiring or the technology. It is who we are becoming together. Our slogan ‘One Technical’ is not a tagline; it’s a philosophy,” he said.

“One Technical means electricians collaborate with engineers. It means IT works alongside agriculture students on aquaponics, hydroponics, and solar systems. It means business students help commercialise innovation. It means teachers share departmental expertise and students learn that no great solution is created in isolation,” he added.

 

The University Council of Jamaica (UCJ) will host its 21st annual observance of Quality Assurance in Higher Education Week from March 9 to 13, under the theme ‘From Shock to Stability: Sustaining Higher Education Quality Through Crisis and Beyond’.

UCJ’s Director of Public Relations and Communications, Najae Murray, told JIS News that this year’s observance seeks to highlight the Council’s role as a catalyst for dialogue on pressing issues affecting higher education institutions, particularly in the wake of recent climate events such as Hurricane Melissa.

“The theme reflects the reality that disruption is now a constant, and institutions must be prepared to respond to climate change, digital transformation, and economic pressures while maintaining standards of quality,” he stated.

Mr. Murray emphasised that achieving stability in higher education depends on strong governance, well-defined policies, and student-centred systems.

“Quality is what protects trust when systems are under strain. This year’s theme speaks to resilience, governance, and protecting students through strong quality systems,” he said.

The Week’s activities will include an online forum on March 10, featuring insights from both local and international experts.

The keynote address will be delivered by Professor of International Education at the Institute of Education, University College London (UCL), United Kingdom, Tristan McCowan, who will speak on the theme ‘Sustaining Higher Education Quality Through Crisis’.

Additionally, Assessment Specialists at the University of Cambridge, Heidi Green and Megan Rees, will present on ‘When Integrity is Tested: Understanding Security in the Assessment Lifecycle’.

The day will conclude with an online awards ceremony recognising institutions that have successfully achieved accreditation status.

On March 12, the UCJ will host a youth-focused engagement activity at the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC), located at 17 Worthington Avenue, Kingston.

Student leaders from across the country will have the opportunity to share their experiences on how crises such as hurricanes impact learning and well-being, while also discussing their perspectives on resilience within higher education.

The session will also include a climate round-up presented by Environmental and Policy Specialist at Environmental Services Limited, Jamaica, Leneka Scott.

The week will conclude on March 13 with a virtual Quality Clinic, providing institutions the opportunity to engage directly with UCJ accreditation officers on standards and best practices for programme recognition.

The clinic is designed for higher education institutions seeking to have their programmes accredited.

Mr. Murray stated that Quality Assurance Week 2026 is intended to foster dialogue, reflection, and resilience across Jamaica’s higher education sector.

He emphasised that quality assurance is most severely tested during times of crisis, and reaffirmed UCJ’s commitment to strengthening the foundation of trust in higher education.

Members of the public, students, and institutions are encouraged to participate in the Week’s activities.

For further information, please contact the UCJ at 876-618-4267, email [email protected], or visit the University Council of Jamaica’s official Facebook and Instagram pages.

Last year, more than 3,000 devices were distributed to primary schools across the island under the Laptop for Primary Schools Initiative, spearheaded by e-Learning Jamaica Company Limited (e-LJAM).

Communications Manager at e-LJAM, Kimona Gordon, stated that the project has significantly transformed the digital landscape of institutions while expanding access to technology for primary-level students.

She noted that the initiative is helping to bridge the digital divide and promote equitable learning opportunities for students.

“This means that we have been equipping students with the technology that they need to enhance the teaching and learning process. By equipping the schools with the laptops that are required, we are providing students with greater access,” she told JIS News.

In addition to supporting primary schools, e-LJAM has upgraded computer laboratories in high schools across the island with more than 15,000 laptops.

The move represents a strategic shift from traditional desktop computers, previously supplied to institutions, towards more flexible and efficient laptop devices.

e-LJAM’s ongoing modernisation drive, through replenishing devices, upgrading labs, and introducing improved technology, forms part of a long-term strategy to support Jamaica’s vision of becoming a knowledge-based society.

e-Learning Jamaica Company Limited (e-LJAM), an agency of the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, is mandated to integrate technology into the education system across the island.

Holmwood Technical High School in Manchester now has a new, four-level classroom block, which was built by the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information at a cost of approximately $200 million.

The building boasts 11 classrooms, four sets of male and female bathrooms, an elevator for disability access and teachers’ offices.

The project forms part of the secondary infrastructure upgrade for the parish and will result in some students from the nearby Manchester High School, which is currently on a shift system, being transferred over to Holmwood Technical.

At the official handover on Monday (March 2), Executive Director of the National Education Trust (NET), which oversaw the initiative, Latoya Harris-Ghartey, said that the project represents more than just constructing a new building.

“It is about accessibility and creating a nurturing environment for students and a launchpad for dreams,” she pointed out.

She noted that the road leading to the school was paved as part of the project.

Mrs. Harris-Ghartey said it is fitting that the project is being handed over at a time when Holmwood Technical is celebrating its 90th anniversary.

“Ninety years is no ordinary feat. It’s a testament to vision realised, challenges overcome, and lives transformed,” she noted.

“As a beacon of learning and a place of character-building and opportunities, Holmwood… continues to be an inspiring environment for the teachers who are dedicated to nurturing the young minds of students on a daily basis,” she said.

Holmwood Technical Principal, Hidran McKulsky, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education for its continued investment in the institution’s development.

‘They have also committed a tidy sum towards restoring our… institution to a stronger pre-Hurricane Melissa experience,” he reported.

Mr. McKulsky also thanked the school’s alumni for continuing to “stand by the school”, the board, members of staff, parents, students and well-wishers.

NET is a registered charitable organisation under the Education Ministry that mobilises funds and partnerships to improve educational infrastructure.