More than 800 primary and secondary institutions across Jamaica are set to benefit from a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Education in Schools Programme over the next three years.

The GB£1.7-million programme is an initiative of the British Council, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, e-Learning Jamaica Limited, National Education Trust (NET) and Micro:bit Educational Foundation.

Portfolio Minister, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, described the programme as a critical cross-agency and bilateral partnership, noting that the Government cannot achieve its goal of becoming a STEAM country by walking the journey alone.

She was delivering the keynote address during the initiative’s launch on Wednesday (March 19) at AC Hotel by Marriott Kingston.

Senator Morris Dixon noted the targeted focus on teachers in the programme, pointing out that in order to transform Jamaica and its education system, the educators’ capacity to deliver high-quality STEAM instruction must be strengthened.

“We expect, through this project, to have over 10,000 teachers trained in STEAM education. Also, 1,350 master STEAM teachers will… be trained, and there will be some courses that will be done online and offline. Over 7,000 primary-school teachers will also be receiving hands-on training,” she outlined.

Dr. Morris Dixon shared that e-Learning Jamaica will continue to outfit schools with laptop, desktop and tablet computers, and interactive panels and projectors to support the programme.

Approximately 32,000 programmable micro:bit devices will be distributed to primary-level students, providing them with valuable opportunities to engage in hands-on coding and digital creation.

For her part, British Council Caribbean Regional Director, Americas, Joanna Burke, said the organisation is committed to bridging divides, promoting understanding and creating opportunities that empower individuals and societies.

“Today’s launch is not just another programme. It’s about deepening our commitment to education, to young people and to the future of Jamaica. STEAM represents the skills and knowledge that will define the future by adapting to the growing need for a world and workforce equipped with 21st century skills, and they empower students to think critically, to solve problems creatively and to innovate boldly,” Mrs. Burke said.

She underscored that in a world where technology is reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace, all countries must ensure that their young people are not just participants in the global shift but leaders of it.

“Integrating STEAM into the curriculum will not only enhance the quality of education but also prepare students for the careers that will drive Jamaica’s economic growth and global competitiveness,” Mrs. Burke stated.

The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information has launched a pilot project aimed at improving students’ performance in Mathematics at 20 primary and secondary schools.

Underlining this thrust will be the focus on STEM/STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics/Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics.

The Reskilling Teachers Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in STEM Education to Raise Students’ Maths Identity (RAISE) Initiative aims to equip educators with STEAM-infused methodologies to improve student outcomes, particularly in mathematics.

This initiative, being undertaken in collaboration with the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) Inc. and 21st Century Education, is an expansion of the Ministry’s 1962 STEM/STEAM Programme.

The RAISE pilot will cost US$100,000 and is being funded by AFJ donors, Peter and Lisa Walker.

It will target 10 high schools and 10 primary schools across the island, focusing on enhancing students’ maths identity by providing teachers with cutting-edge AI-driven tools and strategies.

The beneficiary primary schools include St Martin de Porres in St. Andrew, Cockburn Gardens in Kingston and Annotto Bay All-Age in St. Mary.

Among the selected secondary schools are Norman Manley High in Kingston, Papine High in St. Andrew and Green Pond High in St. James.

Speaking during the initiative’s launch at the Ministry’s office in Kingston on Wednesday (March 19), Portfolio Minister, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, welcomed RAISE, noting that it will help to significantly improve educational outcomes.

“The foundation of any successful education system rests heavily on the preparedness of our educators. So, what’s happening here with the RAISE initiative, which aims to enhance STEM education through teacher reskilling using AI technologies, is a prime example of how technology deployment and strategic investment in teacher development can be used to improve educational outcomes,” she reasoned.

The Minister thanked AFJ for financing the initiative, underscoring the importance of partnerships in advancing education.

“Without this kind of support, we cannot do it… we can’t do it alone as a Ministry. We don’t have the kind of budget we would like to have to do all of these things. so we really rely on partners,” she added.

Executive Director of AFJ, Caron Chung, noted that the organisation has been funding projects in Jamaica for more than 42 years.

She expressed the hope that the RAISE initiative will make an indelible mark on the children who will benefit.

Ms. Chung noted that the primary goals of the project are to train and certify STEM leaders, enhance student engagement and significantly improve maths scores across participating schools.

“This project will not only focus on structured implementation but will also include ongoing assessments and continuous refinement to ensure we are maximising the impact. We are committed to adapting and improving this initiative as we go along, so that it continues to meet the needs of both the students and teachers, fostering an environment where STEM education thrives,” she said.

The AFJ Director emphasised that the importance of STEM education in an ever-changing world cannot be overstated.

“As we move further into the 21st century, the need for innovation, critical thinking and technical skills is more urgent than ever before. They help to equip students with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in this ever-changing global landscape,” she stated.

Ms. Chung said the AFJ is proud to play a role in advancing education and empowering the next generation of leaders in Jamaica.

“We believe that by investing in STEM education, we’re investing in the future of our country, helping to create a workforce that is skilled, innovative and prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead,” she added.

Meanwhile, Vice President of Curriculum and Implementations at 21st Century Education, Dr. Jerome Taylor, said he is looking forward to working on the project.

“I am particularly excited about reskilling teachers through AI, using artificial intelligence for STEM and STEAM education. We are going to train teachers in schools to focus on maths, to home in on that specific area, to help our kids excel, not just in maths, but in STEM and STEAM careers. I think this is going to be a monumental and remarkable endeavour,” he posited.

Dr. Taylor added that 21st Century is already making an impact in Jamaica through its work with the 1962 STEM/STEAM pilot project, currently under way.

The project, which was implemented in September 2023, incorporates 42 schools and almost 100 educators across the island.

Peace and Love in Society (PALS) Jamaica, will observe Peace Day 2025 on Tuesday (March 4), under the theme ‘Speak Peace. Live Peace’.

Acting Director of the Safety and Security in Schools Unit in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Richard Troupe, said Peace Day is an important initiative aimed at fostering a culture of peace and non-violence within educational institutions, homes and communities.

“Schools are tasked to host special devotion that emphasises the importance of peace and kindness in our society. This day is not just a reminder, it is a call to inspire our children to engender a culture of peace every day,” he stated.

The planned activities include a peace song, scripture reading, and a special prayer that students and staff will participate in.

Schools are also encouraged to partner with local churches to enhance community involvement and foster dialogue around peace and non-violence.

Mr. Troupe is encouraging teachers, parents, and community stakeholders to facilitate and participate in activities that will inspire students to embrace the values of respect, tolerance, and cooperation.

“Creating a culture of peace in Jamaica is a collective effort involving community organisations, private-sector entities, and churches. I am encouraging all these groups to engage with their constituencies and hold conversations that remind us all of the critical need to build a peaceful society,” he said. Mr. Troupe added that while conflicts may arise, they do not need to be resolved through violence, adding that Peace Day is an opportunity to commit to peaceful dialogue and understanding while setting a positive example for future generations.

As a symbol of solidarity and commitment to peace, all Jamaicans are encouraged to wear something blue on Peace Day.

“By donning blue, we are sending a strong message to our neighbours to make Jamaica the place of choice to live, work, raise families, and do business,” Mr. Troupe stated.

Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) has signed two contracts, totalling $275 million, for construction of the new Mount Salem Infant School in St. James and road safety works at the St. Catherine-based Old Harbour Primary School.

The projects fall under the 10th cycle of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)-funded Basic Needs Trust Fund, which is being implemented by JSIF.

The signing ceremony was held on Tuesday (February 11) at the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, at Heroes Circle in Kingston.

Portfolio Minister, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, who addressed the ceremony, shared that the projects mark a significant step in advancing access to quality education and ensuring the safety and well-being of students.

“This is money well-spent and again, we thank JSIF for that,” she said.

Dr. Morris Dixon charged JSIF to consider climate resilience when implementing current and future projects.

“The reality of climate change demands that we approach all development projects with sustainability and resilience in mind. Our schools and roadways must be designed to withstand the increasing threats of extreme weather conditions – stronger hurricanes, heavier rainfall and rising temperatures. The multimillion-dollar investment we are signing off on today must serve generations to come,” she said.

In his remarks, JSIF Managing Director, Omar Sweeney, shared that since the Fund’s establishment in 1995, more than 40 per cent of its budget has gone to schools across Jamaica.

At Old Harbour Primary, the works will be undertaken at a cost of $89.2 million under the Safe Passage Project and includes waiting sheds, street signs, crosswalks, stop bars, murals and a pedestrian bridge.

These features, Mr. Sweeny said, “will provide safe passage for children as they leave the school gate to get to their mode of transportation, or even if they are walking home, they can leave and arrive safe”.

Meanwhile, he said construction of the new Mount Salem Infant School, at a cost of $185.8 million, is critical to the community and will benefit some 117 students.

At present, it is the only government-owned institution in the area, and there is a high demand for placement.

The students share a classroom block with Mount Salem Primary School, which is a less-than-ideal situation and in breach of the Early Childhood Commission’s standards.

“Beyond the physical environment, it is important that we improve the educational outcomes at the school, and so, we will continue to work with the Early Childhood Commission and the Ministry, in terms of curriculum development,” Mr. Sweeney said.

Member of Parliament for St. James Central, Heroy Clarke, said he lobbied for the infant school for years and is thrilled to see the project coming to fruition.

“This new block of classrooms will provide a conducive learning environment, equipped with modern facilities and technology to enhance the teaching and learning experience. This project is a shining example of what can be achieved when we work together,” Mr. Clarke said.

Member of Parliament for St. James West Central, Marlene Malahoo Forte, said the community of Mount Salem has been undergoing transformation, resulting in renewed pride among the people.

“I’m excited about this school… . Let me just add how pleased I am to see that we’re at this stage where we will be proceeding with the construction of the new facilities. It is no secret that we have to transform education and the transformation is on many levels, but, in particular, the physical infrastructure, which provides the holding ground for our students and our teachers and all the support staff,” Mrs. Malahoo Forte said.

The Government is investing heavily in ensuring that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to complete and excel in today’s rapidly changing world and workforce, says Acting Chief Education Officer, Terry-Ann Thomas-Gayle.

Addressing the launch of National Career Awareness Week 2025 at Meadowbrook United Church in St. Andrew on Sunday (February 9), Mrs. Thomas-Gayle said the global environment is one where automation, artificial intelligence, digital transformation and scientific advancements are shaping industries at an unprecedented pace, and in the fast-changing landscape, Jamaica cannot afford to be left behind.

She noted that the science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) fields are driving the economies of the most developed nations, and it is critical to ensure that local students are equipped in these areas.

“If we want to compete on the world stage, attract investments and create sustainable jobs, we must equip our young people with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in these areas,” she said.

Mrs. Thomas-Gayle said the recently announced investment of $400 million to transform and upgrade information and communications technology (ICT), science and art laboratories in schools across Jamaica reinforces the goal of “transforming education for national development”.

The initiative, she said, is designed to ensure that Jamaica’s students can thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Over the next five years, 50 schools will be rehabilitated annually with the vision of establishing high-quality labs in every secondary school.

The upgraded facilities will be key to fostering creativity, innovation and problem-solving, which are critical components in preparing students for the challenges of the future, she told her audience.

Mrs. Thomas-Gayle said that National Career Awareness Week 2025 will be used to educate youth in primary and secondary schools, as well as the broader community, about the opportunities available for career and business advancement.

The week is being observed under the theme ‘Career Success Through Self-Development’.

“Our major focus will be on careers in STEAM, which are critical to Jamaica’s future and essential for global competitiveness, economic growth and national development,” she said.

Mrs. Thomas-Gayle noted that the week, which ends on February 14, is an opportunity for students, educators, parents, and industry leaders to come together in a collective effort to shape the future of work in Jamaica.

“It is a call to action, to embrace STEAM careers, nurture innovation, and empower our young people with the tools to create, build and lead. Let us rise to the challenge to make Jamaica a STEM/STEAM powerhouse, a nation where science, technology, and innovation are not just valued but are actively driving progress and national transformation,” she said.

Principal of Old Harbour Primary School in St. Catherine, George Goode, has welcomed the implementation of the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) $89.2-million Safe Passage Project at the institution, anticipating a significant enhancement of student safety.

The contract for the project, which falls under the 10th cycle of the Caribbean Development Bank-funded Basic Needs Trust Fund, was signed on Tuesday (February 11) at the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information in Kingston.

The scope of works includes construction of rails, sidewalks, erection of signage and construction of bus sheds to shield students from the elements as they await transportation at the end of the school day.

“Our school is benefiting from a Safe Passage Programme, and that is simply because we have had a number of experiences over the years where our students have been hit by vehicles on the road.

It’s a very good stretch of road that we’re on, and so what has been happening is that the drivers… and bikers… tend to speed on the road,” Mr. Goode told JIS News.

He also highlighted challenges with indiscipline, noting that students are sometimes not well organised on the road and do not use it wisely.

“Thankfully, we have not had any deaths on the road. What this project is going to do is to prevent that from happening and ensure that the near misses don’t even happen again,” Mr. Goode said.

He further told JIS News that, “the Safe Passage Project will also incorporate the whole matter of building new vendors’ stalls that will be at the side of the school; so, the students won’t have a need now to go across the road, which would put them in danger”, adding that the project is intended to improve road safety education.

“We are really grateful, as a school, for this project that will not only benefit the students but, indeed, it will benefit the community. We just want to say thanks to JSIF and the Caribbean Development Bank for this wonderful partnership with our school,” Mr. Goode said.

The HEART/NSTA Trust, through training and certification, is positioning Jamaicans to meet the global demand for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)-based careers, which is anticipated to grow significantly in the coming years.

Managing Director of the Trust, Dr. Taneisha Ingleton, said a report from international market research and consulting company, Grand View Research, indicates that the global technical and vocational education market was valued at approximately US$812 billion in 2024, and is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 10 per cent from 2025 to 2030.

She noted that the world of work is changing rapidly, and new skills are emerging to meet the demands of the future.

The agency is offering training in fields like robotics and digital welding to ensure that individuals are equipped to meet the challenges of the future and contribute to both personal and national growth.

“By aligning its work with Vision 2030, the Trust aims to meet the needs of the industries, ensuring that individuals are equipped to fill critical roles. This is to advance national development but also demonstrates our commitment to human development,” Dr. Ingleton said.

She was speaking at the launch of National Career Awareness Week 2025 under the theme ‘Career Success through Self-Development’, at the Meadowbrook United Church in St. Andrew.

The week of observance, from February 9 to 14, is organised by the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information in collaboration with the HEART/NSTA Trust, Junior Achievement Jamaica and CHOICES.

Parents and teachers are being urged to utilise the transformative power of the arts in cultivating peace, discipline and youth empowerment in schools.

Director of the Safety and Security in Schools Unit in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Richard Troupe, in making the call, said that “the arts, whether visual art, music, dance, drama or creative writing, offer a powerful avenue for promoting peace and discipline”.

“They provide a safe space for young people to express emotions. The arts allow us to channel complex emotions like anger, frustration or sadness into constructive ways. Painting, writing or playing music are very helpful to process difficult experiences and find inner peace. The arts also build empathy,” he pointed out.

Mr. Troupe was bringing greetings on behalf of Portfolio Minister, Senator Dr. the Honourable Dana Morris Dixon, at the Region 6 Deans of Dicipline Youth Forum and Symposium on Wednesday (February 12) at the Cumberland High School in St Catherine, under the theme ‘Cultivating a Culture of Peace’.

Championing the power of the arts, Mr. Troupe charged parents to support their children’s creative expressions and encourage them to use the medium as a means of communication and self-discovery.

He also reminded parents that they are their children’s first teachers, and as such, the onus is on them to impart important values before they enter society.

“Instil values of respect, tolerance and peaceful conflict resolution; this starts at home. Open communication, active listening and modelling positive behaviour are crucial,” Mr. Troupe said.

As for teachers, he challenged them to integrate the arts into the classroom as a tool for exploring emotions, building empathy and promoting understanding where there are differences.

Mr. Troupe’s message to students was for them to use the arts to cultivate an environment of peace in schools, where diversity is celebrated and inclusivity is promoted.

“Use your voices through the arts to express your concerns, shape your experiences and inspire positive change,” he encouraged.

President of the Region 6 Deans of Discipline and President of the National Association of Deans of Discipline, Dr. Rene Levell, in his remarks, said that cultivating peace is a personal decision that ultimately affects schools and the wider community.

“The aim of this youth forum and symposium is for you (students) to be champions of change [and] as we continue our journey to cultivate a culture of peace, let us remember that it starts with us. Peace begins in our hearts [and] extends to our whole school, flourishes within our churches, communities, and ultimately impacts the world,” Dr. Levell stated.

Member of Parliament (MP) for South Central St. Catherine, Dr. Andrew Wheatley, who delivered the main address, applauded the Region 6 Deans of Discipline for recognising the importance of addressing peace, especially within schools.

“I believe that if students have an appreciation for the whole concept of peace that we will have not only better communities but better families because, oftentimes, they can instruct and advise their parents, and grandparents, cousins and uncles as to why we need to take a softer approach to settle our differences,” he contended.

The first of its kind for Region 6, the youth forum and symposium included a panel discussion where students explored the effects of bullying and cyberbullying and how these can be prevented in schools with help from teachers and administrators.

The event doubled as an awards ceremony for a poster competition, where students were invited to create artwork on the topic ‘Promoting Peace and Discipline in Schools by Empowering Youth Through the Arts’.

Thirteen schools in St. Catherine entered the competition and their work was placed on display to be viewed by those in attendance.

José Martí High School emerged the winner, with Cumberland High School and Bridgeport High School placing second and third, respectively.

The Government continues to transform the country’s health sector in a bid to further enhance service delivery to more Jamaicans.

This is being done through infrastructural upgrades, acquisition of critical and modern pieces of equipment, training and provision of scholarships, and the introduction of new technology for the digitisation of health records, which helps with efficiency and better patient management.

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, highlighted these during Wednesday’s (January 22) opening ceremony for the health and wellness career exposition and employment fair at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona Campus in St. Andrew.

He said infrastructural upgrades are being done to increase the physical capacity at several institutions islandwide, including the Cornwall Regional Hospital, Spanish Town Hospital and University Hospital of the West Indies as well as several type five clinics.

“Until those come to fruition, many persons are still going to be saying we have an access issue, we don’t have enough space. But these are being built. They will come to fruition, [and] you will see a massive improvement in the ability of the health facilities to host patients,” the Prime Minister said.

Dr. Holness further noted that the introduction of modern equipment is being incorporated in the sector through public-private partnerships.

He maintained, however, that critical to the transformation process, is building the human capacity to deliver care.

“We can improve the infrastructure, we can improve the facilities. But to get the care [needed] in health, we have to build the human capacity, and that is what today (Wednesday’s expo) is about in the transformation exercise.

It’s about, now, building the human capacity to allow us to actually deliver care,” the Prime Minister said.

Dr. Holness urged persons who are interested in pursuing a career in healthcare to take advantage of the opportunities available in the sector.

Additionally, he appealed for greater compassion and patience, even as the Government continues to transform the sector.