Design work has commenced on Jamaica’s first Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Academy in Bernard Lodge, St. Catherine.

Acting Chief Education Officer in the Ministry of Education and Youth, Terry-Ann Thomas-Gayle, said that the land has also been transferred to the Ministry.

Speaking on Thursday (July 18), at a Back-to-School Conference for Region Two at the Portland-based College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE), Mrs. Thomas-Gayle added that, “we are also able to identify another location in St. Ann where the land transfer is in progress and all the preparatory works have commenced”.

She pointed out that Jamaica has been declared a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) island, noting that, “we aspire to see our education sector graduating more STEM students as part of the process of transforming education for national development”.

Mrs. Thomas-Gayle also congratulated Region Two, which comprises St. Thomas, Portland and St. Mary, for being “ahead of the game”, based on what is planned nationally.

In 2022, land was marked for the construction of Jamaica’s first STEAM Academy, as part of the Greater Bernard Lodge Development in Dunbeholden, St. Catherine. It is to be erected on the 22 acres of land reserved for social services.

The Back -to-School conference was held under the theme ‘Shaping the Future: STEM/STEAM and the Transformation Agenda’.

The Ministry of Education and Youth will be commencing repairs at schools damaged during Hurricane Beryl’s passage in preparation for the start of the 2024/25 academic year in September.

“We understand the urgency and state, that it is imperative that we begin restoration efforts immediately, considering we only have approximately six or seven weeks until the reopening of schools,” Portfolio Minister, Hon. Fayval Williams said.

She was addressing Friday’s (July 19) Hurricane Beryl Disaster Recovery Plan for the Education Sector press conference at the Ministry’s offices in Kingston.

Current assessments indicate that 309 primary and secondary schools sustained an estimated $2.7 billion in damage during the hurricane’s passage on July 3.

Consequently, Mrs. Williams said the Ministry will be prioritising the institutions, based on the assessments.

“We have segmented these schools into three priorities. Priority one [includes] those schools that have been severely damaged, that we have to begin the restoration in order to have them in a place where they can be safely opened come September 2, 2024,” she informed.

A total of 85 schools, with damage estimated at $1.42 billion, are in this category

“Some of these priority schools are in areas like Region Five in parishes like St. Elizabeth. These schools include Bull Savannah Primary, Sandy Bank Primary, Pedro Plains Primary and Infant, Munro College and Hampton School for Girls, among many others,” Mrs. Williams informed.

The Ministry’s technical team has identified contractors to undertake repairs at these institutions.

Some 110 schools, which sustained moderate damage, have been placed in category two.

“While there is significant scope of work, these schools will be able to operate while repairs are being undertaken,” Mrs. Williams indicated.

Meanwhile, 114 schools, which sustained minimal damage including broken fences and roofing gutters resulting from fallen trees, have been listed in category three. These are institutions which can also operate while repairs are undertaken.

“The technical team continues to be in the field. They continue to carry out their assessment to finalise the procurement document to assign registered contractors to carry out repairs and reconstruction. We will be using the single source procurement methodology under emergency conditions in keeping with the Public Procurement Act and Policies,” Mrs. Williams advised.

She said emergency funds will be disbursed to all of the Ministry’s Regions to assist with clean-up and other critical activities, adding that that is now underway.

The Ministry of Education and Youth recently met with business stakeholders as the entity continues to strengthen partnerships to benefit the education sector.

The Transforming Education for National Development (TREND) Stakeholders Meeting for Business Leaders was held at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Regional Headquarters in St. Andrew.

In attendance were representatives from the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Foundation, NCB Foundation, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), VM Foundation, Jamaica Stock Exchange, Honey Bun Foundation, among others.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Kasan Troupe, in her address at the meeting, noted the Ministry’s commitment to fostering robust partnerships aimed at enhancing student achievement, improving school governance and bolstering teacher competence.

“The Ministry is committed to ensuring that every child’s success is assured through collaborative efforts with our stakeholders. Our aim is to engage stakeholders actively in our transformation agenda, ensuring alignment and collective action towards a globally competitive education system,” he noted.

Dr. Troupe highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at advancing educational outcomes across the nation.

These include certification support for public early-childhood institutions, establishment of brain-builder centres, extensive training for early-childhood practitioners, and the expansion of information and communications technology (ICT) smart rooms to drive innovative school programmes.

The Ministry is also focused on offering scholarships to strengthen the tertiary sector and ensure graduates are well-prepared for the labour market.

Through its infrastructure programme, the Ministry is ensuring that schools are well-maintained and benefit from necessary repairs and construction, including electrical upgrades and fencing.

Being implemented from 2023 to 2030, TREND is focused on positioning Jamaica to become a more globally competitive nation.

It is based on the 365 recommendations in the Professor Orlando Patterson-led Jamaica Education Transformation Commission Report (2021).

The recommendations, which span early-childhood education through the tertiary level, are designed to improve performance at all levels of the education system, to enhance the nation’s competitiveness.

Acting Chief Educational Transformation Officer, Sophia Forbes-Hall, who also addressed the session, underscored the importance of the Ministry’s commitment to implementing the Jamaica Education Transformation Commission’s recommendations, including the adoption of a unified Philosophy of Education for Jamaica.

“This philosophy serves as our guiding principle towards achieving sustainable economic development through education,” she noted.

The National Education Trust (NET) is looking to strengthen donor partnership and support to benefit the island’s education sector.

The entity, which falls under the Ministry of Education and Youth, is charged with mobilising financial and quality resource investments for the advancement of education, in accordance with the Ministry’s strategic objectives.

NET partners with public and private stakeholders, nationally, regionally and internationally to obtain financing and donations for interventions to enable children to realise their full potential.

For the 2024/2025 financial year, the Trust is projecting to spend more than $400 million and is appealing to individuals and organisations to give their support by becoming a donor.

Since its inception in 2010, NET has developed a track record for efficiency and adherence to quality standards in the coordination and cost-effective delivery of projects, programmes and activities to the satisfaction of both donors and beneficiaries.

The Trust’s Donor Unit serves as a vital conduit in bolstering the entity’s ability to implement innovative programmes, support under-resourced schools, and champion initiatives that empower educators and learners alike.

Executive Director of NET, Latoya Harris Ghartey, tells JIS News that when donors partner with NET, they can rest assured that their contributions will make a meaningful impact in Jamaican schools.

“We work diligently to uphold accountability and transparency, ensuring that donations are utilised as intended and benefit the education sector,” she says.

She emphasises the importance of proactive communication and collaboration with donors to streamline the donation process and minimise costs.

Director of Donor and Partnership Management at the Trust, Keisha Johnson, is advising overseas individuals and organisations that wish to donate goods, to contact NET beforehand to ensure smooth interaction with Jamaica Customs.

She notes that overseas donors often face hurdles and uncertainties when navigating customs procedures and regulations.

NET offers a solution by serving as a facilitating entity, guiding donors through the necessary steps to obtain waivers and ensure smooth clearance of donated items.

“NET’s aim is to eliminate the roadblocks and uncertainties that donors may encounter. We provide comprehensive support, including coordination of donations from multiple locations, to ensure that contributions reach Jamaican schools efficiently,” she points out.

NET’s Preferred Partner Programme Registry also enhances the donation process by connecting donors with reputable shipping and logistics partners.

This curated list of reputable partners ensures professionalism and reliability throughout the process.

In addition to facilitating the clearance of donated goods, the Trust plays a crucial role in ensuring that items such as electronic devices meet the specifications required for use in Jamaican schools.

By aligning donations with the Ministry of Education and Youth guidelines, NET ensures that information and communications technology (ICT) devices are compatible and beneficial for students and educators.

NET not only accepts donations to execute its programmes but also actively seeks sponsorships.

Programmes such as the Adopt-a-School initiative encourages organisations and individuals to sponsor a school for a two-year period.

Through this programme, organisations or individuals can collaborate with a school of their choice, becoming actively involved in the life of the institution to increase and sustain the quality of public education.

There is also the One-Laptop or Tablet Per Child Initiative, which was conceptualised by NET in 2020 to ensure continuity of learning for children who did not have access to learning devices when the COVID 19 pandemic started.

The programme continues; however, the focus has shifted from the individual student to providing devices to schools to ensure sustainability.

Other initiatives undertaken by NET that also align with the strategic objectives of the Ministry include the Rural School Transportation Programme.

This initiative, executed in partnership with the Japanese Government through its Grassroot Human Security Project, helps children who live in remote areas and have transportation issues to get to school.

The NET is a registered charitable organisation in Jamaica dedicated to enhancing the quality of education in the country.

The entity facilitates partnerships between donors and Jamaican schools, ensuring that donations effectively support the educational needs of students and educators.

For more information on how to donate to the education sector in Jamaica and to partner with NET, persons may contact the Trust at [email protected].

The Ministry of Education and Youth is targeting 193 primary and 55 high schools, which have been identified as underperforming by the National Education Inspectorate (NEI), for special intervention.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Kasan Troupe, in making the disclosure, said that the institutions will receive focused support through the National Summer Academy, which aims to improve literacy and numeracy.

She was speaking at a Transforming Education for National Development (TREND) teacher engagement session held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Rose Hall, St. James, on Thursday (June 6).

The summer programme forms part of the Ministry’s effort to provide extended learning opportunities for students requiring additional support to recover from the impact of disruptions to their learning caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is delivered by a team of technical officers, including numeracy and literacy coaches/specialists.

Targets have been set to increase the grade-four literacy rate from 64.7 per cent last year to 68 per cent this year and 72 per cent in 2025.

For numeracy, the aim is to go from 63.4 per cent last year to 64 per cent this year and 64.5 per cent in 2025.

“I want you on board with us,” Dr. Troupe told the educators at the TREND session.

“We cannot do this without you; it’s not about what you do; it’s about how you make our students feel. We are all in this as a team and we need the team approach to make this work,” she pointed out.

Dr. Troupe, in her address to the teachers, noted the Government’s commitment to addressing their concerns and providing them with the necessary resources to enhance learning outcomes for students.

She cited the Ministry’s response to challenges with lesson planning by developing more than 700 localised lesson plans, which are available on the Ministry’s website.

Moreover, Dr. Troupe indicated that more than $2 billion was invested to provide laptops for teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and significant funding has been provided for educational materials, with some $2 billion spent last year on teaching and learning supplies for schools and another $1 billion allocated this year.

Additionally, she said the Ministry has provided Microsoft Office 365 software licences for teachers at a cost of $89 million per year and 40,000 annually for licences for the Learning Hub platform for grade-four students, thus providing more essential digital education resources in schools.

“This Jamaica education system has never been so resourced,” Dr. Troupe declared.

“We believe in knowledge and the power of knowledge. There is no secret in education; what we know, we want you to know. So, colleagues you are going to TREND with me this year,” she told the educators.

For her part, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education and Youth, Hon. Marsha Smith, called on educators to see themselves as an integral part of the transformation process.

“I want us to personalise TREND for ourselves. We have been saying ‘transforming education for national development’; however, I want us all to take this session today as transforming educators for national development,” Ms. Smith said.

The sensitisation session involved educators from Region three (St. Ann and Trelawny) and Region four (St. James, Hanover and Westmoreland), and included the launch of the social media #HowWeTREND initiative.

A Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Robotics Centre has been opened at Excelsior Community College’s Eureka Road Campus in Kingston.

Addressing Thursday’s (June 13) opening ceremony, Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Fayval Williams, underscored that the centre’s establishment is a prime example of collective stakeholder commitment to fostering innovation and preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

“In today’s rapidly evolving world, proficiency in STEM is not just a modernisation thrust or advantage but a necessity. The skills and knowledge acquired through STEM education are critical for driving technological advancement, economic growth and societal progress,” Mrs. Williams said.

She commended Excelsior’s Principal and Board of Management for their continuous zeal and visionary leadership.

“Your dedication has been instrumental in making this remarkable achievement a reality. Thank you for your tireless efforts in advancing the educational landscape and creating opportunities for students to excel in the fields of STEM and robotics,” Mrs. Williams stated.

College Principal, Philmore McCarthy, said the centre’s opening is a significant milestone for the institution in its 50th year.

“This lab is not just a room filled with equipment; it’s a hub for creativity; it’s a centre for research; it’s a platform for technological competence and it will provide a gateway of opportunity for our students and our community to strive,” he said.

Mr. McCarthy advised that one of the key objectives of the centre is to provide a nurturing environment for at-risk students, as 75 per cent of the institution’s population are first-generation college students.

“We have to ensure that we provide the opportunities and remedial activities that will help to cultivate the talents in these persons to ensure that they continue to grow and develop. We believe that by offering access to cutting edge technology and resources, we can empower our students to excel and strive in their academic and professional pursuits,” he said.

The college has acquired six robotics modules which will significantly enhance students’ learning experience and foster innovation in STEM education.

The STEM Robotics Centre has been equipped with 30 state-of-the-art laptops which were donated by e-Learning Jamaica Limited.

Another 30 laptops donated by the entity will be utilised at the college’s main campus on Mountain View Avenue in Kingston.

Chief Executive Officer of e-Learning Jamaica, Andrew Lee, shared that the company will provide an interactive panel to complete the centre.

He said the centre will serve as a hub for innovation and creativity, thereby enabling students to develop a passion for STEM.

“We are committed to ensuring that our students all across Jamaica are prepared to excel in an increasingly digital world,” Mr. Lee said.

President of the Jamaica Independent Schools Association, Tamar McKenzie (second left) and Registrar, Independent Schools Unit in the Ministry of Education and Youth, Sharon Hunt (second right), are joined by various stakeholders at the launch of the Jamaica Independent Schools  Association Preparatory School Champs on Friday, May 31, at the Ministry in Kingston. From left are General Manager of GraceKennedy Insurance, Chaluk Richards; Sts Peter and Paul Preparatory School representatives – students Anya Johnson, Coach Jerome Kirby and student Donovan James; and General Manager of GraceKennedy Mutual Funds, Daniel Thompson.

Students are being urged to resist tobacco amid the pervasive use of vapes or e-cigarettes among youth.

State Minister in the Ministry of Education and Youth, Hon. Marsha Smith, said tobacco usage has the potential to take as many lives as the COVID-19 pandemic did.

She likened the COVID-19 pandemic to tobacco on steroids, as she implored students to find other ways to enjoy recreational time without using tobacco products.

“Every time you see a tobacco product, whether it is the traditional tobacco product or e-cigarettes, I want you to remember what COVID did to the world and say to yourself ‘if COVID did so much to the world and destroyed so many lives and took away so many important people from our lives, it’s the same thing that tobacco is doing right now,” Ms. Smith said.

She was addressing the opening ceremony of World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) Youth Forum and Exhibition at Pembroke Hall Primary School in Kingston on Friday (May 31).

It was held under the theme ‘Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference: Tobacco Free Future’.

In her remarks, Acting Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/ World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Jamaica, Dr. Audrey Morris, said it is critical for youths to be empowered, so that they can demand that the tobacco industry seizes from targeting them with harmful products.

Dr. Morris shared that vaping is surging among young people globally, noting that the 2017 World Youth Tobacco Survey revealed that 11.7 per cent of Jamaican students between the ages of 13 and 15 years were using e-cigarettes.

“That was 2017, so by now we think it is more. Use of these devices can seem like fun or seem harmless, but it is risky for your health. It can affect your memory, concentration, learning, self-control, and your mood, so it makes it harder to focus on school and other activities,” she said.

Dr. Morris encouraged students to protect their bodies and their futures by saying no to tobacco.

For her part, Chief Technical Director in the Crime Prevention, Rehabilitation and Inspectorate Policy Division of the Ministry of National Security, Shauna Trowers, said the government is committed to the safety and security of youths, a critical component of which is shielding them from the harmful influences of tobacco.

She shared that students have been increasingly targeted through exploitative marketing tactics, aiming to hook a new generation on harmful products.

“The government has already taken steps to combat this issue and we have created a ban on tobacco advertising on domestic television and radio and there are restrictions on outdoor advertising and brand marketing,” she said.

Ms. Trowers urged students to steer clear of tobacco and choose a healthy and vibrant future.

Students from 17 primary and secondary schools across Jamaica participated in the youth forum and exhibition.

The Jamaica Coalition for Tobacco Control, Heart Foundation of Jamaica, National Council on Drug Abuse and Jamaica Cancer Society were among the exhibitors.

Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Fayval Williams, is calling on stakeholders to continue enhancing the collaborative efforts and frameworks to ensure the safety and well-being of all children and the safe return of those who have gone missing. 

“Our work is far from over. We have had successes in terms of the systems, the processes, the procedures that we put in place, but we want to get to that point where we are reporting that no child is missing, but if they are missing, we find them the same day; that’s where we would love to get to, but I know there is a lot of education needed,” the Minister said. 

Mrs. Williams was speaking at the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) ‘Ananda Alert Conference: Strengthening Responses to Missing Children’, at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in St. Andrew, on May 24. 

“We all need to feel a sense of ownership of everybody’s children and to really believe that as adults we have a part to play in protecting all of our children,” she added. 

The Minister emphasised that “we must continue to strengthen our systems, forge new alliances, and adopt innovative approaches to addressing the complex and evolving challenges associated with missing children. We know that by sharing knowledge and learning from each other, we can build a stronger, more resilient framework for protecting our children”.  

She urged Jamaicans to stand up, speak out, and protect the rights of children, and ensure that every child grows up in a safe and nurturing environment. 

“As we gather here during Child Month, under the theme ‘Stand Up, Speak Out, Protect the Rights of Our Children’, let us be reminded of our collective responsibility to advocate for and protect the rights of our children. The theme resonates deeply with our mission to focus on enhancing our strategies and sharing best practices to ensure the safety and well-being of all children and the safe return of those who have gone missing,” the Minister said. 

She expressed gratitude to the CPFSA for their tireless work in safeguarding the country’s most vulnerable children. 

“Whenever a child goes missing, the CPFSA, through the National Children’s Registry (NCR), reports and mobilises a national response in alliance with the Constabulary Communication Network (CCN), media houses, and various government agencies.  These partnerships are vital in ensuring a swift and coordinated response to increase the number of children who are returned home safely, and I commend every one of you for your dedication and collaboration,” she said. 

Chief Executive Officer, CPFSA, Laurette Adams Thomas, challenged the participants to share the information that they learnt at the function with their colleagues, family members and friends.  

“Gain the necessary child-protection knowledge for yourself and then share it with whom you come in contact,” she said. 

Mrs. Adams Thomas noted that every year there is an average report of approximately 1,000 missing children.  

“Fortunately, and due largely to the Ananda Alert system, the majority of these cases are resolved quickly with children returning safely to their families, but there are still several other instances in which there is no safe or speedy recovery of the missing child,” she said. 

She argued that everyone has a role to play in the prevention and return and recovery of missing children. 

The Ananda Alert Conference facilitates a pivotal regional knowledge exchange on best practices to strengthen the responses to missing children. 

The event is held in observance of International Missing Children’s Day 2024, which is focused on raising awareness about missing children, emphasising efforts to locate and reunite them safely, and providing support to the families.