JIS: The Jamaica Library Service (JLS) is hailing the Global Libraries ICT Project as a major success, as it has significantly transformed public libraries across the island through increased access to technology.

 

The project, dubbed ‘JLS: Using Technology to Empower Individuals and Communities for Development’, is funded by a US$2-million grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s Global Libraries Initiative, and US$1.1 million from the Government of Jamaica, through the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information.

 

The project, which was expected to last from November 2013 to November 2016, has been extended to March 31, 2017.

 

Speaking at a JIS ‘Think Tank’ on March 14, Director General at the JLS, Karen Barton, said that through the project, the JLS has acquired 1,063 new state-of-the-art information and communications technology (ICT) resources to use in its 119 public libraries.

 

The ICT resources, she added, include 780 desktop computers, 271 tablets and 12 laptops.

 

“We have also installed over 150 wireless access points across public libraries, which will enable our library users to enjoy increased Wi-Fi access,” she noted further.

 

Mrs. Barton said the overall objective of the project is to improve ICT provisions for library users as “there is a worldwide trend where libraries are getting into more ICT services, and this is what our users are demanding”.

 

Additionally, the project facilitated the installation of the latest Microsoft applications on all computers utilised by users in all public libraries across Jamaica.

 

“We had over US$1.1 million worth of software from Microsoft, so we were able to not only put the new software on the new computers, but we were able to update the software on the old systems,” Mrs. Barton informed.

 

In terms of training, more than 600 JLS staff members participated in customer service, digital literacy and social media courses, while some 2,000 library users received training in basic computer and digital literacy.

 

The Director General informed that under the project, a comprehensive membership drive was launched that primarily targeted new library users, in order to encourage them to take advantage of the various services and programmes.

 

Between April 2016 and February 2017, the JLS registered 15,729 new members, exceeding its target for that period by 3,759.

 

“We did our first impact study last year August to measure the effect we are having since we implemented this project, and also to determine how many of our objectives we have been able to achieve,” Mrs. Barton said.

 

This study, she continued, showed that 90 per cent of library users view the public library as an important institution in the community, while 60 per cent read more because of access to technology at public libraries.

 

“The library service is on the move, and we implore persons to utilise the services and benefit from what is being provided… . We know that technology is the way forward, and the library is not going to be left behind,” she said.

 

Project partners are Microsoft, RJR/Gleaner Communications Group, Jamaica Information Service (JIS), Jamaica Public Service Limited (JPS), Universal Service Fund, CHASE Fund and EBSCO Information Services (Elton B. Stephens Co).

 

CAPTION: Director General at the Jamaica Library Service (JLS), Karen Barton, highlights major achievements of the Global Libraries ICT Project, aimed at increasing ICT access in public libraries across the island. She was addressing a JIS ‘Think Tank’ on March 14.

 

JIS: Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, has requested new President of the University of Technology (UTech), Professor Stephen Vasciannie, to invite more students to enrol in the science disciplines.

 

Addressing the installation ceremony for the President on March 14, at the institution’s Papine Campus, in St. Andrew, the Minister said with less than five per cent of enrolled students pursuing engineering and information technology (IT), there is a need to increase the number, as industries require persons who are pursuing careers in those areas.

 

The Minister said the new President is “one of our best and brightest” who understands the mandate of the university.

 

Meanwhile, Senator Reid said he is committed to doing all he can to improve funding for the university and for the reclassification of positions.

 

For his part, the new President said the university needs to focus more on the publishing of academic work, and if researchers double their effort, they can be on par with other universities.

 

He told the large gathering that shared values must exist at the institution, where equality and fairness stand at the core of the university.

 

The Professor, who is a former Principal of the Norman Manley Law School, and also former Ambassador to the United States, is the fourth President of the university.

 

CAPTION: Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, addresses the installation ceremony for new President of the University of Technology (UTech), Professor Stephen Vasciannie, at the institution’s Papine Campus, in St. Andrew, on March 14.

JIS: The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information is collaborating with the National Youth Service (NYS) to stage a youth festival dubbed ‘ELEVATE’ on Thursday (March 16) at Devon House, St. Andrew.

 

The event, which is to take place from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., is targeted at students attending high schools and tertiary institutions across the island.

 

ELEVATE aims to create a space for young people to showcase their talents in art, music and technology, while benefiting from the exchange of knowledge and experiences via discussion panels, workshops and networking activities.

 

There will also be exhibits, interactive sessions and entertainment.

 

State Minister in the Ministry, Hon. Floyd Green, said the event provides a unique opportunity for the youth of Jamaica to display their creative skills outside of the regular classroom setting.

 

He said the long-term vision is for ELEVATE to become the “premier destination to discover and meet the world’s leading trendsetters, innovators, creators and influencers in the areas of music, technology, digital art and youth lifestyle”.

 

“We are encouraging our high schools and tertiary institutions to see this festival as an opportunity to identify, harness and showcase the very best of Jamaican youth products and services to our nation, our region and the world, and also to encourage young people to dedicate themselves to a deeper spirit of youth solidarity and collective progress,” Mr. Green said.

 

ELEVATE was initially planned to take place in Youth Month in November 2016, but was postponed due to inclement weather.

 

School administrators are being encouraged to have their students participate in this opportunity for exploration and learning.

 

For further information, schools may contact Gabrielle Hylton at [email protected] or by telephone at 564-3946.

 

CAPTION: Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Floyd Green. (FILE)

JIS: Education, Youth and Information Minister, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, says he will be meeting with heads of all tertiary institutions for discussions aimed at ensuring that Government support to the sector is targeted at areas of national priority.

 

The Minister, who was speaking in the Senate on March 11, said he has already signalled his intention to hold such talks with the administration of the University of the West Indies’ (UWI) Mona campus.

 

Finance and the Public Service Minister, Hon. Audley Shaw, in his opening Budget presentation on March 9, announced that the interest rates on loans from the Students’ Loan Bureau (SLB) will be reduced for selected areas of study.

 

The objective is to ensure greater alignment of education and training with the job market.

 

For study in the areas of Maritime and Logistics, Agriculture, Engineering, and Information and Communications Technology, interest rates will decline from 9.5 per cent to six per cent.

 

In addition, the interest rates on ‘Pay As You Study’ loans will be lowered from 9.5 per cent to six per cent, and for postgraduate loans, the rates will move from 13 per cent to 9.5 per cent.

 

Meanwhile, the Education Minister, in response to a suggestion from Opposition Senator Wentworth Skeffery for the Government to find additional ways to finance tertiary education, said that the Administration is not looking at putting any additional funding mechanism in place at this time.

 

He noted that in addition to the SLB, which provides 100 per cent of tuition for study at approved institutions in Jamaica and the regional campuses of UWI, support is also provided through the Jamaica Values and Attitudes (JAMVAT) Programme.

 

JAMVAT targets tertiary students who qualify for admission but are financially challenged.

 

“Students who access this programme are given the opportunity to participate in the development of the nation’s social capital through their contribution of 200 hours of public service, and, in response, the Government pays 30 per cent of the student’s tuition cost, which does not exceed $350,000 per annum,” he informed.

 

Senator Reid said the Government will also be approving more accredited universities, which will engender competition in the sector and drive down the cost of tertiary education.

 

CAPTION: Education, Youth and Information Minister, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, makes his contribution in the Senate on March 11. Listening in the (background) is Deputy President, Senator Aubyn Hill.

 

JIS: Persons enrolled at the Jamaican Foundation for Lifelong Learning (JFLL) Adult Education Centre (AEC) on East Street in Kingston, will soon benefit from three additional classrooms to be constructed with an $18.2 million grant provision from the Government of Japan.

 

The six-month project, which also includes restrooms, a staffroom and a computer room, will assist in boosting the JFLL’s capacity to accommodate more students.

 

Funding has been provided under the Japanese Government’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects Programme.

 

The grant agreement was signed by Japan’s Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Masanori Nakano, and JFLL Executive Director, Worrel Hibbert, at the East Street centre on Sunday, March 12.

 

The signing was witnessed by Education, Youth and Information Minister, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid.

 

In his remarks, Senator Reid thanked the Japanese Government for their generous donation which he noted was one of several provided for the development of Jamaica’s education sector through the Grassroots Human Security Projects Programme.

 

“I am particularly pleased with this one as it (will) facilitate an increasing demand for the JFLL’s adult education offerings here at the East Street Adult Education Centre,” he said.

 

The Minister noted that the assistance was timely, given the spike in the number of adult learners outside the target zone for which the centre catered, who want to be registered.

 

This, he attributed in large part to the JFLL’s introduction of the High School Diploma Equivalency (HSDE) programme.

 

Ambassador Nakano, in his remarks, said the Embassy endorsed the project after seeing the great need of the JFLL to expand the East Street centre’s infrastructure to accommodate the growing demand for its services.

 

“I understand that currently the AEC has an enrolment of 301 adult learners, which more than doubles the capacity for 150 adult learners. Additionally, nearly 200 new adult learners are also on a waiting list in addition to other potential adult learners from the parishes of St. Catherine, St. Thomas, Clarendon and St. Mary, who are also seeking registration at the centre,” the Ambassador said.

 

Noting that this was the first collaboration between the Embassy and the JFLL, Mr. Nakano expressed the hope that the project would serve to benefit the participants and the wider society.

 

The East Street centre was designed to serve the needs of adult learners in some 20 communities in Central and Western Kingston, and St. Andrew.

 

When completed, the facility will be the model Centre of Excellence for adult education in Jamaica.

 

It will also consolidate JFLL’s two other AECs, located at Darling Street and Bell Road in Kingston, for cost efficiency, teaching and learning effectiveness.

 

Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects Programme supports initiatives proposed by various bodies such as non-governmental organizations and local government authorities for development projects at the grassroots level.

 

CAPTION: Education, Youth and Information Minister, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid (third left), and Japan’s Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Masanori Nakano (second left), display the symbolic cheque for $18.2 million in grant assistance from the Japanese Government for expansion of the Jamaican Foundation for Lifelong Learning (JFLL) Adult Education Centre on East Street in Kingston. The signing took place at the centre on Sunday, March 12. Others, from left, are: JFLL Chairman, Warren Newby; Executive Director, Worrel Hibbert and Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Manager, Lurene Wright. The funds have been provided under the Government of Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects Programme.

JIS: The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information intends to strengthen the number of mathematics specialists in primary schools, thus assisting children to develop a better appreciation for mathematics at a young age.

 

The announcement was made by the minister, Senator Ruel Reid, at the National Mathematics Teacher of the Year awards ceremony at the Mona Visitors’ Lodge at The University of the West Indies, on Monday. The minister commented that there are not enough teachers specialising in mathematics in primary schools, noting that the focus of teachers in the primary system is often too broad.

 

“What we have when we look at the primary sector…are generalists; that’s part of the problem,” Senator Reid said.

 

He noted that there was a tendency for teachers at the primary level to be stronger in English and the social sciences, leading to better student performance in those subjects. He said that in order to compete with the rest of the world, including Asia and Europe, Jamaica needs better trained mathematics teachers and noted that although the ministry has implemented initiatives such as scholarships for people wishing to pursue a teaching degree in mathematics, they will take time to bear fruit.

 

“As persons retire from the education system, we have to bring some specialists into the primary system to make sure we have a very strong start,” he outlined, noting that maths teachers will also have to leverage technology to improve teaching and learning.

 

He raised that point within the context of the ministry’s overall thrust to increase the deployment of maths coaches to primary and secondary schools from 40 to 70 in recent times; and the provision of 168 scholarships to student teachers pursuing secondary mathematics education. This is in addition to 30 scholarships granted last year, and about 200 scholarships which have been made available for 2017.

 

Some 150 principals and heads of departments have also been trained in mathematics.

 

“If we were to solve Jamaica’s maths problem that would lead to some unleashing of some high-level trained Jamaicans, attracting high levels of investment into this country,” Reid posited.

 

“If that were able to happen, it would see our GDP per capita moving from US$5,500 to US$60,000 per year. Teachers would have a big, fat salary and a big pension when they retire. Are you connecting the dots?” he asked the mathematics teachers in the audience.

 

Along the same vein, Permanent Secretary Dean-Roy Bernard underscored the economic importance of mathematics to development. He noted that although it’s the basis for science disciplines and even the social sciences, it’s also important to the arts and other non-science based studies and pursuits.

 

“For adults to function well in an increasingly complex world, they require a basic level of numeracy. These are important life skills that help with determining personal finance; financing a mortgage; budgeting and negotiating contracts; and handling data,” he explained.

 

Commending the work of the mathematics teachers in the audience, Dr Tamika Benjamin, national mathematics coordinator in the ministry said there is need for a culture change in the attitudes towards maths in the country, pointing to the overwhelming fear of the subject.

 

“Each day I go about my personal and professional business, I encounter personal experiences that just show how important it is for us to change this culture that permeates our classrooms and impacts the ability of teachers to help our children learn even the simplest things,” she said.

 

Dr Renee Rattray, senior manager, learning, development and culture at The Jamaica National Group, the parent company of the awards’ sponsors, JN Bank, said teachers need to find a way to engage students so that they think about mathematics differently. In reference to the recent launch of JN Foundation’s Science Genius Jamaica project, which allows students to create dancehall songs using purely science and mathematical content, she says the teaching of mathematics needs to be applicable.

 

“We, therefore, need to make mathematics real for students because it’s not as foreign as we think,” she said.

 

The 2017 Mathematics Teacher of the Year award was won by Neisha Grant Lawrence of Crescent Primary School in Spanish Town, St Catherine, who the judges praised for her style of engagement. The other finalists were: Leesan Salmon, Aabuthnott Gallimore High School; Tarique Tomlinson, Godfrey Stewart High School; Ann-Marie Plummer Wright, Bethabara Primary School; and Rosemarie MacFarlane Morris, St Catherine High School.

 

The award is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Education and JN Bank.

 

CAPTION: Mathematics Teacher of the Year Neisha Grant Lawrence (third right) of Crescent Primary School in Spanish Town displays her tophy in the presence of (from left) Dr Tamika Benjamin, national mathematics coordinator; Dr Renee Rattray, senior manager, learning, development and culture at the Jamaica National Group; Senator Ruel Reid, minister of education; Vernon James, vice-president, Insurance Association of Jamaica; and Dean-Roy Bernard, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education.

 

JIS: The Government of Japan has provided grants totalling $24 million (US$195,817) to fund expansion of the Highgate Primary and Junior High School in St. Mary and Middleton Primary School in St. Thomas.

 

The provision of $14 million (US$113,603) to Highgate Primary and Junior High will fund the construction of two additional classrooms that will increase the institution’s complement to 13, thereby decreasing challenges with overcrowding.

 

Middleton Primary School will benefit from a new canteen and food-storage area, to be built at a cost of $10 million (US$82,214).

 

Both allocations have been provided under the Japanese Government’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects and initiated through a partnership forged between the National Education Trust (NET) and the Japanese Embassy in Jamaica.

 

Agreements formalising the provisions were signed by Education, Youth and Information Minister, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, and Japan’s Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Masanori Nakano, on March 9, at the Ambassador’s official residence at Paddington Terrace in St. Andrew.

 

Senator Reid, who welcomed the provisions, noted the collaboration between NET and the Embassy, which is facilitating educational development projects in Jamaica.

 

“This partnership is aimed at meeting primary-education needs at schools in greatest need. This has resulted in NET securing several grants under the Grassroots Human Security Projects,” he added.

 

Senator Reid thanked the Japanese Government for its continued support of Jamaica’s development, particularly in education, pointing out that “your partnership is contributing to tangible improvements in the lives of many of our children”.

 

Senator Reid also lauded NET on its work in fulfilment of its mandate, “to mobilise financial and quality resource investments for schools in Jamaica”.

 

Meanwhile, Ambassador Nakano expressed the hope that the grant will help to alleviate problems with overcrowding at Highgate Primary School, “and will be fully utilised to further enhance your educational activities”.

 

He further added that the new canteen at Middleton Primary School “will accommodate the needs of all the students, who will be able to eat in a safe and secure environment”.

 

“Jamaica has great potential for (achieving) further economic and social development as a progressive nation. This is why we are working with teachers and staff at your respective schools, as well as personnel from the Ministry of Education, to provide you with a better school environment. It is my strong belief that education is key to develop a nation and a people,” Ambassador Nakano said.

 

NET’s Director for Donor and Partnership Management, Latoya Harris, said the allocations to both schools were indicative of what could be achieved through the “power and strength of partnerships”.

 

Both school Principals, Jennifer Crawford of Middleton Primary, and Adassa Henry of Highgate Primary and Junior High, welcomed the provisions, noting that they will go a far way in enhancing the delivery of education to the children at their institutions.

 

CAPTION: Education, Youth and Information Minister, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid (left), looks on as Japan’s Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Masanori Nakano (right), and Principal of Middleton Primary School in St. Thomas, Jennifer Crawford, sign an agreement for a $10-million (US$82,214) grant to the institution to construct a canteen. The signing took place at the Ambassador’s Paddington Terrace residence in St. Andrew on March 9. The sum has been provided under the Japanese Government’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects Programme.

JIS: The Mocho Primary and Infant School in Clarendon is to get a state-of-the-art resource centre, which will be utilised by five other schools in the area.

 

Principal of the school, Tina Reid, told JIS News that Jamalco has provided funding to retrofit the teachers’ cottage to house the facility.

 

She said the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information has approved the plan, which will enable the cluster of primary schools to have access to advanced services and equipment.

 

Ms. Reid said she has a passion for education, and she willingly gave up the building for a greater good.

 

“We are talking about all the children benefiting; community members (and) other schools coming in to utilise the equipment to enhance teaching and learning,” she pointed out.

 

She said the resource facility, on which work is set to commence by the end of March, will be a holistic centre for development.

 

Ms. Reid informed that assessment of special education students will be done at the centre. Currently, children from the parish, who need to be assessed, have to travel to the nearest facility in Mandeville, Manchester.

 

She said the centre will also incorporate the school’s numeracy-based activities and the literacy programme for parents, so that they can be more involved in the education of their children.

 

“It will… provide various resources that cater to development,” she added.

 

CAPTION: She said the centre will also incorporate the school’s numeracy-based activities and the literacy programme for parents, so that they can be more involved in the education of their children.

 

JIS: The St. Richard’s Early Childhood Education Centre in Kingston has been expanded at a cost of $13.2 million provided by the Culture, Health, Arts, Sport and Education (CHASE) Fund.

 

Play equipment was also purchased for the young students.

 

The two new classrooms and bathroom were dedicated at a ceremony held on March 9.

 

In his address, Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, commended the school Board and other stakeholders for their effort in catering to the learning needs of the students.

 

“St. Richard’s Early Childhood Centre has had an impressive record of partnerships and should be improved upon and certainly borrowed by more institutions of learning. It is a model of cooperation by the Ministry, CHASE Fund, its Parent-Teachers’ Association (PTA), staff and the school Board,” he noted.

 

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the CHASE Fund, W. ‘Billy’ Heaven, noted that the Fund, which has donated some $37.4 million since 2005 towards the development of the St.

 

Richard’s Basic School, remains committed to the development of the early-childhood education sector.

 

“We at CHASE view early-childhood education as an investment… . It allows for better citizens, workforce and less crime in the society,” he said.

 

He pointed out that the school’s new facilities will contribute to certification requirements of the Early Childhood Commission (ECC). The school is poised to receive full certification this August.

 

CAPTION: Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid (right) and Chief Executive Officer of the Culture, Health, Arts, Sport and Education (CHASE) Fund, W. ‘Billy’ Heaven (second right) cut the ribbon to open two new classrooms constructed at St. Richard’s Early Childhood Education Centre, Kingston, by the CHASE Fund. The ceremony was held on March 9. At left is Acting Pastor for the St. Richard’s Catholic Church, His Grace, Archbishop Emeritus Donald J. Reece and in the background is His Grace, the Most Reverend Kenneth Richards, Archbishop of Kingston.