Just over 200 certified learners through the HEART Trust/ NTA are now able to access new Occupational Studies Degree programmes under the direction of the Centre for Occupational Studies, an agency of the Ministry of Education.

 

An additional 250 level 2 certified graduates of the Career Advancement Programme are expected to be enrolled in January 2017.

 

These learners will be able to upgrade their competency levels to take advantage of higher level job opportunities in emerging sectors of the economy.

 

Learners who possess the National Vocational Qualification of Jamaica (NVQ-J) or Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) certifications at Levels 2 or 3 will be able to access higher level skills in Agro Processing, Restaurant Operations, Logistics and Supply Chain Management. 

 

 Speaking at the launch of the programme in Montego Bay on December, 8, chairman of the HEART Trust   / NTA, Ms Maxine Wilson said these areas were targeted for growth and development and fit in perfectly with the Government’s “5 in 4” growth agenda, that is, five per cent growth in GDP over the next four years. 

 

 She said the HEART Trust/ NTA supported this growth policy and would deploy the necessary resources to train and certify Jamaica‘s people “to make it happen.”

 

The launch took place during the Opening Ceremony of an Edu-Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Conference at the Holiday Inn Hotel, Montego Bay, St. James. The conference was organized by the Joint Committee for Tertiary Education and the Heart Trust / NTA.

 

An Occupational Degree is an industry-driven specialized industry-approved degree that focuses specifically on technical/vocational studies geared directly towards workplace studies and employment.

  

In his key note address, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said the government was embarking on a road where education was a top priority and would be expanded to ensure access for all regardless of status.

He said a special skill set and certification were now required irrespective of the type of job and this should be both encouraged and appreciated in order for the country to move forward.

 

In endorsing the programme, Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator Ruel Reid the programmes were in response to the demands of the workplace in terms of employers needing employees with practical and relevant skills.

 

“The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information and its agencies have increased the emphases on technical and vocational training because that is an area of great need in Jamaica and in indeed the world at present,” Senator Reid added.

 

CAPTION: Prime Minister Andrew Holness (fourth from right) and Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator Ruel Reid (third left) prepare to unveil a plaque symbolically launching the new Occupational Studies Degree Programme – a joint project of the Joint Committee for Tertiary Education and the HEART Trust / NTA. The launch took place in Montego Bay, St James December 8. Looking on  L – R) are Dean-Roy Bernard, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Ms, Maxine P. Wilson Chairman for HEART Trust/ NTA, Mrs Audrey Sewell, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister,  Dr Cecil Cornwall, Chairman for the JCTE, and Dr. Carolyn Hayle, chairman of the University Council of Jamaica.

 

JIS: Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says the Government will be making an investment in the Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMI), to make it easier to accommodate the growing number of applicants vying for spaces.

 

Mr. Holness says he is aware of the challenges at the facility and that discussions are well advanced to expand the Institute to give more students the opportunity of pursuing a career in a sector that could give Jamaicans a competitive edge in the global marketplace.

 

“I am so proud of the Maritime Institute. It is such a very wonderful institution that needs all the support it can get. I am aware of the challenges you face as it relates to space and so many Jamaicans wanting to get into the institution,” he said.

 

The Prime Minister was giving the keynote address at the Edu/Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Conference at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Montego Bay, St. James, on December 8.

 

Mr. Holness said it is clear the Government will now have to step in to give the Institute a facility in which it can grow to serve not only Jamaica, but the region as well.

 

“Very soon there will be an official announcement on what we plan to do as it relates to the investment we intend to make in the Maritime Institute,” Mr. Holness added.

 

He said a parallel can be drawn with the now globally accepted truism that Jamaica’s homegrown athletics programme is amongst the best in the world.

 

“The fact is, our athletic prowess was nurtured over decades through school programmes, investment of time and money by mentors, teachers, coaches and corporate sponsors to produce a global brand,” Mr. Holness said.

 

“There is a culture of excellence that goes into the success we all see. There is no question about the skill and talent and giftedness of our athletes. There is a lot of training and pain that they have to endure… the everyday grind and working to do it over and over again. The discipline, the diligence and the dedication are lessons that can be brought into education… into occupational educational training,” he added.

 

The Prime Minister further added that the country can achieve excellence in the development of its human resources, noting that a culture of excellence was inculcated in the minds of Jamaica’s athletes that said they can compete with the best in the world and beat them.

 

“None of this is achieved in a vacuum or in isolation. The performers had to believe in themselves and people had to believe in them. There also had to be the infrastructure to support them,” he said.

 

He added that human capital is too often an undervalued component in the conversation on growth, noting that it is one of the key drivers of economic growth.

 

CAPTION: A section of a roadway leading to the Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMI), at Palisadoes Park, Kingston. (FILE)

JIS: Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says access to education should be seen as an inalienable right as opposed to something which is considered reserved for only a special few.

 

Mr. Holness, who was giving the keynote address at the Edu/Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Conference at the Holiday Inn Hotel, Montego Bay, St. James, on December 8, added that not only is such a notion prejudicial, but it is also one that is outdated and has no place in society.

 

“Education is not for the elites. It pains my heart to hear people arguing against making education freely accessible. We are still very much wedded to an elitist model of education where only some must get it. Education is for all, and education does not mean exclusively academics,” the Prime Minister emphasised.

 

Mr. Holness said it is important that the country understands that his Administration is embarking on a road where education is a top priority and will be expanded to ensure access for all, regardless of status.

 

“A day will come in this country when someone will have a degree in auto mechanics and be considered on equal status with someone with a degree in law. That is the objective of this Administration,” he said.

 

He pointed out that regardless of how menial something looks, a special skill set is now required, which should be both encouraged and appreciated in order to move forward as a nation.

 

Mr. Holness said the provision of an occupational degree is an expansion and a diversification of the education offering, noting that “not everybody wants to do law anyway”.

 

He added that a contribution in any discipline, whether in auto mechanics or in landscaping “adds equal value to the quality of life of this society”.

 

“If you really want excellence, then let us set up the systems of accreditation and competence evaluation so that everybody can have a stream to their own fulfilment,” the Prime Minister said.

 

“We need occupational degrees in tourism. There are real opportunities that are there, which we need to capitalise on,” he added.

 

CAPTION: Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, addresses the Edu/Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Conference, held at the Holiday Inn Hotel, Montego Bay, St. James, on December 8.

JIS: Senior Advisor in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Robert Miller, says as the economy experiences more growth, the Government will be making significant investments in the early childhood sector.

 

He was addressing the Dudley Grant Memorial Trust, Early Childhood Development Conference held on Friday (December 2) at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston.

 

The Conference was held under the theme ‘Changing the Landscape of Early Childhood Development: Pathways to a Better Society’.

 

Mr. Miller said the sector must be resourced so that Jamaica can be on a sustainable and steady path of educational development.

 

While reminding his audience that the economy grew by 2.3 per cent in the July to September quarter, and that the Planning Institute of Jamaica, is projecting continued growth of 2 per cent for the October to December period, he said there are good reasons to anticipate the improved investments.

 

“We have reasons to be optimistic, let us continue to work for the building of Jamaica, where businesses can be increased,” Mr. Miller said.

 

He said developmental fora like the conference, help to sharpen the skills of teachers, and other persons within the sector.

 

The Dudley Grant Memorial Trust, was established in 1989, to commemorate the work and contribution of the late D.R.B. Grant to early childhood development.

 

Some of the aims and objectives of the Trust are: to advocate on behalf of early childhood development and inform national policy; and to facilitate improvement in the management practices in the basic school system.

 

The conference looked at various tools for improving the teaching/learning process, and heard from several experts in academia, including Director of the Caribbean Institute for Health Research, Professor Susan Walker.

 

CAPTION: Robert Miller, Senior Advisor in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information

JIS: The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information will be rolling out its revamped National Values and Attitude campaign next year.

 

The campaign will promote good role models for children in school and the community, appoint values and attitude champions in schools and other organisations, involve parents, and engage the public using traditional and new media.

 

Speaking at a parents exposition, Friday (December 2), in downtown Kingston, Portfolio Minister, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, said the Ministry is keen to re-engage with families at all levels in a respectful and wholesome values and attitude campaign that will underpin parenting.

 

“Studies in several countries, including Jamaica, have shown that where parents take an active interest in their child’s schoolwork, the child tends to be much better motivated and do much better academically,” he said.

 

The Minister urged parents to show interest in their children’s work and monitor them, even if their educational achievements are not at the same level as the children’s.

 

Making a special appeal to fathers, Senator Reid encouraged them to stay involved in their children’s lives at all levels.

 

“So often when the child is entering basic school or some form of early-childhood institution, fathers get pretty involved, but as the child grows and the demand for time and attention increases, fathers seem to be less involved,” he said, adding that it is at this critical juncture that they require the most attention.

 

In the meantime, Senator Reid lauded the recipients who participated in and successfully completed Parenting School, noting that they are “turning their lives in a new and better direction”.

 

The parents who successfully completed the programme were formally recognised during the annual exposition.

 

They are Anne Blake, Betty Chambers, Errol Hall, Shannon Henry, Salomie Peterkin-Hall, Nordia Strachan, and Coretta Wint.

 

The exposition was organised by the Kingston and St. Andrew Family Court, under the theme ‘Become an exceptional parent… stay connected’.

 

The Parenting School was launched on November 29, 2013 by the Kingston and St. Andrew Family Court. Parents are referred by judges hearing their cases, or by the Court’s counselling centre or partner agencies.

 

Curriculum modules are aimed at assisting parents, guardians and caregivers to understand and empower their children and to understand and empower themselves.

 

The modules are delivered by duly qualified personnel from the Court’s Social Work Unit and external partners.

 

Topics covered include understanding the developmental phases of a child, communicating effectively, recognising signs of sexual abuse in children, being an effective parent, stress management, and reproductive health.

 

CAPTION:Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid (second left), with participants in the Kingston and St. Andrew Family Court Parenting School, during a parents exposition, held at 55A Duke Street in downtown Kingston, today (December 2). They are (from left) Anne Blake, Salomie Peterkin-Hall, Errol Hall and Nordia Strachan. 

JIS: The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information will be rolling out its revamped National Values and Attitude campaign next year.

 

The campaign will promote good role models for children in school and the community, appoint values and attitude champions in schools and other organisations, involve parents, and engage the public using traditional and new media.

 

Speaking at a parents exposition, Friday (December 2), in downtown Kingston, Portfolio Minister, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, said the Ministry is keen to re-engage with families at all levels in a respectful and wholesome values and attitude campaign that will underpin parenting.

 

“Studies in several countries, including Jamaica, have shown that where parents take an active interest in their child’s schoolwork, the child tends to be much better motivated and do much better academically,” he said.

 

The Minister urged parents to show interest in their children’s work and monitor them, even if their educational achievements are not at the same level as the children’s.

 

Making a special appeal to fathers, Senator Reid encouraged them to stay involved in their children’s lives at all levels.

 

“So often when the child is entering basic school or some form of early-childhood institution, fathers get pretty involved, but as the child grows and the demand for time and attention increases, fathers seem to be less involved,” he said, adding that it is at this critical juncture that they require the most attention.

 

In the meantime, Senator Reid lauded the recipients who participated in and successfully completed Parenting School, noting that they are “turning their lives in a new and better direction”.

 

The parents who successfully completed the programme were formally recognised during the annual exposition.

 

They are Anne Blake, Betty Chambers, Errol Hall, Shannon Henry, Salomie Peterkin-Hall, Nordia Strachan, and Coretta Wint.

 

The exposition was organised by the Kingston and St. Andrew Family Court, under the theme ‘Become an exceptional parent… stay connected’.

 

The Parenting School was launched on November 29, 2013 by the Kingston and St. Andrew Family Court. Parents are referred by judges hearing their cases, or by the Court’s counselling centre or partner agencies.

 

Curriculum modules are aimed at assisting parents, guardians and caregivers to understand and empower their children and to understand and empower themselves.

 

The modules are delivered by duly qualified personnel from the Court’s Social Work Unit and external partners.

 

Topics covered include understanding the developmental phases of a child, communicating effectively, recognising signs of sexual abuse in children, being an effective parent, stress management, and reproductive health.

 

CAPTION:Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid (second left), with participants in the Kingston and St. Andrew Family Court Parenting School, during a parents exposition, held at 55A Duke Street in downtown Kingston, today (December 2). They are (from left) Anne Blake, Salomie Peterkin-Hall, Errol Hall and Nordia Strachan. 

JIS: Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says effective school management requires principals who are equipped with the requisite institutional leadership skills, rather than being adept at only instructional delivery.

 

Citing the mandatory National College for Educational Leadership (NCEL) training and certification for teachers aspiring to become school principals, vice principals and middle managers, the Prime Minister said this move by the Education Ministry is welcome.

 

Mr. Holness was delivering the keynote address at the 2016/17 LASCO Teacher and Principal of the Year awards ceremony, held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston on November 29.

 

The Prime Minister said that one of the education sector’s long-standing challenges is the appointment of teachers without the requisite administrative experience as principals and then retrofitting them with the skills to manage the schools.

 

Mr. Holness noted that each time this transition is done, the sector ends up with a three- or four-year gap.

 

“We are entrusting to our schools the precious minds, the human resource, the skills and competence of the future, so the management of the school (is) absolutely important,” the Prime Minister emphasised.

 

Mr. Holness said the attainment of academic certification alone is not adequate to reposition persons for institutional leadership positions.

 

“So, the idea behind NCEL was to create a staff college where persons who were existing school leaders and persons who… aspire to be school leaders had practical hands-on experiences of the standard operating procedures that the Ministry of Education had certified,” he added.

 

In this regard, Mr. Holness, a former Education Minister, lauded the Ministry’s decision as a “good move that will strengthen the management and leadership of our schools”.

 

The Prime Minister also commended the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) for endorsing the move. “This will make our education system much stronger,” he added.

 

Meanwhile, Education, Youth and Information Minister, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, said the NCEL is pivotal in the thrust towards capacity building within the education sector.

 

He pointed out that the College’s mandate is to develop leadership within the system by providing strategic initiatives to assist administrators.

 

“Scores of principals have availed themselves of this opportunity to further develop their skills, and I would encourage others to do the same,” Senator Reid added.

 

St. Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) Principal, Keith Wellington, and teacher at the institution, Kerene Nelson, copped the 2016/17 LASCO Teacher and Principal of the Year awards.

 

CAPTION: Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (right), is greeted by Education, Youth and Information Minister, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid (2nd left), on arrival at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston on November 29, for the 2016/17 LASCO Teacher and Principal of the Year awards ceremony. Mr. Holness was the guest speaker. Others (from left) are: LASCO Manufacturing Limited Managing Director, Robert Parkins; and Deputy Executive Chairman of LASCO Affiliated Companies, Peter Chin.

JIS: Education, Youth and information Minister, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, has reiterated the Government’s position that no student must be turned away from school because of non-payment of fees.

 

Addressing the ninth annual conference of the National Parent-Teacher Association of Jamaica (NPAJ), held at St. Hilda’s High School in St. Ann on Saturday (November 26), Minister Reid said the Administration remains adamant that there should be no mandatory fees charged by schools.

 

“We want to make sure that there are no barriers for students accessing education at either the primary or secondary level,” he said.

 

He informed that in preparation for the 2017/18 academic year, a committee will be put in place to work with principals of all schools to ensure that the fee structure is standardised.

 

“We are at pains to say that uniforms, epaulettes, students’ handbooks…tie pins are not …to be on any voucher. The school must find other means…there are some schools that have gotten themselves into trouble by confusing the parents,” he noted.

 

On the matter of insurance for students, Minister Reid said this is being given consideration, noting that the views of the various education stakeholders will be taken on board.

 

“I am prepared… to look at how we are going to support those on the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) to help them with their insurance. Those of you who are not on the PATH programme, we will have to discuss how you are going to fund that, but I cannot allow schools to bar students from attending school because they did not pay the insurance,” Senator Reid said.

 

The Education, Youth and Information Minister reminded the conference participants that PTA dues are also not mandatory and is encouraging such bodies to establish their own financial accounts separate from those of the schools.

 

CAPTION: The Ministry of Education’s main office, 2 National Heroes Circle

JIS: Education, Youth and Information Minister, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, says the Government will ensure that every child who enters the education system is given the kind of attention to maximise their potential.

 

Addressing the ninth Annual Conference of the National Parent-Teacher Association of Jamaica (NPAJ), at St. Hilda’s High School in St. Ann on November 26, the Minister said changes are coming regarding the promotion of students each year and the manner in which their educational needs are addressed.

 

“You want to meet every single learner. No child should be left behind. Our children have different learning styles and so we are not going to hold kids back again under the Alternative Secondary Transition Education Programme (ASTEP). We are going to promote them, but with support. So, we are going to customise our lessons to meet the needs of every one of our children,” the Minister said.

 

Senator Reid also told the NPAJ representatives that the move to include more technology in the teaching-learning process will be intensified.

 

“More and more you are going to see the school system relying on ICT (information and communications technology). There is a concept coming soon called ‘flipping the classroom’, (where ) teachers can literally deliver their lessons, long before students arrive in the classes, as instructions, information and content in education are already in cyberspace,” the Minister noted.

 

He said there will be a role in the ICT component for parents to monitor and assist their children, especially with their homework.

 

“As part of homework and parenting responsibility, to strengthen and make sure your students are well prepared, you are going to be seeing, soon, a culture where you as parents will have to supervise your children as they navigate and access these instructions online,” the Minister said.

 

Senator Reid emphasised that every school in the island should have a functioning parent-teacher association (PTA), which will play a vital role in upholding values and standards as well as to ensure that the lines of communication are always open to benefit the education system.

 

CAPTION: Education, Youth and Information Minister, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid addresses the 9th annual conference of the National Parent-Teacher Association of Jamaica (NPAJ), held at St. Hilda’s High School in St. Ann, on November 26.

JIS: The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, in collaboration with the National Youth Service (NYS), will be hosting its inaugural ELEVATE Youth Festival, the final event for Youth Month 2016.

 

It is scheduled for Friday, November 25, from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the lawns of Devon House targeting youth in high schools and tertiary institutions.

 

According to Chief Education Officer at the Ministry, Dr. Grace McLean, this event is aimed at creating a space for youth to exchange knowledge and experiences, via panels and networking events.

 

She added that it will expose the participants to more granular business topics, and content-specific workshops, while inspiring, igniting and unearthing the vision, imagination and potential of young people by creating an enabling environment.

 

“This youth festival was conceptualised as a unique opportunity for the youth of Jamaica to explore the world of music, technology, art and youth lifestyle outside of the regular classroom setting,” she noted.

 

The event will see young people showcasing their talents in Art, Music and Technology.

 

There will also be exhibits, forums, workshops, and interactive sessions and entertainment.

 

Dr. McLean explained that 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 each of 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,” she said.

 

Admission to the festival is free and school administrators are encouraged to have their students participate in this opportunity for exploration and learning.

 

The Ministry is willing to provide a subsidy towards the cost of transportation of students to the event.

 

CAPTION: Chief Education Officer in the Ministry of Education, Dr. Grace McLean