JIS: The Early Childhood Commission (ECC) will be heightening its efforts to rationalise basic schools this year, even as it seeks to certify more institutions.

 

The rationalisation process involves merging clusters of basic schools, as well as subsuming some into infant departments of primary schools.

 

Acting Executive Director at the ECC, Karlene DeGrasse-Deslandes, said “the rationalisation process is essential if we are to ensure that more efficient and effective learning environments are created for children ages four to five.

 

She noted that the intention is to ensure that more children “have access to trained teachers in established certified Government-operated infant schools or departments.”

 

Mrs. DeGrasse-Deslandes said that rationalisation allows for greater collaboration with early childhood development partners and stakeholders to have ECIs meet the required standards for certification.

 

To date, 25 ECIs have attained certification status and it is expected that at least 100 more will be certified by August.

 

The ECC embarked on a series of regional certification fairs in August 2016, and to date two sessions have been held in Region One (Kingston and St. Andrew) and Region Two (Portland, St. Mary and St. Thomas), with more than 2,000 ECI practitioners benefitting.

 

In addition, 206 practitioners have been fingerprinted as part of the process to acquire police records, while 63 persons underwent medical examinations. This is part of the requirement for ECI staff in keeping with the standards for the operation, management and administration of ECIs.

 

The ECC will host the third certification fair in Region Five (Manchester and St. Elizabeth) on February 17 at the Idlers Rest Beach Hotel in Black River, St. Elizabeth. ECI operators, teachers, practitioners, parents, early childhood development partners and stakeholders are among the persons expected to be in attendance.

 

The event will provide opportunities for document submission, as well as information sessions on ECI operating standards.

 

CAPTION: Development Officer at the Early Childhood Commission (ECC), Alyson Orgill (left), provides information on the certification of early childhood institutions to a participant at the Region Two certification fair, which was held in Buff Bay, Portland, in 2016.

JIS: Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, joined hands with staff and students at the Mona High School yesterday (January 26) in mourning the loss of second form student, Darnell Foster.

 

Addressing a special devotion in memory of the youngster, who died after collapsing in Half-Way Tree on Monday, January 23, Senator Reid urged students to use the life and death of Darnell as a reminder to always practise love and peace.

 

“There is a message for us who are left behind and the question we must ask ourselves is, ‘What will we leave as our legacy on this earth’?” he said.

 

The Minister said he prays for the comfort of God for Darnell’s family, as well as the school community.

 

“How are we going to mourn (the loss of) Darnell and how are we going to remember his legacy as we reach out to his father and mother? We are going to not only love each other, we are going to be the catalyst of change to make Jamaica a better place,” he said.

 

Senator Reid also met with Darnell’s classmates and encouraged them to practise a healthy lifestyle and to be conscientious about their well-being.

 

Mona High School Headmaster, Keven Jones, expressed appreciation for the Minister’s visit and support.

 

“It is indeed a sad occasion. We would have preferred not to have to celebrate the life of Darnell in this way. But sadly he was taken away from us…but I am so heartened that the Minister and his team have visited us and we sincerely appreciate it,” he said.

 

Mr. Jones hailed Darnell as having been a good student who attended classes and was loved by his schoolmates.

 

“He also loved to smile. He had a great smiling face and he will be missed,” he added.

 

Students from Darnell’s former form class, 2N, used the special devotion to offer tributes for the boy they described as a good friend who was caring, loving, kind and peaceful. He was remembered as a good Spanish student who liked to play football, and would often share his lunch with his friends.

 

“You were a great friend from day one,” one student said.

 

“Darnell was a kind and generous person. In class, he was quiet and calm,” another of his friends said.

 

Member of Parliament for St. Andrew Eastern, Hon. Fayval Williams, and Councillor for the Mona Division, Andrew Bellamy, were also in attendance at the service.

 

CAPTION: Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, signs a condolence book for Mona High School student, Darnell Foster, at a special devotion at the school on Thursday, January 26. Darnell died suddenly on Monday (January 23) after collapsing in Half-Way Tree.

JIS: The National Youth Service (NYS) has assigned 17 tertiary graduates to the Office of the Children’s Registry and the Child Development Agency (CDA) to assist in clearing the backlog of reports.

 

The graduates, who are participants in the NYS Graduate Work Experience Programme (GWEP), commenced work at the agencies on January 23.

 

State Minister in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Floyd Green, who made the disclosure in a recent interview with JIS News, said this is one of several measures being actioned by the Ministry to streamline and strengthen the child protection sector.

 

The graduates – seven of whom are at the OCR and 10 at the CDA – have been assigned to the agencies on six-month internships.

 

Meanwhile, Mr. Green said the Ministry will be overseeing the expansion of the CDA case management software to facilitate a paperless system for tracking and managing cases.

 

The system will be reprogrammed to facilitate the OCR reporting requirements, which is largely paper-based.

 

“What we had decided from December is that the case management software would be expanded to facilitate the OCR requirements. Instead of having two separate case management systems, it will be part and parcel of what the CDA does.

 

“That will go a far way not only in terms of the real time referral but also in terms of tracking what is happening… and that will help with recordkeeping and for us to be (current with) what is happening,” the State Minister said.

 

A request for funding for updating the system has been submitted to be included in the budget for the upcoming financial year.

 

Meanwhile, the agencies are to be merged to facilitate greater efficiency in processing reports and in the investigation of cases.

 

Mr. Green said that plans are being fast-tracked to ensure that the merger is completed in the first quarter of the new financial year.

 

He further noted that this will assist in streamlining the country’s child protection services.

 

“It will break down some of the bureaucracy that makes communication difficult. In some of the parishes there will be shared space, so the officer that gets the report will occupy the same area with the officer who investigates the report and as such, there is communication (in) real time…that will go a far way in assisting that process…at the end of the day they have varied but dual roles to play in ensuring that our children are protected,” the State Minister said.

 

The Ministry’s internal audit division will also be investigating the reporting and referral mechanism of the OCR and CDA to ascertain the shortcomings and make recommendations for improving the system.

 

The OCR is mandated to collect reports of children who have been abandoned, neglected, physically or sexually abused and in need of care and protection.

 

The CDA investigates reports of child abuse, abandonment and neglect and ensure that these children receive quality State care. The agency also spearheads public education programmes to prevent child abuse.

 

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

The wards of the State, who were temporarily relocated to an Anglican church hall after fire destroyed the Clifton Boys’ Home in Westmoreland, last week, have been moved to another facility in the parish.

 

The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information said in a news release yesterday that the new property, which is owned by the Wesleyan Holiness Church, is more spacious and better outfitted. It can accommodate up to 60 people and is available until October this year.

 

The ministry also said all 28 boys who were affected by the fire are back at school and that the Child Development Agency continues to provide support.

 

Fire destroyed the boys’ home in Darliston, on January 15, forcing the State to seek alternative shelter for the 28 wards that were being housed there. They were initially accommodated in the church hall, which was nearby and also owned by the Anglican Church that owns the property where the home was located.

 

According to the news release, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information Floyd Green has expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support from Jamaicans.

 

“The focus is now on working with the Anglican Church, NGOs and private sector to build back the home,” he was quoted in the news release yesterday.

 

Contributions towards the rebuilding of the home can be made to the Clifton Boys’ Home Rebuilding Fund, NCB Savanna-la-Mar account #611098561 (Jamaican currency) or account #614525185 (US currency).

 

CAPTION: Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information Floyd Green has expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support for the boys affected by the fire at the Clifton Boys’ Home in Westmoreland. Photo: JIS

JIS: The Government remains resolute in creating the enabling environment that will allow Jamaicans to access continuous training opportunities aimed at equipping them for the 21st century labour market.

 

Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Floyd Green, made the declaration at a stakeholder meeting at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kingston yesterday (Jan. 25).

 

He said the Ministry has already mandated the Board of the HEART Trust/NTA to do all that is necessary to broaden access to training and certificate programmes, particularly in technical and vocational areas.

 

“We are working on the national qualification framework, which we know is very important to this mission. Through the HEART Trust and UNESCO, we are working on the new technical, vocational, education and training (TVET) strategy, which speaks definitively to equipping all youths and adults with the skills required for employment, decent work and lifelong learning,” he said.

 

Mr. Green said the Ministry is mobilising its teams to ensure that Jamaicans are educated, trained and retrained to global standards. He said this is paramount as the country’s human capital plays a crucial role in achieving the national goal of five per cent annual gross domestic product (GDP) in four years.

 

“I think the mission is clear not only five in four, but making the lives of our people better. We remain optimistic that the target will be realised (and) exceeded. The success of the Economic Growth Council (EGC) is, in fact, Jamaica’s success,” he said.

 

Mr. Green said one of the central planks to the success of the initiative is the technical competence and competitiveness of the country’s workforce, which must be in “tip-top” shape to take advantage of the wide range of investment opportunities that will be available.

 

“Already, we all have heard and have seen investments in tourism, transport, bauxite, mining, manufacturing and business processing outsourcing (BPO). These new investments will bring new jobs but our workforce must be ready. It must be ready to meet those growing demands,” he said.

 

The meeting was organised by the HEART Trust/NTA to dialogue with Chairman, EGC, Michael Lee-Chin, regarding the role of the education and training system in achieving the national goal of five per cent annual GDP in four years. It was attended by key stakeholders in the education and training sectors.

 

Mr. Green said the engagement was critical in getting stakeholders to support the Government’s growth strategy, which aims at improving the lives of Jamaicans.

 

As the National Training Agency and the leading institution for skills development, the HEART Trust/NTA has a key role to play in the growth thrust.

 

CAPTION: State Minister for Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Floyd Green (right), shares a light moment with Chairman, Economic Growth Council, Michael Lee-Chin, during a stakeholder meeting at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kingston yesterday (Jan. 25).

JIS: The Heart Foundation of Jamaica is encouraging members of the public to get screened for Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA), as this life-threatening condition affects both young and older persons.

 

The appeal was made by Executive Director of the Foundation, Deborah Chen, at the media launch for Heart Month on January 24 at the Spanish Court Hotel in Kingston.

 

SCA is a condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. As a result, blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs, usually resulting in death if it is not treated immediately.

 

Symptoms of SCA include chest pain, racing heart, unexplained fainting, shortness of breath, unusual fatigue, dizziness and seizures.

 

The Executive Director told JIS News that the decision to focus on this medical condition stems from the increase in reported cases of SCA.

 

She is urging members of the public, particularly persons involved in vigorous physical activity, to get screened to determine if they are at risk for SCA.

 

Meanwhile, Minister of Health, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, has commended the Foundation for its awareness initiative.

 

“We congratulate the Heart Foundation of Jamaica on using this forum for highlighting some of the risk factors, symptoms, strategies and lifestyle practices for prevention of SCA,” the Minister said in a message read by Acting Director of Health Promotion and Protection in the Ministry, Dr. Beverley Wright.

 

The Minister noted that cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death in Jamaica. It is estimated that approximately 25 per cent of the population have risk factors associated with heart disease.

 

Under the theme, ‘Sudden Cardiac Death…Could it Happen to You?’ the Foundation will be hosting a series of activities throughout the Month to raise public awareness of the causes, symptoms and measures that can be taken to prevent and treat an episode of SCA.

 

Screenings for cardiovascular conditions are to be held at several Health Centres across the island. The month will also feature outside broadcasts and medical symposiums. The Foundation will also be hosting a CPR Training Day on February 25 to educate persons in basic medical treatment in case of an emergency.

 

For more information, persons can contact the Heart Foundation of Jamaica at: (876) 906-9407, (876) 926-4378 or email: [email protected].

 

CAPTION: Heart Foundation Board member, Maurice Anderson (left); Executive Director of the Foundation, Deborah Chen (second left); Consultant Cardiologist and Chair of the Foundation, Dr. Andrene Chung (third left) and Sports Medicine Specialist, Dr. Paul Wright (right), in conversation with Acting Director of Health Promotion and Protection in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Beverley Wright (second right), during the media launch for Heart Month (February) on January 24 at the Spanish Court Hotel in Kingston.

JIS: The Government provides public access to education for approximately 763,798 students or 71 per cent of the school age cohort (3-24).

 

Of this total, 613,136 students are enrolled across 3,000 pre-primary, 995 primary and preparatory schools and 180 high schools, both public and private.

 

This was disclosed by Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, while addressing an Education World Forum in London, United Kingdom (UK), today (January 24).

 

He pointed out that the enrolment rates at the primary and secondary levels are impressive, with 99.8 for the pre-primary and 99.4 per cent at the primary levels, respectively, and 97.3 per cent at the secondary level.

 

There are over 150 vocational training centres and other private training institutions.

 

The Minister also informed that there are 17 tertiary institutions with an enrolment of close to 28,000 students and four established universities with approximately 75,000 students, with a gross enrolment rate of 28.9 per cent, adding that Jamaicans are also enrolled in several offshore universities.

 

Senator Reid said the Government of Jamaica is committed to the continued reformation and transformation of Jamaica’s education system.

 

“Jamaica’s education system has gone through a series of reforms over many years. These reforms have been primarily aimed at creating greater access to an education system characterised by quality, inclusiveness and equity, which are relevant for the real world context,” the Minister said.

 

He added that as part of the education transformation programme, the fundamentals and practice of teaching and learning have centred on developing curricula that equip students to respond and adapt to a rapidly changing world.

 

“The Jamaican system of education continues to do relatively well where access to early childhood, primary and lower level secondary education, attendance rates and youth and adult literacy rates is concerned,” the Minister noted.

 

Senator Reid said that Jamaica is committed to have in place a world-class education and training system that produces well-rounded and qualified individuals who will be able to function as creative and productive individuals in all spheres, both locally globally.

 

The forum is being held from January 22-25 under the theme: ‘Employment, Enterprise and Education – Meeting the Needs of All’.

 

Over 300 Ministers of Education and advisers representing over 80 per cent of the world’s population have gathered to debate future education policy.

 

CAPTION: In this file photo, Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid (right), adjusts the collar of a student at Spanish Town High School, during a tour of the institution.

JIS: The second in the series of capacity-building courses under the Upskilling and Retooling Jamaica Initiative, gets under way on Monday (January 23) at HEART Trust/NTA locations and other tertiary institutions across the island.

 

The programme, which focuses on technical skills and leadership training, involves collaboration between the Joint Committee for Tertiary Education (JCTE) and the HEART Trust/NTA.

 

Among the areas covered are food preparation, floral arrangement, vehicle maintenance, business planning, effective communication, executive strategy management, and transformational leadership.

 

The three-year programme, which was officially launched in November 2016, aims to train a minimum of 3,000 persons annually, in order to improve employee readiness, retention and productivity in particular impact sectors targeted by the Government for growth and expansion.

 

Chief Education Officer in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Dr. Grace McLean, said the objective is to equip all Jamaicans with professional certification while facilitating continuous capacity-building.

 

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Consultancy and Institutional Capacity Building Department Manager, Nicole Berry Stanford, told JIS News that 2,488 individuals participated in training within the first two months of the programme.

 

She is anticipating an overwhelming response to this second batch of training sessions.

 

The programme is managed through the Leadership Academy by the JCTE and the Professional Skills Academy by the HEART Trust/NTA. Professional development certification is issued to participants upon successful completion of the training.

 

Jamaicans 16-99 years are invited to register for the free professional skills courses.  No prior qualifications are needed.  For further information persons may call 929-7299, 395-1522, 598-2049 or send an email to [email protected]

 

The Upskilling and Retooling Jamaica Initiative is part of the Government of Jamaica’s strategic priority for Human Capital Development.

 

CAPTION: Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid (centre), looks at a document at the launch of the three-year upskilling and retooling project at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston on November 18, 2016. He is flanked by Executive Director of HEART Trust/NTA, Dr. Wayne Wesley (left); and the entity’s Chairman, Maxine Wilson,.

The Ministry of Youth has appointed Micheal McAnuff-Jones to chair a committee that will oversee the merger of the Child Development Agency (CDA) and the Office of the Children’s Registry (OCR).

 

The committee will serve until July 31 and will consist of members from the CDA and OCR and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information.

 

Other persons from the child care sector and organisational specialists will also be on the committee.

 

The appointment of a chairman follows recent reports that the CDA and OCR inadequately addressed a reported case of sex abuse of a six-year-old child.

 

Minister of State in the ministry, Floyd Green, requested an investigation into the matter, stating that the action of the two state agencies was unacceptable.

 

Green then promised to name a chairman of a committee that would fast-track the work to merge the CDA and OCR to make them more efficient. 

 

The merger was first announced last year.

JIS: The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information will be hosting a Special-Education Regional Round Table from January 24-26 at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston.

 

The conference will be held under the theme ‘Preparing Productive Citizens for an Inclusive Society: The Benefits of the Collaborative Process’.

 

It will target educational leaders and policymakers throughout the region, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

 

Special-Education Coordinator for the event, Dr. Michele Meredith, said that the forum will bring policymakers, advocates and other stakeholders together to discuss the systemic, attitudinal and sociocultural issues that affect the sustained progress of efforts in special education.

 

“Discussions will be geared around the issue of whether Caribbean children and youth are sufficiently prepared for life beyond school,” she said.

 

Also to be explored is “the key collaborative relationships for the appropriate preparation of children and youth with special needs for life beyond school”, she added.

 

Topics for discussion are Legislation and governance: policy reform for access, equity and inclusion; Models of multidisciplinary support: advancing progress through the machinery of collaboration; Satisfying the development continuum: Early-childhood through post-secondary considerations; and Social public responsibility: ensuring focused giving for personal empowerment and sustained economic development.

 

Keynote speaker will be President and Chief Executive Officer of Miske Witt and Associates in the United States of America, Dr. Shirley Miske, who is an internationally renowned expert in inclusive education, educational quality, teacher professional development, and gender equality.

 

Other presenters include Professor of Child Health, Child Development and Behaviour, Professor Maureen Samms-Vaughan; Consultant Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist at the Child Guidance Clinic, Dr. Ganesh Shetty; Executive Director of the Jamaica Association for the Deaf, Dr. Iris Soutar; Chief Executive Officer of Digicel Foundation, Dane Richardson; and Director of Education Programmes of the Jamaica National iLead Project, Dr. Renée Rattray.

 

Dr. Meredith said the conference will mark the end of activities of the Special Education Project under the Education System Transformation Programme.

 

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