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Montego Bay, St. James, on December 8, added that not only is such a notion prejudicial, but it is also one that is outdated and has no place in society.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

JIS: Sixteen outstanding youth leaders have been selected for the Youth Advisory Council of Jamaica (YACJ), which has been formed to facilitate youth involvement in the policy development and programming actions of the Government.

 

Speaking at the installation ceremony of the leaders, at the Office of the Prime Minister, in Kingston, on November 22, Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, said youth must be given full and equal partnership in the decision-making process of Government, so that the outlook of the future is more reflective of the world in which they reside.

 

“This is something that we believe in firmly. I strongly believe that the youth of Jamaica must be at the centre of Jamaica’s development plans if we are to secure the nation’s prosperity,” he said.

 

Mr. Holness emphasised that the Government is committed to supporting the development of the nation’s youth, and the installation of the leaders to the YACJ represents a key national development strategy.

 

The Prime Minister noted that young people, who represent a significant part of the population, will play a role in how Jamaica and the rest of the world adapt to the many challenges that exist, such as climate change.

 

He said that the positive contributions of the youth will always be valued because they are vital to Government’s plans.

 

“They are the change agents and need to play a direct role in shaping and influencing the policies that will affect them. It is important that their voices are heard,” the Prime Minister said.

 

Meanwhile, Education, Youth and Information Minister, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, said the youth will play an integral role in finding solutions to certain problems.

 

“I charge you to help us change society. Together we’re going to build this country. You share our collective goals and dreams for a prosperous Jamaica,” the Minister told the young people.

 

He also urged them to support the National Values and Attitudes Programme, which is to be launched soon.

 

For his part, Minister of State in the Education, Youth and Information Ministry, Hon. Floyd Green, said the launch of the YACJ is the fulfilment of a dream to enable the youth to guide the plans of Government.

 

The State Minister urged the 16-member Council to plan not only for the future, but also for the present.

 

In his reply, Chairman of the YACJ, Aubrey Stewart, said the youth leaders accept the mantle of national leadership and will take the position seriously.

 

“We are meaningful and ready for action in this country. We believe that we can achieve more… (and) we are committed to growing this nation. We accept this challenge,” he said.

 

Mr. Stewart noted that the 16 youth leaders represent not only the voice of young people who are apathetic, hopeless, vulnerable and disabled, but also those who are enthusiastic.

 

The YACJ is being coordinated with the intent to facilitate dialogue between young people and all ministries, departments and agencies.

 

Its structure is geared towards the fulfilment of Goal IV of the Caribbean Community Youth Development Goals (CYDGs), which seeks to ensure and enhance participation in all levels of decision-making, programme implementation and oversight.

 

The YACJ also acts as Steering Committee for the National Youth Parliament towards ensuring that the deliberations of the Parliament are presented to, and discussed with the relevant decision-makers.

 

It is expected that for the 2016-2017 period, the Council will focus on achieving its objectives in relation to the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information as well as its departments and agencies

 

CAPTION: Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (centre); Education, Youth and Information Minister, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid (second right), and State Minister in the Education, Youth and Information Ministry, Hon. Floyd Green (third left), with the 16 members of the Youth Advisory Council of Jamaica (YACJ), at the installation ceremony, held at the Office of the Prime Minister, in Kingston, on November 22. At right (second row), is State Minister in the Ministry of National Security, Senator the Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr.

JIS: The Government has launched the country’s first ever Youth Advisory Council of Jamaica.

 

The Council comprises 16 youth who will serve for the 2016-2018 period.

 

Speaking at the launch at Jamaica House, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said the new group embodies the government’s commitment to treat youth as full and equal partners in the decision making process.

 

The Prime Minister said the government wholeheartedly supports the development of the country’s youth and will place it as a key component in the national development strategy. “It is not just about talking; it is about actual results and having organizations such as the national youth advisory council,” he emphasized.

 

According to Mr. Holness, young people represent a significant segment of the population, who will play a major role in Jamaica as it adapts to many of the challenges such as climate change and natural disasters.

 

He further added, “We value the positive contributions of our youth. They are the change agents and need to play a direct role in shaping and influencing programmes and policies that will affect them. It is important that they are engaged and their voices are heard.”

 

Prime Minister Holness revealed that the Council will help to facilitate dialogue between young people and Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies. For the period 2016-17, the focus will be on the achievement of its objectives in relation to the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information and its departments and agencies. The work of the Council will be subsequently expanded to consider other policies and programmes across government.

 

The Youth Advisory Council is chaired by UWI graduate Mr. Aubrey Stewart.