JIS: The Early Childhood Commission (ECC) is encouraging entities and individuals to consider making donations of cash or kind to early-childhood institutions (ECIs), especially during the festive season, in order to help them to meet certification standards.

 

The Commission is working to certify 100 more ECIs by August 2017. Eighteen institutions were certified this year.

 

Acting Executive Director of the ECC, Karlene Deslandes, told JIS News that plans are in place to launch the ECC’s Support-A-School Programme in 2017.

 

The initiative seeks to encourage the donation of toys and play equipment, teaching and learning materials, tablets, computers, Internet and telephone service, or fund required documents such as police records, and food handler’s permits.

 

Mrs. Deslandes said that the ECIs to be considered for funding and donations are those most in need, based on location as shown on the poverty map created by the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ).

 

She explained that ECIs must have submitted an application for registration to the ECC, and had their premises examined by an ECC Inspector.

 

Any private individual, reputable group, or entity may offer funding and donations to an ECI.

 

The main area of need that has been identified among ECIs is infrastructural development, such as building/renovation works, fencing, furniture, and ramps for wheelchair access.

 

Mrs Deslandes noted that there is also a need for funding for training and professional development for practitioners at the bachelor’s or master’s degree levels, or to fulfil the specific requirements for training in universal precautions, paediatric first aid, and child abuse.

 

The ECC, which is an agency of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, coordinates all activities, development plans and programmes within the early-childhood sector.

 

For further information on how to make a donation, persons may contact the ECC at 922-9296 or by email: [email protected].

 

CAPTION: Photo contributed – Principal at Hemmingay Preparatory and Kindergarten in Norwood, St. James, Pansy Picott, with students in the school’s playground. Hemmingay Preparatory and Kindergarten is certified by the Early Childhood Commission (ECC).

JIS: In September 1998, a young Kerene Nelson, fresh from completing studies at the University of the West Indies (UWI) joined the academic staff of the St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) in Santa Cruz as a teacher of Spanish.

 

Eighteen years later, she has copped one of the most coveted honours of her profession, that of the 2016/17 Lasco Teacher of the Year award.

 

She was recognised for her innovative lesson plans, professionalism, contribution to student and school development as well as community involvement.

 

Miss Nelson tells JIS News that she considers herself fortunate to be among the group of outstanding educators that have received the prestigious honour.

 

“Most of us serving in the system do not expect public recognition. The fact that I have received this (award) is extra motivation for me to continue doing what I have always done,” she notes.

 

Miss Nelson, who has spent her entire teaching life at STETHS, describes herself as a passionate educator, who strives to inspire her students to pursue excellence.

 

“I love to impact lives and I love to see students succeed,” she says.

 

The Spanish language teacher, who is well respected by her students, colleagues and the wider community, says she does not feel any additional pressure to perform, as she loves her job.

 

She says she is even more enthusiastic about teaching today than when she entered the classroom 18 years ago. She is encouraging persons who are thinking of becoming educators to be prepared to invest their all in the profession.

 

“If one aspires to be a teacher, one must be prepared to be the quintessence of commitment to duty and serve with diligence and integrity… to consistently go beyond the call of duty to ensure that our students, our clients are given the best opportunities to succeed,” she says.

 

Meanwhile, Miss Nelson tells JIS News that she has been in dialogue with Principal of STETHS, Keith Wellington, who is the 2016/17 Lasco Principal of the Year, to establish a computer laboratory at a primary school in the parish.

 

She says she strongly believes in the use of technology in enhancing the teaching and learning processes and is inspired by the words of noted American educational reformer John Dewey, which say: ‘If we teach today as we taught yesterday, we will rob our students of tomorrow.”

 

“We live in a digital age, and technology is the way to go right now… we are thinking that maybe some primary schools that do not have the technological facilities, that we will be able to do something to provide additional educational tools for them,” she says.

 

Miss Nelson says she also intends to establish a fund to assist needy students at the STETHS with a view to ensuring that they are able to maximise their academic potential. She also has dreams of establishing a Spanish language school.

 

Meanwhile, students and teachers at STETHS are full of praise and admiration for Miss Nelson.

 

Anna-Lee Levy, a seventh-grade student, tells JIS News that “Senorita Nelson” is a great motivator.

 

“When I got 99 on my (test) she gave me a token, and she makes me (feel) proud,” she says.

 

Brandon Jones, who is also a seventh-grader, describes Miss Nelson as “very jovial, and kind. There is this boy, who got zero in a test. She gave him another test and he got zero; and the third time, after she coached him, the boy got 90 per cent. Senorita Nelson, you are the best teacher in the world”.

 

Vice Principal of STETHS, Donna Legister Hendricks, also lauds Miss Nelson for her achievement.

 

“I am quite elated. Miss Nelson is an outstanding teacher, who goes beyond the call of duty to ensure that her students succeed. She is very creative in the classroom. The achievement has really lifted the morale of the staff,” she tells JIS News.

 

Since 1997, Lasco has been collaborating with the Ministry of Education to salute educators, recognising them for their outstanding performance and impact on education in Jamaica as well as for displaying exceptional contributions to the school community.

 

The 2016/17 Teacher and Principal of the Year received the champion trophies, $250,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) conference in Anaheim, California. 

 

CAPTION: Spanish Teacher, Kerene Nelson (standing), instructs a grade-seven class at the St. Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS). Miss Nelson is the 2016/17 Lasco Teacher of the Year.

JIS: Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, says the 800 students who graduated from the Career Advancement Programme (CAP) on December 7 is testament to the Government’s commitment not to leave any child behind.

 

Senator Reid, who was speaking at the Edu-Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) conference at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Montego Bay, St. James on December 8, emphasised that 80 per cent of graduating students from now on should, by age 30, have the equivalent of an occupational degree or higher.

 

“That is the aspiration under our watch. The mantra from now on is that zero to age 30 are the learning years, while 30 to 60 are the earning years. Sixty and above will be the returning years,” he said.

 

The Minister noted that there is clear evidence that the CAP programme has rescued a lot of young people who, in the past, would have been turned out from schools without a future and with nowhere to go.

 

“I was truly moved at the graduation when I saw that vision of rescuing so many of our Jamaican students who otherwise would have had no hope materialized,” Senator Reid said.

 

The Minister said he is very proud that the problem with students not having anywhere to go after Grade nine is now a thing of the past, adding that the opportunity is now there for high levels of training and certification.

 

“What we don’t want is that population to continue to become the unattached…to create other social problems,” he argued.

 

Senator Reid pointed out that a part of the current strategy is that every youngster must remain in school, and continue in a culture of continuous education, training and certification up to at least age 30.

 

“We want as a nation, to value education and not to think of it as having some terminal date,” he said.

 

The Minister emphasized that for Jamaica to achieve the prosperity vision that it yearns for, it has to be predicated “on us providing that critical highly trained work force where we can attract that high level of investment.”

 

The CAP is an initiative of the Government, through the Ministry of Education, to respond to students who complete secondary level education without any formal certification and has not matriculated to post-secondary level education or work.

 

It is focused on providing opportunities for all learners to identify, understand, choose, and prepare for careers and occupations of their choices.

 

CAPTION: Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, addresses Edu-TVET Conference at the Hilton Hotel in Montego Bay, on December 8.

 

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.