The Early Childhood Commission (ECC) is urging parents to utilise services provided at its 74 Parenting Places, to ensure that they can manage demanding situations in child-rearing.

Making the call at a recent mental health forum for parents and students, held at Paul Mountain Primary School in St. Catherine, Community Relations Manager at the Commission, Tanisha Miller, said once parents become anxious and stressed, they should go to a Parent Place, where they will be helped, along with their children.

“When you are not sure how to deal with your little ones (children) at home, when they are giving a lot of talking, and you think that they are just rude and disobedient, get the help,” she said.

Miss Miller said that no parent will be turned away from a Parent Place, and the children will be stimulated “while you are being counselled”.

The parish of St. Catherine has 13 Parent Places.

Miss Miller told the forum that the ECC also operates 132 Brain Builder Centres, which have nurses and day-care centres, and the services are free to parents.

“Meals are provided, trained teachers are there, and caregivers are there for you,” she told the audience.

The Commission is an agency of the Ministry of Education and Youth and has comprehensive programmes designed to meet the language, physical, cognitive, creative, socio-emotional, spiritual, cultural, and school-readiness needs of children.

It was established by the Early Childhood Commission Act (2003), in keeping with the strategic goal of the Government of Jamaica to improve the quality of early childhood care, education and development within the early childhood sector.

Students, particularly at the secondary level, are being encouraged to practise good nutritional habits by managing the foods they eat.

This can be done by boosting fruit, vegetable and water intake and reducing their consumption of foods and beverages having relatively high concentrations of salt and sugar.

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, is also urging parents, guardians, and teachers to play their part in guiding the youngsters along this path.

He emphasised that this is imperative to ensure that students are provided with the nutrients essential to their growth and development, while avoiding the foods that can potentially compromise these.

“One of the things we have to learn in our school system… is that the food that you eat, after a while, they become habits; and you can become addicted to certain foods. Sugar, for example… [if you consume a lot of it], after a while, you [can become] addicted to it and you will want it every day… [and it’s the] same thing with salt,” Dr. Tufton said, adding that “what you eat defines your body”.

He was speaking during activities organised by the Ministry of Health and Wellness at Tacius Golding High School in St. Catherine, on Thursday (June 2), to mark Caribbean Nutrition Day.

Dr. Tufton said consequent on the significant consumption of sugar and salt by youngsters, “too many of you are getting sick too early in life”.

“As students, [in] trying to be the best that you can be, you have to manage the things that you put into your body, because what you eat defines your body,” he added.

The Minister said the students are at the stage where they can make those decisions “on your own, when you come to school”.

He also encouraged the youngsters to engage their parents and guardians in discussion on what foods they consume at home.

Against this background, Dr. Tufton reiterated that the Government, through the Ministries of Health, and Education and Youth, will be implementing a Nutrition Policy that guides the quality of foods served to students at schools.

“Over the next month, you’re going to hear that cafeterias can only serve certain types of foods; they are going to have to cut back on the salt [and] the sugar. So, we’re going to promote good nutrition, which means a fruit a day, more water, and less salt and sugar, because when you eat well, it helps your brain to function [and] you learn more,” he indicated.

Dr. Tufton advised that he and other representatives of the Ministry will also be engaging parents, guardians and school administrators to discuss the matter.

“We have a long road to travel, but I believe that you have it in you to do well. So, let’s work together to get the job done,” he added.

Caribbean Nutrition Day, which was initiated by the Caribbean Food and Nutrition Institute (CFNI) in 2005, is observed annually on June 1.

Thursday’s commemorative activities at Tacius Golding and other schools and locations islandwide, represented an extension of engagements that started the previous day.

They were held under the theme – ‘Healthy Eating, Active Living – Shake the Habit’, in keeping with the focus on salt reduction in the diet.

These included several displays and presentations by representatives of the Health Ministry and several stakeholder partners, such as the National Parenting Support Commission (NPSC), National Health Fund (NHF), Early Childhood Commission (ECC), Heart Foundation, and Diabetes Association of Jamaica.

As the Government seeks to transform the education sector, the Jamaica Education Transformation Commission (JETC) is engaging with academic institutions islandwide for feedback on current policies and recommendations.

This follows the release of the JETC report on January 13, 2022, which outlined recommendations to the Government for the advancement of the sector.

Leading the discussions is Chairman of the Commission, Professor Orlando Patterson, who is on a two-week working visit to the island. He is expected to leave on Wednesday, June 8.

Professor Patterson started his school visits with May Pen Primary and Glenmuir High Schools in Clarendon, as well as Church Teachers’ College in Manchester on May 30.

He pointed out that he would visit schools he considered to be either “good, bad or average”.

“I wanted to meet with the teachers. I wanted to talk to them about what they thought of the report, and I was happy to see that they seem to have read it and agreed with some of the fundamentals, like the importance of early-childhood training,” the Professor said.

He noted that while he thinks the Government to be in strong support of the report’s recommendations, he will continue to encourage more resources to be allocated to the pre-primary and primary academic levels.

“Get the foundation right. The early-childhood sector is what we need to emphasise,” he said.

On that note, Professor Patterson reiterated from the report that the implementation of initiatives such as the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) is a step in the right direction.

“That was a good move because it shifted the focus from memory learning to one that emphasises the extent to which students’ critical faculties are being exercised, and students learn to think rather than just to regurgitate [from memory],” he pointed out.

Meanwhile, Principal of Glenmuir High, Marsha Smalling, while speaking with the Professor, recommended that “more time” be given for the implementation of creative initiatives and programmes attributed to the sector.

“They’re brilliant ideas, but we’re not giving them time to work, and it is not easy to always be readjusting [your] mindset to facilitate new initiatives,” she said.

In order to support the report’s recommendations, Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, during his 2022/23 Budget Debate presentation on March 17, 2022, announced that he would appoint an Education Transformation Oversight Committee (ETOC) for the implementation of the report.

It will be responsible for monitoring and publicly reporting on the progress of implementation, while being chaired by Financial Economist and a Director of the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ), Dr. Adrian Stokes.

Professor Orlando Patterson is the John Cowles Professor of Sociology at Harvard University in the United States.

As a historical and cultural sociologist, he previously held faculty appointments at the University of the West Indies, his alma mater, and the London School of Economics and Political Science in England.

With an average of 34 calls on matters of child abuse received each day by the Child Protection and Family Services Agency, Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Fayval Williams is reigniting the call to end violence against Jamaican children.

The Minister noted that corporal punishment, which is defined as physical punishment such as caning or flogging, is still being practiced in the country despite the government being strongly against the act.

“Data from the Jamaica Survey of Living Conditions shows that corporal punishment is the most used method across urban and rural areas, across age groups, across [genders], across [social classes],” the Minister informed.

The data shows, however, that children in the corporate area are more likely to be exposed to corporal or psychological aggressive methods of punishment than children in rural areas. Meanwhile, the top three corporal punishment methods are slapping, beating with an implement and pinching. Almost 70% of boys and 65% of girls are likely to be slapped.

“Some parents or guardians even go further with psychologically aggressive methods, meaning they quarrel, they shout, they deny food,” the Minister said.

She was speaking at the opening ceremony for the National Policy Dialogue on Ending Violence Against Children at the AC Marriot Hotel in Kingston on Wednesday (May 25).

The event took place just one day after the world was shaken by a mass shooting of more than 18 children at a Texas school in the United States. The Minister described the situation as ‘tragic’.

“Sadly, we’re all too aware of acts of violence against children locally,” she said, noting that since the implementation of 211 helpline, the increase in calls shows that the situation is worse than previously thought.

She said child abuse is a “national imperative” as in some cases, the abused child grows into an abusive adult which is detrimental to “the health of Jamaican society as a whole.”

“We want to get the message all across Jamaica, that violence against our children is not acceptable, and we should not normalise it,” the Minister said.

The National Policy Dialogue is Jamaica’s premier in-country contribution to the ‘Together to End Violence Solutions Summit Series’, which was launched in December 2020 by the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children. Jamaica became a signatory to the global partnership in 2016.

Four early-childhood education institutions across the island have been given a much-needed facelift by the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA).

The agency undertook critical repairs and beautification works at the schools, which are situated in communities where the FLA offices are situated, on Labour Day, May 23.

The beneficiary institutions are Catherine Hall Primary and Infant in St. James; Mountain View Primary and Infant in St. Andrew; Discovery Bay All-Age (Infant Department) in St. Ann; and Mandeville Infant, Manchester.

At Catherine Hall Primary and Infant, where improvements were made to the play area, Vice-principal Kaye-Esther Malcolm, told JIS News that the work done was critical in ensuring that the institution meet the standard for certification.

The FLA repaired and painted the school’s swing set and monkey bars, restored and painted the obstacle course tyres, and placed gravel and sand at the play area. The team also painted the classroom partition wall.

“I am so excited because the FLA team did such a great job. This is so important because we are getting ready to be certified and the play area will play a big part in that because we have most of the things in place already,” she said.

“So, FLA, we are so grateful, and we are so happy that you are trying to make a difference and to bring this to a successful space.” Ms. Malcolm said.

At the Mountain View Primary and Infant School in St. Andrew , the FLA team did major works to restore the guardhouse, tile the school’s stage and paint a perimeter wall.

Principal at the institution, Michelle Robinson, expressed gratitude to the agency for partnering with teachers and parents to make the activities a success.

“We are extremely grateful to the FLA for taking on three huge projects for the school. All three projects are costly, and it was really difficult for us to get these done.” Ms. Robinson noted.

She told JIS News that the FLA was willing to partner with the school without hesitation.

“The FLA chose to partner with us, saving us a lot of money and helping us to build our brand, this brand of excellence. So, we’re extremely grateful to [the FLA] team, which came out in full numbers and did an excellent job. We have been blessed by the FLA and we’re extremely thankful for their support.” Ms. Robinson noted.

At Discovery Bay All-Age and the Mandeville Infant, the FLA teams marked and painted the pedestrian crossings.

The date for the sitting of the Caribbean Advanced Education Certificate (CAPE) and Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) has been put back until Monday, May 23, 2022.

This announcement was made by Chief Executive Officer and Registrar of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), Dr. Wayne Wesley, during a virtual press briefing today (April 27).

The due date for Student-Based Assessments (SBAs) was also extended by two weeks by the Council.

On that note, Dr. Wesley said the local registrar should declare a specific date for local submissions.

Following the three-week extension, the results for the examinations are projected to be released by late August or early September.

“After careful deliberation, and consideration of all the pertinent issues, the Council agreed that the revised strategy for the 2022 regional examinations will provide candidates with additional time to prepare,” Dr. Wesley said.

Currently, 25,429 students are registered for CAPE exams, while 105,078 are registered to sit CSEC exams regionally.

Dr. Wesley noted that students are still allowed to defer from sitting an exam, up to a day before the test is written.

“We continue to work with our stakeholders in the best interest of our students across the region. Our collective will and consensus on matters of regional importance [is always significant]. We have obtained that consensus, and for that reason, Council would have approved the foregoing decisions,” he said.

The Council’s Hardship Policy will continue to be implemented when marking examination papers, in light of the setbacks posed to the education sector by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ministry of Education and Youth remains committed to encouraging and promoting healthy nutrition and regular exercise among students, to minimise the incidence of obesity.

This assurance comes from Portfolio Minister, Hon. Fayval Williams, who notes research indicating the prevalence of obesity among individuals, particularly youngsters.

Speaking during activities marking National School Moves Day, at Ferncourt High in St. Ann on April 29, Mrs. Williams said data from a 2017 Global School Health Survey showed that 65 per cent of children, 13 to 17 years, were overweight while 26 per cent were considered obese.

She further referenced the findings of a 2016-2017 Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey which, she said, indicated that one in two, or 54 per cent, of overall Jamaicans were pre-obese or obese.

Mrs. Williams said healthy lifestyle habits, such as being physically active and eating well, have proven to yield long-term dividends, adding that good nutrition is “one of the cornerstones for enhancing learning.”

She noted that, over the years, the Ministries of Education, and Health and Wellness, have partnered to develop polices and public education programmes tailored to provide more nutritious options for youngsters from the early childhood to high school levels.

The Minister said parents as well as teachers and school administrators have been engaged in the process, “in recognition of [the fact that] there must be a holistic approach in addressing this challenge [obesity].”

Mrs. Williams said while hereditary and cultural norms were among the factors rendering children more susceptible to developing obesity, changes in lifestyle habits have also been influential.

As such, she welcomed this year’s staging of the National School Moves Day Initiative.

This, the Minister said, “against the background of us coming out of the more serious effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and [the resulting] reduced physical activity and physical exercise programmes that children normally engage in while at school, and even in their communities.”

Mrs. Williams said the initiative, which forms part of the Jamaica Moves in Schools Programme, aims to encourage children to be physically active, and provides an opportunity to demonstrate the importance of doing so.

She added that Jamaica Moves in Schools was an early intervention programme, and among those designed to ensure that children participate in a minimum amount of physical activity daily, en route to creating overall healthier lifestyles.

“We are happy to collaborate with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Association of Principals and Vice Principals of Secondary Schools, and the Jamaica Association of Primary and Infant Schools to encourage a healthier lifestyle among our [student] population,” Mrs. Williams stated.

She added that while COVID-19 had severely impacted the programme’s implementation, “we are committed to renewing the efforts to achieve the desired results, including encouraging children to get moving about, even in their own home environments.”

No child should be left behind; every child should be in school, as there are more than 767 primary schools and 200 high schools that are fully funded by the Government, says Acting Chief Education Officer in the Ministry of Education and Youth, Dr. Kasan Troupe.

She was bringing greetings on behalf of the Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Fayval Williams, at the Child Month National Church Service, held at the Eastwood Park New Testament Church of God on May 1.

Dr. Troupe pleaded with community leaders, parents and church members to call 211 if they know of a child not going to school and encouraged persons to recommend infant schools as an alternative to basic schools, if parents cannot afford the fees. She pointed out that infant schools are operated by the Government and are fully funded. “Do not keep the children at home; early stimulation is important,” she said.

Citing the Child Month 2022 theme, ‘Listen Up! Children Voices Matter’, Dr. Troupe noted that the Ministry will host special activities during the month of May.

‘Safe Speak’ sessions will provide a forum for children to tell how they feel about safety in Jamaica and school.

According to Dr. Troupe, the information garnered will guide safety policy development. Children will also have an opportunity to contribute to what is described as a policy dialogue, where the children will look at what is being done for the ‘End the Violence’ campaign.

“They will do a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis of what is being done in this country. This means their voices will impact what we do and how we develop policies, programmes and activities in our schools and beyond,” Dr. Troupe said.

“This year’s Child Month theme means that we have to pause as individuals and listen. We have to give our children the opportunity to speak up, assert themselves, share their perspective. We may not agree, but we have to listen, and as we listen, we will know what their thoughts are and we can guide them,” she said. The National Child Month Committee (NCMC)-planned activities for the Month will continue on May 20, which is celebrated as National Children’s Day. On this day, members of the public are being asked to wear sunshine yellow and treat the children extra special.

The NCMC will host ‘Pickney Party Live and Direct’. During the Party, children six to 17 years of age will have the opportunity to showcase their talents through dance, poetry, songs or any other Art form.

The National Day of Prayer for the Nation’s Children is Wednesday May 25. This will be held at the Trinity Moravian Church, Montgomery Avenue in Kingston.

On Tuesday, May 3, several households will receive care packages that will be distributed by members of the NCMC.

Lead sponsors for Child Month 2022 are GraceKennedy and National Baking Company Foundation. There are also Jamaica Producers, National Health Fund, Sangster’s Book Store and the JN Group.

Acting Director of Donor and Partnership Management, National Education Trust, Shirley Moncrieffe (left), and National Mathematics Coordinator in the Ministry of Education and Youth (MOEY), Dr. Tameika Benjamin, observe as student from the Oracabessa Primary School in St. Mary, Shedean Davis, opens a pack of FDA-approved antiseptic wipes. Her school and others across the island will benefit from a donation of one million packs from the ISSA Trust Foundation as part of the MOEY’s efforts to support the ongoing COVID-19 relief efforts. Looking on (from second right) are Chairman, ISSA Trust Foundation, Paul Issa and Oracabessa Primary Guidance Counsellor, Alex Carruthers. The handover took place at the Ministry, in Kingston, today (April 19).

The criteria for the appointment of principals are to be revised following Cabinet’s approval for these changes to be made.

This will be facilitated through the amendment of section 43 (1) of the Education Act, 1965 and sections of the Education Regulations, 1980, which relate to the criteria for the appointment of principals.

Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), with responsibility for Information, Hon. Robert Morgan, made the announcement during a post-Cabinet press briefing on Wednesday (April 6).

The proposed amendments are to ensure that principals possess the requisite educational qualifications and training, in line with current international standards.

These changes are geared towards improving the quality of leadership and the general management of educational institutions.

In the meantime, Cabinet also gave approval for the National Council on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (NCTVET) to operate under the Ministry of Education and Youth.

However, exceptions were provided where the NCTVET would transfer its quality assurance function, that is, its ability to approve and accredit institutions that offer technical and vocational training, and its registers to the University Council of Jamaica.

Additionally, the Overseas Examinations Commission will now have the statutory responsibility of administering tests that have been developed by NCTVET. To facilitate these changes, the requisite amendments will be made to the relevant Acts of Parliament.