The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information has commenced the distribution of 40,000 tablets to 500 primary schools, under the Government’s Tablets in School Programme.

The first recipient, Holy Family Infant and Primary School, received 146 tablets to support virtual learning for students on the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH).

The devices, were handed over during a ceremony held on October 2, at the school’s Laws Street address in downtown Kingston.
The tablets are being distributed by e-Learning Jamaica (e-LJam) and will be targeted at students in grades four to six.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Fayval Williams said the distribution of the devices is meant to augment an estimated 18,000 tablets and over 12,000 desktop computers already in the school system.

“We have 36,000 of them on the island right now and e- Learning will be going to all our primary schools across the island to deliver these tablets. This is the first allocation and as we go along, the Government will look to find additional resources maybe in the next school year to ensure that… all our students have a laptop or tablet to assist them in their educational pursuits,” Mrs. Williams said.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), e-LJam, Keith Smith told JIS News that the total value of the tablets being distributed in schools this year is US$6.2 million. These resources, he said, are critical to supporting virtual learning.

“Without the device they can’t do anything and our experience with the coronavirus (COVID-19), a lot of students don’t have a device. Providing these devices to students is the first step to being able to access e-content and e-learning,” Mr. Smith said.

Meanwhile, Principal of Holy Family Infant and Primary School, Christopher Wright expressed gratitude for the donation noting that “the students will benefit greatly from this and I am confident that the parents will also show their appreciation by ensuring that the students are engaged in this new teaching and learning process.”

e-Learning Jamaica Limited is also working with public secondary schools to procure laptops for students in grades 10 to 13 who are on PATH, as well as for other needy students.

The distribution of tablets are expected to be completed by the end of November.

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says consultations are being held regarding the reopening of schools for the 2020/21 academic year and a decision will be announced shortly.

Mr. Holness was addressing a digital press briefing from the Office of the Prime Minister Media Centre on August 21.

School plants, which were ordered closed on March 13 as part of measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), are scheduled to reopen on September 7.

The Prime Minister noted, however, that given the recent increase in cases of the virus, “we have had to reflect as to whether or not the date set for the reopening of school should be adjusted”.

“The Minister of Education will, at a later stage, make the required announcement of the decision. They are in consultation as we speak,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister informed that Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie, will make an announcement regarding the operation of beaches, water parks and other attractions within the parishes of Kingston, St. Andrew, Clarendon and St. Catherine.

The four parishes will come under tighter curfew hours effective Saturday (August 22). The new curfew period will run from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. daily until September 2.

As of Thursday (August 20), the number of positive COVID-19 cases in Jamaica stood at 1,290, with 98 persons testing positive over a 24-hour period.

The new cases were recorded in Kingston and St. Andrew (53), St. Catherine (17), Clarendon (7), St. Thomas (5), St. James (4), Manchester (4), St. Mary (3), St. Ann (3), and Westmoreland (2).

CAPTION: Prime Minister, the Most. Hon. Andrew Holness, addressing a digital press briefing from the Office of the Prime Minister in St. Andrew on August 21.

 

The Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) is encouraging parents to educate their children about the dangers of using digital media, in order to limit their exposure to harmful content and characters.

Speaking with JIS News, Information Technology Manager at the CAC, Andrew Evelyn, noted that with children now doing online learning, due to the closure of schools, there will be a marked increase in their use of digital media and gadgets.

“Persons with nefarious intent can circumvent the kids’ applications, so the main reprieve is to educate and adapt an approach of discussing with the children the danger of these devices and social media. They will come across content and people that do not have good intentions, so we have to educate them early,” he said.

As such, he said that parents should make it a priority to learn more about laws such as the Cybercrimes Act and the Child Pornography (Prevention) Act, so they can better sensitise their children.

Mr. Evelyn further advised parents to caution children against engaging in hacking or other illegal activities on the Internet.

“With more time on their hands, they may explore hacking websites and applications. They may try to find a way to circumvent the security protocols of applications and websites, so have a discussion with them so they know that it’s illegal and wrong,” he pointed out.

He said that cyberbullying is another issue that parents should discuss with their children.

“Cyberbullying is occurring not just in social media but also in the games children play regularly. There are also some users who use these gaming apps that may post links to harmful content and ask for [the child’s] numbers, so it important to educate them frequently and also limit their access,” Mr. Evelyn said.

He pointed out that for teenagers and young adults, parents should emphasise the importance of personal responsibility when using their devices.

“Encourage them to learn more about cybersecurity, the dangers of technology and social media as they have a little more freedom, so their online behaviour rests more on their responsible usage. Let them know that whatever they share online stays there forever and not to share sexually explicit photos of themselves with anyone,” he said.

Mr. Evelyn said that teenagers and young adults should also be encouraged to exercise caution in terms of dating and socialising online, as persons they interact with could have created fake profiles.

The CAC is the national agency responsible for consumer advocacy. For further information, persons can call 876-906-5425 or email [email protected].

Sonia White, principal of St. Patrick’s Primary School in the Corporate Area, receives supplies of Literacy 1-2-3 textbooks from Claudette Carter, director of the United States Agency for International Development /Ministry of Education’s  Improved Reading Outcomes Project, which funded the recent procurement of 613,000 books. Approximately 800 schools along with parish libraries and teachers’ colleges will receive supplies of the Literacy 1-2-3 books. Other Ministry of Education personnel are assisting with the sorting and distribution process.

The National Education Trust (NET), in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan, has officially handed over two new classrooms, and replaced windows at Fair Prospect Primary School, in Eastern Portland, at a cost of approximately $11 million.

The ceremony took place on Friday (November 1), at the school.

With the case at Fair Prospect Primary, a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) volunteer who was previously assisting with the teaching of mathematics at the school, brought the need for the classrooms and windows to the attention of the Embassy of Japan. Consequently, a site visit was conducted and on March 9, 2018, the school was selected for funding under the Grassroots Human Security Project.

The new classrooms currently host two grade six classes preparing for the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations.

Grade six teachers, Mrs. Jackquline Cameron Forbes and Mrs. Shernette Walker Bailey, who have been teaching at the school for 14 years and 23 years respectively, said it was difficult for them to prepare students for the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) and PEP, because they did not have a classroom and the structures they were accommodated in, were deteriorating. 

“Last year, I was displaced a lot. We had to move up and about, around and over. The library was once my classroom, and once there was a meeting, we had to move out and go somewhere else. We had to do well with the little we were given, but now I have a classroom, and I will be able to concentrate on my students and make teaching much better,” Mrs. Walker Bailey told JIS News.

“I’m very much grateful for that new building. We are really appreciative,” she added.

Director, Donor and Partner Relations, NET, Ms. Latoya Harris, said during the assessment, it was found that the environment the grade six students were being taught in, was not ideal.

With the new concrete structure and a more comfortable space, she is hoping the students will be more inspired and perform outstandingly in the upcoming Primary Exit Profile (PEP) exams.

“I’m going to be looking specifically for Fair Prospect’s results next year to see how they perform. It is important that we create an environment in which they can flourish… We hope they will take care of this new facility,” Ms. Harris said. 

Ambassador of Japan in Jamaica, His Excellency Mr. Hiromasa Yamazaki, said his country decided to invest in the infrastructure at the school, as education is important.

“In tandem with our goals, we realise that Fair Prospect Primary School aims to improve the education standards for its students and that is why our Embassy decided to provide funding for the construction of a building to create more space for students to reduce the problem of overcrowding,” he said.

“It is Japan’s hope that the new facility will ultimately strengthen the teaching and learning environment for students, teachers and other staff at this noble institution of learning,” he added.

Acting Principal, Ms. Avril Neufville, thanked the donors on behalf of the 127 students and 11 teachers at the school.

“These new classrooms will provide the students and teachers with a more conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning. These new classrooms will certainly be filled with contentment while we continue to strive for excellence,” she said.

On April 20, 2015, the Embassy of Japan in Jamaica and NET formed an alliance to collaborate on education development projects. This partnership is aimed at meeting primary education needs at schools with the greatest need of assistance.

Under this partnership, NET identifies schools in need of critical assistance and submits same to the Embassy of Japan for consideration under the Grassroots Human Security Project. Through this project, the Government of Japan offers financial assistance for development projects designed to meet the diverse needs of developing countries.

The Grassroots Human Security Project has provided funding in the amount of approximately $1 billion for 109 projects across Jamaica from  1995 up to March 2018.

JIS: More than 2,000 students and teachers from primary and secondary schools across the island gathered on the grounds of the Seville Heritage Park in St. Ann, on October 16, to participate in the 2019 Seville Heritage Expo.

 

The expo, which is in its 23rd year of staging, was held under the theme: ‘Experience Cultural Fusion’, and promoted Jamaica’s heritage through exhibitions, speech, drumming, music and dance.

 

The event was geared towards encouraging the school community and citizens to appreciate the evolution of education in Jamaica and the impact of cultural heritage to this transition.

 

There were exhibitions from the Nigerian Embassy, Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT), Bank of Jamaica (BOJ), Dolphin Cove, Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), St. Ann Health Department, CALS Manufacturing and the Jamaica Information Service (JIS).

 

The expo also featured a wreath-laying ceremony to honour the country’s seven National Heroes.

 

In an interview with JIS News, Heritage Event Consultant for the expo, Joan Seagears, said the main aim of the annual event is to encourage students to embrace their cultural heritage.

 

She pointed out that year’s staging was the largest, with over 150 schools participating in the day’s activities.

 

“It has been growing steadily ever since we started. What we hope to achieve is total involvement of our students and especially our teachers. We know that people have been saying that history is dead but today (October 16), you can see for yourselves that history is alive and history is exciting,” she told the gathering.

 

Ms. Seagears added that the Seville Heritage Park is ideal for an event of this magnitude, as the historical site celebrates hundreds of years of Jamaica’s history.

 

“There are so many different historical facts pertaining to this site that is vital to Jamaica’s development. It is rich in heritage, so what we are doing here today embraces the history of Seville and the history of Jamaica,” she said.

 

In the meantime, Nigerian High Commissioner to Jamaica, Her Excellency Janet Omoleegho Olisa, who participated in the day’s activities, told JIS News that the High Commission’s involvement in the expo is a demonstration of Jamaica’s shared heritage with Nigeria and a show of unity.

 

Ms. Olisa said that she was pleased to see the high number of students who turned out to enjoy the offerings at the expo.

 

“The reason why the High Commission always participates in the Seville Heritage Expo is that we have the same heritage. When our ancestors were brought out of Nigeria, some came to Jamaica and [this is one of the ways] we can participate and show the oneness, the togetherness and the ancestral roots that we have. So, we participate to teach the children where we are from,” she said.

 

The 320-acre Seville Heritage site boasts a museum/heritage education centre, which displays a wide array of artefacts and ruins, representing an accurate and comprehensive report of our Amerindian, European and African foreparents, their individual cultures and how these cultures interacted.

 

CAPTION: Gahbryell Lee (left) and Lee-Ann Fray (right) of Simon Primary and Infant School in Sligoville, St. Catherine, examine a portrait of National Hero, The Right Excellent Nanny of the Maroons, at the 2019 Heritage Expo, held at the Seville Heritage Park in St. Ann on Wednesday, October 16.

JIS: Regional Director for the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information’s Region 3, Sophia Forbes Hall, says the duties of education officers are being transformed.

 

“The education officer, over the years, has primarily carried the role of an administrator. We are moving beyond that in order to make teaching and learning our priority,” she emphasized.

 

To this end, the Regional Director said “you will find that our senior education officers will no longer be assigned to levels of the system, but will be assigned to parishes”.

 

Mrs. Forbes Hall said all stakeholders “will be formally advised, as we move forward”.

 

She was speaking at the recent Quality Education Circle (QEC) 27 stakeholders’ conference, at Troy High School in Trelawny.

 

Mrs. Forbes Hall said the decision to revamp the duties of education officers is intended to afford them more time to analyse data relating to students’ performances in high-stakes exit examinations, such as those at the secondary level.

 

This initiative is intended to ensure that students receive quality education at all levels of the system.

 

Mrs. Forbes Hall further advised that the Ministry’s QEC team will be assisting education officers in analysing the data and creating a template for each region. The template will providing guidance regarding the extent of support required for each educational institution in a QEC.

 

Meanwhile, the Regional Director encouraged stakeholders to continue supporting the QEC concept, “as we move forward in ensuring that the education system is ‘super- ready’ to receive our 21st century children”.

 

“We require the support of all partners on board. We require the support of parents, schools and support through partnerships [with] our business community,” she emphasised.

 

Mrs. Forbes Hall also underscored that one of the Ministry’s main priorities is fostering public-private sector partnerships, noting that these are critical in maximizing the resources deemed pivotal to advancing education.

 

The QEC, which was commenced in 2009, is a programme which sees a diverse group of administrators within a particular area, collaborating to create a ‘learning community’ for professionals in education.

 

Through this medium, educators and other stakeholders meet at specific times throughout the school year to share best practices, discuss challenges, propose solutions, assess the progress made, as well as celebrate achievements.

 

The Ministry’s Regions are further divided into QECs, each of which is assigned an education officer who is referred to as a convener.

 

The QEC’s members are expected to meet with all stakeholders in their region at least once per annum. At these meetings, general information about the performances of schools is presented which affords stakeholders the opportunity to share best practices.

 

For her part, Education Officer and South Trelawny QEC 27 Convener, Veniesha Morgridge, lauded the QEC area for their achievements over recent years.

 

She reported that South Trelawny has the 10 registered basic schools, the most in Region 3, to date.

 

Mrs. Morgridge also advised that the three high schools in the QEC – Albert Town High, Troy High, and Westwood High – performed well the in 2018/19 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.

 

“All three high schools are blazing the trail in QEC 27; they have not become complacent… they are growing,” she stated.

 

The conference featured presentations from key stakeholders within the Ministry on best practices, school performances as well as the way forward.

 

The event was held under the theme: ‘Celebrating Success: From Vision to Action’.

JIS: Managing Director of the HEART Trust/NTA, Dr. Janet Dyer, says the merger of the entity with the Jamaican Foundation for Lifelong Learning (JFLL), National Youth Service (NYS) and the Apprenticeship Board has better positioned the agency to carry out its role as the driver for human capital development.

 

Dr. Dyer, who was addressing a recent JIS Think Tank, said that the operational and administrative aspects of the merger are complete, while work on the amended Act is in the final stages.

 

She said that the amalgamation of the entities, which is the largest to date in the public service, is in keeping with public sector transformation and modernisation programme and the imperative for a trained and certified labour force to meet the demands of the local and global markets.

 

She noted that the HEART Trust/NTA is now better able to help all working age and retired Jamaicans to maximise their potential for work, volunteerism, mentorship and national service, therefore advancing Jamaica’s growth and development.

 

“As the national training agency, we are obligated to put mechanisms in place to ensure that Jamaicans are equipped with the necessary skills to better themselves,” she noted.

 

Dr. Dyer told JIS News that 97.9 per cent of the institution’s training programmes are aligned with labour market demand. She noted that the agency provides training in eight of the priority sectors under Vision 2030 Jamaica – tourism, information and communications technology (ICT), agriculture, construction, creative industries, manufacturing, and mining and quarrying, which are the latest to be added.

 

Among the objectives of the HEART Trust/NTA are: to increase access to training and certification, especially in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics; upgrade and expand work-based learning and apprenticeship programmes; and support labour market programmes aligned with the economic development and growth agenda.

 

CAPTION: Managing Director of the HEART Trust/NTA, Dr. Janet Dyer, addressing a recent JIS Think Tank.