Alpha Primary School has a new Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) laboratory fully equipped to prepare students for 21st century careers.

The facility, established through support from Digicel Foundation and National Baking Company Foundation, provides practical facilities to deepen students’ science and technology skills while supporting the integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) education into the curriculum.

Addressing the official opening on Thursday (October 22) at the school’s South Camp Road campus, Education, Skills, Youth and Information Minister, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, said the lab will help to expose students to the skills required in an increasingly technology-driven world.

She said that STEM education develops competencies that are useful across professions.

“The Prime Minister has already signalled that if we’re going to be the developed country that we all want to be, Jamaica has to become a STEM country,” she said.

“STEM education is most fundamental. It develops critical thinking. It develops creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills that are important in every single profession,” she added.

The Minister highlighted the connection between technical knowledge and creativity, noting that innovation requires students to apply what they learn to real-world challenges.

“Engineers must be creative, programmers must imagine new solutions, designers must understand mathematics and technology,” she said.

Senator Morris Dixon underscored the importance of ensuring that teachers are prepared to incorporate technology into their lessons.

“As we build out a STEM lab like this, it is important that our teachers are carried along,” she said.

She pointed to the Nurturing Early Scientific Thinking (NEST) programme, which has been rolled out to 500 institutions to support the introduction of scientific concepts at an early age through learning materials and teacher training.

The Minister also outlined plans to expand opportunities for students to develop skills in robotics, coding and mechatronics, while highlighting the establishment of an artificial intelligence (AI) laboratory at the University of Technology, Jamaica, with support from HEART/NSTA Trust and private-sector partners.

“AI is the way of the future. We have a plan in terms of how we’re going to take our children there… . With your support, we can have that plan executed even more quickly and benefit even more Jamaican children,” Senator Morris Dixon noted.

She encouraged the students to make full use of the facility and maintain an interest in learning.

“Always be curious. Never, ever stop asking questions about the world,” the Minister urged.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Digicel Foundation, Charmaine Daniels, highlighted the collaboration that helped bring the facility to fruition, including the partnership with the Sisters of Mercy.

She noted that the project required a dedicated facility to meet the school’s needs, rather than simply upgrading an existing classroom. She said the Foundation’s board was supportive of the initiative, recognising the importance of providing students with an appropriate environment for practical learning.

The CEO also emphasised the value of partnerships in making educational projects possible, noting that collaboration among organisations can help schools access facilities and resources that strengthen students’ learning experiences.

“It always takes a village,” she highlighted.

Chairman and CEO of National Baking Company, Gary Hendrickson, in his remarks, noted the importance of preparing students to understand and use emerging technologies.

He encouraged them to take advantage of the lab and use the resources to explore their interests and develop skills that could prepare them for future opportunities.

For her part, Area Administrator for the Sisters of Mercy Jamaica, Marcia Tai Chun, said the lab forms part of a seven-year plan for the development of the Alpha campus.

She explained that the facility comprises two laboratory spaces and a resource room, equipped with 30 computers, scientific tools and other equipment to support teaching and learning.

Ms. Tai Chun informed that the Digicel Foundation funded the construction of the main building, with the National Baking Company Foundation providing the computers, furniture and equipment. The school also raised funds to support the construction of restrooms.

Principal of Alpha Primary School, Okelo Francis, expressed gratitude to the partners whose contributions helped to make the facility possible.

He said the STEAM Lab represents an investment in the students’ curiosity, innovation and future opportunities, providing them with a space to apply what they learn in the classroom.

Mr. Francis noted that the value of the facility will, ultimately, be reflected in the knowledge and skills students develop through their engagement with the resources.

Sixty-four students who sat the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations in 2025 and 2026 have been awarded government scholarships valued more than $7 million.

Recipients of named government scholarships received $180,000 each, while other students were awarded $100,000 each.

The awards were presented at the Annual PEP Scholarship Awards Ceremony, held at Shortwood Teachers’ College in St. Andrew on Tuesday (October 20), under the theme ‘Celebrating Excellence: Inspiring Futures’.

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, who delivered the main address, said the ceremony was a celebration of some of the brightest minds in Jamaica.

“I want you to remember that you are [among] the best. When you get this scholarship today, what the country’s saying to you is that we believe in you and we’re expecting big things from you,” she said.

The Minister noted that the Grade Six PEP results over the last two years have been very encouraging.

She said this year’s performance was particularly noteworthy, especially considering the significant disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa.

“We delivered results that were better than the previous year, even with a hurricane. So it showed us encouraging evidence that we’re making progress in improving learning outcomes across Jamaica,” Dr. Morris Dixon said.

She also shared that all the students present were COVID-19 learners, having navigated the challenges of adjusting to online learning.

“We know the learning losses that occurred during COVID… and then you also had to go through hurricanes. You had [Hurricane] Beryl and then Hurricane Melissa. You have had to do so much and have to overcome so much already at this age… but you’ve done it really well. Despite all these disruptions, you’ve been resilient,” Minister Morris Dixon stated.

Meanwhile, Acting Chief Education Officer, Terry-Ann Thomas Gayle, said the students had demonstrated that brilliance is not a matter of chance but rather the result of deliberate choices, discipline and strong character.

“You represent the absolute vanguard of Jamaica’s future. This scholarship is the Government’s solemn promise to you. It is our way of saying we see your spark, we believe in your vision, and we will pave the way for your potential to run freely,” she pointed out.

Mrs. Thomas Gayle encouraged the scholars to remain curious and resilient, and to remember the grit that brought them to this point when faced with challenges.

The eight recipients of named government scholarships are Shomari Harrison and Damarcus Bennett, who were awarded the Marcus Garvey Scholarship; Jasonnia Beadle and Haley Saunders, who received the JAG Smith Scholarship; Nathaniel Brooks and Nalani Bailey, who earned the George William Gordon Scholarship; and Nathanael Stewart and Denisha Smith, who were awarded the Paul Bogle Scholarship.

Government of Jamaica scholarships were also awarded to 28 boys and 28 girls.

The boys awarded include Jacob Salazar, Yori Vanriel, Darien Hudlin, Kyle Stewart, Dejaun Williams, Jayden Choi, Kristian Campbell, Rafi Duncan, Rhys James, James Whittingham, Jaxon James, Najhaun Morris, Orlando Zinck, Gabriel Clark, Adam Simpson, Alex Rainford, Gaville Goburn, Rhys Hanson, Liam Russell, Carson Campbell, Noah Thwaites, Kailani Brown, David Dunkley, Khael Davis, Derwin Hamil, Tanner Reid, Brandon Crookendale and Malique Elvy.

The girls are Xia Nunes, Christina Magnus, Ariana-Marie Daniels, Sujanne Smith, Akeela Waisome, Anniya McDonald, Ashli-Rai Goodall, Briona Hall, Avery Blagrove, Katalia Smikle, Nia Peddie, Suri Edwards, Skyler Lafayette, Jahneal Kennedy, Sarah Stimpson, Anushka Wisdom, Khaleesi Sherman, Sarita Desai, Hayley Harvey, Najaa Rattray, Emilia-Rose Leake, Aria Thomas, Zaria Stern, Carissa Chin, Tahlia Brown, Tenese Mowatt, Madison Murray and Hailey Cadogan.

The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, has signed an agreement with the Digicel Foundation for the renovation of the Special Education Unit at the Port Maria Primary School in St. Mary.

The $39 million project will transform an existing space into a fully functional unit with improvements to infrastructure and provision of specialised equipment and resources to support learning.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Kasan Troupe, in providing details of the project, said it will include two refurbished classrooms, a sick bay, three bathrooms, and a sensory room.

“The Ministry will see to the resourcing of the rooms and the maintenance going forward,” she said.

Dr. Troupe was addressing the signing ceremony at the Ministry’s National Heroes Circle headquarters on Friday (Oct. 16).

She said that the Ministry is increasing the number of special education units across the sector, while expanding its assessment capabilities.

“We are about to formally open our assessment services and diagnostic services at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) in Portland, and we are hoping that [the facility] will respond to the needs for assessment in that side of the country,” she said.

Dr. Troupe commended Digicel for continuing to support the Ministry’s thrust to ensure inclusion and equity in the public education system.

She highlighted the importance of partnerships with the private sector to ensure that the targeted needs of special education can be served, and assured Digicel Foundation that its investment will not be taken for granted.

“We will seek to protect it, to maintain it, and to ensure that access will always be provided to our students who desire and need it most,” she pledged.

Chief Executive Officer of Digicel Foundation, Charmaine Daniels, in her remarks, said that the organisation is pleased to support the Ministry in expanding access to special education spaces.

She informed that work on the project is expected to get underway by March 2027.

Port Maria Primary School Principal, Carla Thomas-Ruddock, expressed gratitude to the Ministry and Digicel Foundation.

“They have provided the answer to a need that has been there in the school community for a very long time. Now that the project will become a reality, we are looking forward to great things and… helping our students to become world-class citizens,” she said.

School Board Chairman, Caron Bernal-Rose, for her part, said that the school community is “overwhelmingly happy to see that we are embarking on this journey and that we will be implementing this programme.”

“As we strive for excellence and inclusiveness, we are very proud to know that the Port Maria Primary School has been selected for a programme such as this,” she stated.

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, has issued a call for private-sector leaders to actively collaborate with the Ministry and align investments with future workforce demands.

Speaking at the High-Level National Digital and AI Skills Roundtable on Tuesday, (September 29), at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, Dr. Morris Dixon highlighted some of the structural shifts under way in Jamaica’s education system but noted that a partnership with the private sector is required to advance the workforce transformation.

“Nearly 40 per cent of the skills required in jobs are expected to change by 2030. Four out of 10 jobs will have to change… . Our task is bigger than training for training’s sake. The policy mission of the administration is to build a skills system that is connected directly to economic opportunity,” Dr. Morris Dixon stated.

She pointed to improvements in the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations as evidence that foundational critical-thinking skills are already taking root in primary schools, yielding higher-calibre students at the high-school level.

To sustain this momentum, she emphasised that institutions like the HEART/NSTA Trust must adapt to better serve the productive needs of the Jamaican economy.

“So, this new model that we’re looking at, we have to ask industry some questions as we do our work in the Ministry of Education,” Dr. Morris Dixon said.

“We have to ask what do you need? What occupations are becoming difficult to fill?… What kinds of skills are becoming more valuable?… And perhaps most importantly, what skills do you anticipate needing three or five years from now?” she questioned.

She noted that with the answers to these questions, the education system can be adjusted, especially at the high-school level, to meet industry standards.

The High-Level National Digital and AI Skills Round Table was hosted by the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), in collaboration with ‘iamtheCODE’ Caribbean, the local arm of the Africa-led global movement, iamtheCODE Foundation, which was founded by Lady Marieme Jamme.

Co-Founder of iamtheCODE Caribbean, Mariame McIntosh Robinson, echoed the urgency for cross-sector coordination, citing World Bank data showing that while 36 per cent of Jamaica’s workforce (ages 25-64) holds a Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) accreditation, limited formal digital skills training accompanies it.

“Access to capital is often cited as a constraint to business growth. But lately, the whispers have crescendoed into an outcry where businesses are saying, I can’t find access to human capital. So… our goal is to ensure that we make our mark pulling people together to make a difference from a human capital standpoint,” Mrs. Robinson pointed out.

She detailed the progress of iamtheCODE Caribbean, which was launched last year in Jamaica.

The self-paced, fully remote learning platform provides a customised eight-module curriculum balancing technical computer coding language training with soft skills like design thinking, communications and project management.

Mrs. Robinson announced that applications for the second cohort of the initiative are currently open and will begin in November.

It builds on the success of cohort one, which included 160 learners, 90 of whom completed foundational HyperText Markup Language (HTML) and 40 completed all eight modules.

“While iamtheCODE focuses on girls and women across the world, for Jamaica, we made it clear at the beginning that we have an equal focus on men and women, boys and girls, because of what we’re trying to strive for in our society,” Mrs. Robinson added.

Jamaica is the 89th country to join the global iamtheCODE movement, which aims to empower one million women and girls with digital and STEAMD (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, and Design) skills by 2030.

Students at Roger Clarke High School, in Balaclava, St. Elizabeth, had improved performance in this year’s CSEC examinations, with the pass rate climbing to 75.6 per cent, up from 59.67 per cent in 2025.

State Minister in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Hon. Rhoda Moy Crawford, outlined the performance at the school’s 50th anniversary ceremony and officially opened a new cosmetology lab on Thursday, October 1.

She also noted that the overall pass rate stood at 54.9 per cent in 2024 and moved to 59.67 per cent in 2025.

She urged parents to make the school a first choice for their children, pointing to dedicated staff members who are “so passionate in moving your students” up the academic ladder.

The celebration was held under the theme ‘A Golden Journey: 50 Years of Inspiring Change Through Integrity and Achievement’.

Established in 1976 as Balaclava High School, the institution was renamed in 2015 in honour of the late former Member of Parliament for St. Elizabeth North Eastern and former Minister of Agriculture, Roger Clarke.

The new cosmetology lab, funded by the Jamaica Teachers’ Association, the Co-operative Credit Union and the Scotiabank Foundation, is expected to give students hands-on training.

“This lab will give students the opportunity to connect theory with practice, develop competence and confidence,” Ms. Crawford said.

She added that cosmetology can lead to employment, further training and entrepreneurship.

According to the State Minister, the lab shows the value of partnership in education, noting that businesses, alumni and community groups can contribute through funding, equipment and mentorship.

In the meantime, Ms. Crawford said that the Ministry continues to push for technical and vocational education. This also includes greater involvement with the HEART/NSTA Trust in secondary schools, so more students graduate with recognised skill certification alongside academic qualifications.

“A lot of the persons who have their skill certificates… are earning far more than those who have pursued academics at universities,” she underscored.

National Coordinator for Safety and Security in Schools, Richard Troupe, says the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information is committed to preventing bullying in schools and ensuring safe learning environments.

He was speaking during a church service to mark the start of National Anti-Bullying Week 2026 at the Boulevard Baptist Church in Kingston on Sunday (October 4).

“For the Ministry, bullying prevention forms a part of our wider responsibility to ensure that our schools are safe spaces for teaching, for learning and for development,” he said.

Mr. Troupe noted that several approaches are being undertake, including school safety interventions, conflict resolution and restorative interventions and forging partnerships with government agencies and other stakeholders.

These measures, he said, recognise that creating safer schools requires the involvement of students, educators, parents, the church, communities and the wider support system of children.

Mr. Troupe noted that bullying can be physical or verbal, and involve intimidation, repeated teasing, exclusion, spreading rumors and deliberately humiliating another person.

He said that these behaviours are increasingly extending into digital spaces, where harmful comments, photographs or videos can be shared quickly and significantly increase the harm experienced by a child.

He urged parents and educators to listen to children, take their concerns seriously and pay attention to changes in behaviour.

“We must also intervene early, helping children who display bullying behaviour to understand the impact of their actions and develop healthier ways of managing conflict,” he said.

He noted that students have an important role to play in addressing bullying, encouraging them to report incidents to a teacher, guidance counsellor, dean of discipline, principal, parent or another trusted individual.

Mr. Troupe said National Anti-Bullying Week provides an opportunity for schools to strengthen conversations about bullying and cyberbullying, reinforce reporting mechanisms and remind students of the support available to them.

He assured that the Ministry remains committed to working with schools, families, communities and partners to ensure that every child can learn in an environment where they feel safe, respected and supported.

National Anti-Bullying Week is being observed from October 4 to 10 under the theme ‘Kindness Run Di Place; Bullying Nuh Have No Space’.

Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Marlon Morgan, says Winston Jones High School is slated to benefit from repair works following damage to sections of its buildings caused by Hurricane Melissa last October.

Senator Morgan said that as stewards of the students’ affairs and leaders within the education sector, the Ministry remains committed to addressing their concerns, noting that many students from lower-income households and communities located far from the school make tremendous sacrifices to access education.

He was speaking during the institution’s commencement exercise and 50th anniversary celebrations, held on the school’s campus in Prattville, Manchester, on Wednesday (October 7).

Meanwhile, Senator Morgan assured his audience that the national rural school bus service would be expanded over time to better serve students such as those attending Winston Jones High, adding that newly manufactured buses would be incorporated into the fleet as the Government continues to partner with parents to help ease their financial burden.

“[Additionally], we continue to provide support to schools in rural Jamaica as it relates to connectivity, including reliable Internet and broadband access. With respect to service provided by our telecoms partners and satellite Internet through Starlink, we are able to ensure that, although many of you are in rural communities, you have access to broadband. This makes it possible to do research and puts you on par with other parts of Jamaica,” the Parliamentary Secretary stated.

In the meantime, Senator Morgan urged students to reject violence in schools, conduct themselves in a manner that would make their parents, school and community proud, and develop strong interpersonal skills to support their personal growth and future success.

“We do not want to see Winston Jones High School students being featured on social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook or any other platform for undesirable behaviour or involvement in brawls. Be prepared to stand up, stand out and do the right thing,” he maintained.

Member of Parliament for Manchester Southern, Peter Bunting, who also spoke at the event, encouraged students never to underestimate what is possible in their lives, noting that their present circumstances do not determine their future.

 

The Integrity Commission has launched an ‘Integrity Corner’ initiative in four primary and preparatory schools, providing dedicated spaces where students can learn about and actively engage with the principles of honesty, fairness, responsibility and ethical behaviour from an early age.

The initiative, currently being piloted at Alvernia Preparatory School and Mona Heights Primary School in Kingston, as well as McIntosh Memorial Primary School and Prattville Primary School in Manchester, forms part of the Commission’s broader corruption prevention and integrity education efforts.

Speaking at a JIS Think Tank, today (September 16), Director of Corruption Prevention, Stakeholder Engagement and Anti-Corruption Strategy at the Commission, Sashein Wright-Chin, described the Integrity Corner as a child-friendly interactive space within the school environment, designed to help students explore and express what integrity means in their everyday lives.

According to Mrs. Wright-Chin, the programme reflects the Commission’s belief that building a society grounded in integrity must begin with the development of values during childhood.

“Very often when we talk about corruption, the conversation centres on investigations, prosecutions, laws, sanctions and enforcement. While those measures are important, we must also ask ourselves how we prevent corruption in the first place,” she said.

A key feature of the initiative is its student-driven approach. Each participating school received an Integrity Starter Kit from the Commission containing posters, integrity storybooks and other educational resources to support the development of the initiative.

In addition to educational materials supplied by the Commission, students contribute their own artwork, posters, messages and creative projects to the Integrity Corner, allowing them to interpret and express the concept of integrity in their own voices.

“We do not want integrity to be something that is simply taught to children. We want them to engage with it, think about it and express it for themselves,” Mrs. Wright-Chin explained.

The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, which has supported its introduction within participating schools and helped to ensure the programme is appropriate for the school environment.

Senior Education Officer, Core Curriculum Unit in the Ministry, Marlon Williams, who also addressed the Think Tank, said there was no hesitation on the part of the Ministry in partnering with the Integrity Commission on this initiative.

“When the Integrity Commission reached out to the Ministry almost a year ago, we did not think twice about the partnership. At the Ministry we are not just concerned about teaching the subjects; we are concerned about developing the whole child. And so, we saw it as an opportunity because what the Integrity Commission introduced is actually reinforcing some of the principles that we are teaching at the Ministry,” Mr. Williams said.

“Ultimately, this is about prevention. If we want to change attitudes towards corruption over the long term, we must invest in shaping values from an early age. We want integrity to become not simply something our children hear about but something they understand, practise and live,” Mrs. Wright-Chin said.

Some 500 educators are expected to receive training under the Nurturing Early Scientific Thinking (NEST) Programme, during the academic school year.

Minister without Portfolio with responsibility for Science, Technology and Special Projects, Dr. the Hon. Andrew Wheatley, made the disclosure during a post-Cabinet press briefing held on Wednesday (September 9) at Jamaica House.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Early Childhood Commission (ECC) and the Scientific Research Council (SRC), to implement the initiative islandwide.

The MOU was signed by Executive Director of the ECC, Karlene DeGrasse Deslandes and Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Ambassador Rocky Meade.

“We will begin with a cohort of some 50 Early Childhood Commission master trainers, experienced practitioners from the Commission’s own network, trained not simply to teach science but to teach the teaching of science. Those 50 will reach 500 educators in this financial year alone. Each one of the 500 trained will stand every morning in front of a classroom,” Dr. Wheatley said.

“The maths is simple, which is also science. Fifty becomes 500, and 500 becomes something in the order of 10,000 Jamaican children in a single school year. The first 50 are not finished when the first 500 teachers are trained. They remain within the Commission, in the parishes, ready to train the next 500, and the 500 after that,” he added.

The Minister informed that the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund is providing $50 million for the acquisition of advanced Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) kits.

Dr. Wheatley also expressed appreciation to the SRC for applying its expertise to the procurement of the kits and to the next activity books.

“The memorandum we signed today gives this work a clear framework, defined roles, strong training, quality assurance, and continuity,” he said.

The NEST Programme is aimed at introducing science at the early childhood level.

Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Marlon Morgan, has been tasked with spearheading the Ministry’s boys’ education agenda.

This was disclosed by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Kasan Troupe, during Wednesday’s (September 9) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House.

She explained that, at the end of the last academic year, the education system was experiencing some level of gender inequity.

“So the boys are trailing the girls. We have gone already into the workshop to look at how we will be supporting our schools this year under the leadership of Senator Morgan. He will be leading the boys’ education machinery in the Ministry. The technical work has begun, and you will hear more about that as we… support our teachers, looking at other activities that will help and enrich the experiences for our boys,” Dr. Troupe stated.

“We want them to catch up. We want them to be good husbands and good fathers… good partners. We have daughters and we want them to find good men tomorrow. So we have a responsibility to make sure that our boys can stand out and stand up in Jamaica,” she added.

Meanwhile, Dr. Troupe informed that more than 8,000 teachers worked with the Jamaica Teaching Council during the summer to ensure they were adequately capacitated and prepared for the 2026-27 academic year.

“I want to salute our National Parenting Support Commission (NPSC). We touched over 56,000 parents between April and September to get our students ready and our parents ready to provide quality parenting, as we work to get it right in the education system. I want to salute the parents who have been working with us,” she stated.

The NPSC, an agency of the Ministry of Education, coordinates a wide range of services for parents and also delivers programmes aimed at strengthening parenting skills and promoting greater parental involvement in education.

The NPSC works to strengthen partnerships between home and school, guided by the principle that parental involvement is critical to student success.