Jamaica’s first Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Academy is being established in St. Catherine as part of the Government’s thrust to better prepare students for the jobs of the future.

Deputy Chief Education Officer for Core Curriculum and Support Services at the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Winnie Berry, made the disclosure while speaking during the launch of Jamaica’s Young Voices Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Creative Expression Competition, held on Thursday (September 25) at Excelsior High School in Kingston.

Ms. Berry, who represented Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Kasan Troupe, informed that plans are underway to expand the number of STEAM academies to six by 2029.

These institutions will feature state-of-the-art facilities, advanced laboratories, and dedicated spaces for digital innovation, robotics, and the creative arts

“That’s a big deal,” she declared, adding that “the Government has already laid the foundation for the first STEAM Academy in St. Catherine”

Ms. Berry noted that the initiative aligns with broader education reforms, including the Ministry’s Transforming Education for National Development (TREND) Programme, which aims to modernise curriculum delivery and ensure equitable access to quality learning opportunities for all students.

She added that the education thrust also aligns with Vision 2030 Jamaica—the national development plan aimed at making the country the place of choice to live, work, raise families, and do business.

“A central pillar of this vision is education, one that is relevant, modern, and capable of equipping our youth with the tools to navigate an ever-changing world,” Ms. Berry stated.

She stated that the Ministry’s emphasis on innovation is reflected in the launch of Jamaica’s Young Voices competition, which will engage students from grades four to 13 in poetry, short stories, visual art, and digital media.

“This competition is especially meaningful as it forms part of Jamaica’s preparation for the third voluntary national review in 2026. By engaging students in creative expression, we are saying to them, your voices matter… your perspectives are valued, and your creativity can help shape Jamaica’s progress on the global stage,” Ms. Berry said.

She added that outstanding entries will be featured in Jamaica’s official report to the United Nations in July 2026, underscoring the seriousness with which the Government values the contributions of young people.

“Be bold in your creativity, fearless in your expression, and proud of your voice. Whether through a poem, a story, a painting, or a digital artwork, let the world see Jamaica through your eyes,” Ms. Berry told the students.

In his remarks, Director General of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), Dr. Wayne Henry, welcomed the competition as a meaningful platform for empowering young Jamaicans to contribute to national development.

He added that the initiative ensures the ideas of young people are not only heard, but actively incorporated into shaping Jamaica’s future development agenda.

Submissions for Jamaica’s Young Voices SDG Creative Expression Competition are due by December 19, 2025.

Education is a familiar domain for newly appointed State Minister in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Hon. Rhoda Moy Crawford.

With a foundation in classroom experience and academic training, she has expressed her readiness to serve and contribute to the transformation of Jamaica’s education sector.

Speaking with JIS News on September 19, following her swearing-in ceremony at King’s House, Ms. Crawford expressed gratitude as she assumed her new responsibilities as State Minister.

“First of all, I’m very honoured and very thankful. I am also very excited, because education is my background. I’m a trained teacher of English Language and English Literature. I received training at Shortwood Teachers’ College,” she shared.

The State Minister holds a first degree in Language Education, a Master’s degree in Educational Administration and is currently pursuing doctoral studies in Educational Leadership.

“It feels like familiar ground. I am looking forward to working very closely, under the guidance of [Portfolio] Minister [Senator Dr. the Hon.] Dana Morris Dixon, to deliver transformation and just exciting initiatives for our children and adult learners of Jamaica,” she said.

As she assumes her new role, Ms. Crawford is prioritising alignment with the Ministry’s strategic vision and policy goals.

“My immediate priority is to sit with the Minister to see what the plans are, have a discussion and see what the focus areas for me will be,” she explained.

Balancing her dual responsibilities as State Minister and Member of Parliament for Manchester Central is a challenge Ms. Crawford embraces with unwavering dedication.

“I’m very accustomed to balancing and I’m about servant leadership. I can never forget that to be able to assume this role, it is because the people of Manchester Central elected me. So they have to, at all times, be at my forefront,” she affirmed.

The State Minister assured the public of her commitment to service and excellence.

“They can expect servant leadership, undiluted love and commitment to the people of Jamaica, leadership with excellence, leadership with distinction and just a lot of work,” Ms. Crawford said.

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon has informed that the HEART/NSTA Trust has provided skills training for over 550,000 young people since 2020.

Dr. Morris Dixon made the disclosure during a keynote address at the Union of Jamaican Alumni Association’s (UJAA) 35th anniversary luncheon and awards, held at the Green Tree Country Club, in New Rochelle, New York on September 14.

“We have expanded technical training by eliminating all tuition fees up to an associate degree. This ensures our young people are not only readily employable, but are prepared for leadership in logistics, construction, renewable energy, and creative industries,” she stated.

“The nature of our training programmes has changed to incorporate more technology, but more importantly, the target audience has morphed as well. We have a few bespoke initiatives,” she added.

Dr. Morris Dixon also informed that the Ministry, with assistance from the World Bank, will be retooling biology, chemistry and physics labs in 14 high schools this academic year.

She also mentioned the implementation of the rural school bus system, where in the first phase, an initial fleet of 100 school buses will be deployed.

“These buses will serve approximately 258 rural schools across the island. The rural school bus system is breaking down barriers for students who previously struggled to even reach their classrooms. Education must not depend on geography, and we are making sure of that,” the Minister said.

In the meantime, Dr. Morris Dixon has lauded UJAA for its 35 years of service, in building bridges and keeping the flame of patriotism burning among Jamaicans abroad.

“Today, I am happy to join you in this celebration. We celebrate the thousands of scholarships you have awarded, the countless schools you have assisted, and the generations of students whose futures are brighter because you chose to remember your roots and invest in Jamaica,” she said.

The National College for Educational Leadership (NCEL), an agency of the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, is accepting applications for Cohort 12 of its flagship Aspiring Principals’ Programme (APP).

The deadline for submitting applications is November 16, 2025.

The APP is a strategic initiative designed to prepare educators for the demands of principalship before they assume the role.

Developed in response to research highlighting the critical impact of school leadership on student success, the programme addresses the longstanding practice of promoting classroom teachers to principalship, without formal leadership training. According to a bulletin issued by the Ministry, the NCEL, through the APP, continues to attract and identify high-potential candidates and equip them with the Professional Qualification for Principalship (PQP), a credential that ensures readiness for school leadership.

All educators registered with the Jamaica Teaching Council (JTC), with at least three years of teaching experience and a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in education or a related discipline can apply.

The programme is delivered in collaboration with The University of the West Indies (UWI), with delivery of critical leadership modules and a field experience.

Participants will also be exposed to an array of contextually relevant and practical professional development sessions. To apply, persons may visit ncel.gov.jm and browse the “Programmes” tab, then click the ‘Apply’ tab or visit https://isims.ncel.edu.jm/ then click ‘Apply’.

Classes are held on Saturdays or Sundays for one year (excluding summer) and are delivered via a blended format (synchronous and asynchronous).

For further information, persons may contact NCEL via email at [email protected] or call 876-488-486.

More than 5,000 tablets previously used in Jamaica’s 2022 Population and Housing Census have been redistributed to schools across the island under the Tablets in Schools programme.

Speaking with JIS News recently, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of eLearning Jamaica Company Limited, Andrew Lee, described the initiative as a significant step towards advancing digital education and inclusion.

The tablet redistribution is the result of a collaborative effort among eLearning Jamaica, the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN), and the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information.

“We’re focusing on primary schools. Our aim is to start early with the youngsters to ensure they develop the skills needed to thrive in a digital world. These tablets will go a long way in enhancing our vision to outfit every primary school with tablets, laptops, charging carts, and interactive panels,” Mr. Lee told JIS News.

The official launch of the redistribution took place on August 27, when 110 tablets were handed over to Christel House Academy in St. Catherine.

“They’re doing quite a bit to push STEM education. They’re even using the devices as part of their music and arts programmes,” Mr. Lee noted.

For her part, STATIN’s Director General, Ms. Leesha Delatie-Budair, noted that the programme not only highlights STATIN’s dedication to public accountability but also showcases the organisation’s commitment to sustainable national development.

“This represents a valuable partnership between government agencies working together for a shared national outcome. By donating over 5,500 devices, we’re expanding access to ICT equipment that aids learning, supports education equity, and contributes to sustainable development,” she said.

Ms. Delatie-Budair also underscored the environmental and educational benefits of repurposing the devices. She emphasised that rather than creating additional e-waste, the initiative gives these tablets a second life.

“Our message to the recipients is simple: seize the moment, seize the opportunity. Use it to build your ability to learn and grow, and to achieve your dreams,” she added.

The Tablets in Schools programme continues to be a cornerstone of Jamaica’s digital transformation in education, with plans to deepen partnerships and expand access to technology across the island’s school system.

The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information is actively integrating digital resources into classrooms to foster greater interactivity, engagement, and access to quality learning experiences.

Assistant Chief Education Officer of the Media Services Unit in the Ministry, Dr. Nadine Simms, says this is being done through the digital education strategy.

“The Ministry’s digital strategy is about integrating information and communications technology (ICT) within the education system. So ICTs will be used in administration and teaching and learning for efficiency, to help with data-driven decisions and to make learning exciting for our students who… are digital natives,” Dr. Simms said.

She was speaking recently on the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) television programme, ‘Get the Facts’.

Dr. Simms informed that the Ministry’s Media Services Unit is responsible for creating, developing and sourcing interactive educational resources for students across the education system.

“We are also responsible for providing access [to information] through our Ministry digital library platform, and there is also a YouTube channel. We also have a TV station, [via] PBCJ (Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica), [through] which content is shared. So, think of it as creating, developing, sourcing and accessing, and we promote these educational resources or digital resources,” she stated.

“We also participate in educational workshops, conferences, meetings and webinars. We also do training and professional development for educational stakeholders… in the new and emerging technologies, for example, artificial intelligence,” the Assistant Chief Education Officer added.

Dr. Simms further stated that the Unit “helps individuals understand how to integrate digital tools into their daily functions, as well as how to care for the various devices”.

Additionally, Dr. Simms highlighted the use of artificial intelligence to animate book characters.

“Back in the day, we had some LMW readers, for example… Roy and Pam. So we have taken those resources, and we have used artificial intelligence to make them come alive. So, you will see a Pam and a Roy that looks like you and me… the books are very interactive. The students can touch them, and the characters come alive,” she stated.

“There is closed captioning that caters to students with special needs. So the resources are very interactive, because it’s all about getting our students excited and wanting to read and learn… to improve our literacy and numeracy,” Dr. Simms added.

A new Education Management Information System is to be implemented by the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information.

Portfolio Minister, Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, explained that the system will facilitate real-time student monitoring and support data-driven decision-making to address issues such as absenteeism.

“I call on all school leaders to use the tools to transform how we lead, teach, and support our students,” she said during her back-to-school broadcast for the 2025/26 academic year on Sunday (August 31).

Dr. Morris Dixon also noted that nutrition and student well-being are key areas under review by the Ministry.

“We know that hungry children cannot learn. Nine billion dollars is allocated to provide our children… our needy children… with a hot meal five days per week. For our children in underperforming schools, a separate $1 billion has been allocated to provide them with breakfast and lunch,” she stated.

The Ministry will also roll out its new National School Nutrition Policy, designed to elevate the standard of meals at institutions.

On another matter, Dr. Morris Dixon reported that the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) results at the secondary level showed marked improvements in English and Mathematics, attributing the gains to targeted interventions in underperforming schools.

In the May/June 2025 sitting of the CSEC examinations, 85 per cent of Jamaican students earned a passing grade in English A, while 44 per cent achieved passes in Mathematics.

In 2024, 76 per cent of students passed English A, while 39 per cent achieved a passing grade in Mathematics.

“We will do more Maths and English camps and deploy more specialist educators to support our children who need it most,” Minister Morris Dixon stated.

The National Parenting Support Commission (NPSC) is calling on parents to remain closely connected with their children, particularly those who are transitioning from primary to secondary school this new academic year.

Chief Executive Officer of the NPSC, Kaysia Kerr, stated that transitioning to high school can be both exciting and overwhelming for students.

“It is also at this stage that children need their parents to listen, guide, and stay connected. This change marks a crucial development in a child’s educational journey, presenting new academic expectations, diverse peer groups, and an entirely different social environment,” Ms. Kerr said.

Research has shown that strong parental involvement plays a critical role in enhancing children’s ability to make informed choices and adjust with confidence to the increasing demands of their educational path.

Staying connected with their parents allows children to identify challenges early, while receiving the encouragement and reassurance they need.

To foster this connection, the NPSC is providing support through its Parenting Education Sessions (PES), which are designed to equip parents with effective communication strategies and tools to maintain balance in the home.

The sessions aim to empower parents to engage meaningfully in their children’s learning experiences.

Additionally, schools are being encouraged to adopt the Commission’s Model for Parental Involvement in Education, which allows parents to take an active role beyond merely attending school events or participating in fundraising efforts.

The model fosters a partnership where parents are integral to their children’s educational journey.

It also positions parents as active partners in the education life journey of their child such as engaging with the curriculum to better support their child’s learning at home; participating in projects that enhance both academic participation and school environments; volunteering through the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA); and serving as resource persons to enrich classroom experiences.

“Parents should not only remain engaged at home but also forge strong partnerships with schools. Studies show that when parents establish a positive relationship with educational institutions, students tend to behave better and perform academically at higher levels,” Ms. Kerr explained.

She pointed out that as children enter their teenage years, peer influence becomes significantly stronger, creating an increased need for social acceptance.

Parents are also being urged to validate their children’s feelings, listen actively, and guide conversations constructively, ensuring that discussions become opportunities for building trust and providing valuable direction rather than opportunities for conflict.

For more information contact the NPSC at 876-816-9040 or send an email to [email protected].

Special needs institutions are among the beneficiaries of the Government’s Rural School Bus System, a strategic move aimed at advancing equity and inclusive access across the education sector.

Speaking during Wednesday’s (August 27) Blessing Ceremony for the National Rural School Bus Programme at Jamaica House, Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Hon. Daryl Vaz, announced that in the first phase, 12 school buses will be assigned to serve special needs institutions.

“Another two [are] to be added in phase two, with more schools for children with special needs to follow. This ensures that no child, regardless of ability or circumstance, is left behind,” he said.

Minister Vaz advised that plans remain on track for the official rollout of the programme’s first phase on Monday, September 8, as schools resume following orientation for the 2025-26 academic year.

He stated that phase one will benefit thousands of students across 258 institutions islandwide, with 55 of the 122 designated routes being launched in all parishes, served by 60 of the initial 110 school buses.

“The remaining 40 buses will be introduced gradually between September and November, with an additional 10 buses held in reserve to guarantee continuity of service,” the Minister added.

Mr. Vaz noted that between 2022 and 2025, a total of 73 children lost their lives in road crashes, including 12 fatalities recorded so far this year

“Each loss represents not just a child’s unfulfilled dreams, but a family’s heartbreak and a community’s grief. These sobering realities remind us that this programme is not optional, it is essential, and it is necessary,” he emphasised.

Describing the initiative as “one of the most transformational… that has taken place in the transport industry”, Minister Vaz affirmed that the system will provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation for students.

“It is about equity, safety and dignity, ensuring children in rural parishes can travel to school without fear. For years, children in urban areas have benefited from a structured school bus system through the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC). Come the September [2025] school term, that commitment extends to rural Jamaica,” he declared.

The shift system in all public schools will be fully eliminated by the start of the 2028/2029 academic year.

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, outlined the Government’s timeline, during her address to delegates at the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) 61st Annual Conference, held at the Princess Grand Hotel in Green Island, Hanover, on August 20.

“We have a programme in the Ministry where we’ve identified all the schools that are still on shift, and that is our deadline to get them off,” Dr. Morris Dixon said.

Some 27 schools continue to operate on the shift programme in Jamaica. However, over the next two financial years, six of these schools are expected to be removed from the system as part of ongoing investments in school infrastructure.

“Obviously, some schools need construction. Also, we may need to do additional classrooms. There is a programme that is there [to address all of this], and so the timeline is the 2028/2029 academic year to have all schools moved off of the shift,” the Minister said.

In the meantime, Dr. Morris Dixon said, new classrooms and other infrastructure will be constructed where necessary to meet this deadline.

For the current financial year, the Government has allocated $628 million for school repairs and maintenance, the Minister noted.

The Minister said that among the beneficiaries for this funding are Lucky Valley Primary, which will receive termite treatment; Fort George Primary and Infant, which will have roof repairs completed; and Seaview Gardens Primary, which will benefit from roof waterproofing.

She noted that other projects will include the rehabilitation of Oracabessa Primary and Boundbrook Primary, among several others across the nation.

“Also, I will note that last year, after Hurricane Beryl, one of the things I was very happy to see was that after the hurricane, financing was provided to fix the schools that had been damaged,” Dr. Morris Dixon outlined.

“I was so happy when I saw the supplementary budget where we got over $2 billion to fix that next set of schools that had been damaged by Hurricane Beryl. So, this year, there are 202 schools that are going to be benefiting from the new capital projects that we will be doing,” she added.

Dr. Morris Dixon said that while not every school can be addressed at once, the Ministry is committed to steadily expand the level of support and will continue to advocate for increased funding to meet the needs of institutions islandwide.