Park Mountain Primary and Infant School in Santa Cruz, St. Elizabeth, has received $7 million from the iPrint Group of Companies to support post-Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts.

The money will be used to undertake critical roofing and electrical works at the institution, which sustained significant damage during the passage of the hurricane on October 28 last year.

At the handover ceremony held at the school on March 17, Director of Donor and Partnership Management at the National Education Trust (NET), Keisha Johnson, in remarks delivered by Donor Project Coordinator, Danielle Drummond, said the scale of damage across the island requires a coordinated response.

“Across Jamaica, more than 600 schools were impacted. Roofs were torn away, classrooms damaged, furniture destroyed, and learning spaces disrupted. It is a task too big for any one group to do alone, but not too big for all of us together,” Mrs. Johnson pointed out.

She underscored that recovery efforts are being driven through strong partnerships and commended the iPrint Group for their generous donation.

“The Government of Jamaica is leading this effort, but we are not doing it in isolation. We are working with an invested village… made up of donors, companies, foundations, volunteers, and partners, both here at home and across the diaspora,” Mrs. Johnson added.

“We thank iPrint Group for stepping forward, not because they were asked but because they chose to. They reached out and said, ‘How can we help?’ That is what true partnership looks like,” she said.

For her part, Principal of the school, Carlene Williams-Heath, welcomed the support, describing it as timely and impactful.

“Today, I stand here very happy for donors like iPrint who walked into our school and decided that, yes, we’re going to help the restoration process,” she said.

Mrs. Williams-Heath emphasised the importance of the donation in improving the learning environment.

“A safe and well-maintained learning environment is essential for the growth and development of our students, and your contribution is going to help us to ensure that our classroom remains a place where education can flourish,” she added.

Chairman of the iPrint Group of Companies, Stephen Steele, said the company was compelled to assist after seeing the impact of the hurricane.

“When Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica, it affected real people, real classrooms, and real children. For us at iPrint, the decision to contribute to the recovery effort was not a complicated one. It was simply the right thing to do,” he said.

Mr. Steele further underscored the importance of supporting educators and the education system.

“To the teachers and staff, every morning you walk through those gates, you choose your students over your own comfort. This is not a job, this is a calling, and Jamaica is better for the work you do every single day,” he said.

He also encouraged other private-sector entities to support similar initiatives.

The donation forms part of ongoing efforts by the NET and its partners to restore schools affected by Hurricane Melissa and to ensure that students have access to safe and conducive learning spaces.

Students in grades four to six across primary schools in Portland are gearing up to face-off in a Primary Mathematics Quiz Competition, which has been launched in the parish.

The contest was launched at the Buff Bay Primary School on Wednesday (March 18) and will be executed under the theme ‘Maths for all: Building communities, confidence, competence and creativity’.

Community Relations Education Officer for Region 2 in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Tanya Sinclair, speaking at the launch, said that the competition is a part of the Ministry’s response to the need for improved student performance in mathematics.

“Our data shows that nationally, we had 56 per cent of our Primary Exit Profile (PEP) students obtaining proficiency and seven per cent highly proficient, totalling 63 per cent overall. It means that we have more than room for improvement and for initiatives and competitions like this to help us close the performance gap in mathematics,” Ms. Sinclair said.

She described the competition as another opportunity for the students to learn, improve their mathematics skills, have fun, and meet new friends.

For her part, Mathematics Coach, Suzette Simpson McNeil, said that the competition is designed to strengthen computational fluency, deepen conceptual understanding, and encourage critical thinking among students.

“Additionally, it fosters teamwork, boosts morale among students and teachers, and promotes a positive and enthusiastic culture around mathematics,” she pointed out.

Providing an overview of the competition, the Coach stated that both public and private schools in Portland are invited to participate in the quiz.

The teams will comprise four students from each team and one reserve member. The questions will be drawn exclusively from the modified mathematics curriculum appropriate for grades four, five and six.

The quiz is expected to run for four rounds across five locations, namely Buff Bay Primary, Hope Bay Primary, Port Antonio High, Moore Town Primary, and Castle Community Centre.

Following the official launch, students participated in round one of the competition through a pencil and paper test, which will determine if they progress to the next round.

“After today’s round, eight of the participating teams with the highest cumulative score will advance to round two. So, we’ll have four teams from East Portland and four from West Portland,” Ms. Simpson McNeil said.

Rounds two and three of the competition are scheduled for April 17 and round four – the finals – will be on May 7, during Child Month.

The competition is being hosted with the support of the Social Development Commission (SDC) and other sponsors.

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, has urged communities to play a greater role in addressing student absenteeism in schools.

Speaking during the Standing Finance Committee meeting of the House of Representatives on March 6 at Gordon House where members reviewed the 2026/27 Estimates of Expenditure, she reported that an islandwide absenteeism rate of 15 per cent was recorded for 2025.

The Minister expressed concern about absenteeism, even in education regions that were not significantly affected by the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

“Absenteeism is a problem across the system. It is not just in the west that we’re seeing it. We’re seeing it in Kingston. I’ve been looking at those numbers quite a bit. Even Region One, which is Kingston and St. Andrew, I only have 82 per cent consistent attendance at school. That is not acceptable at all; and then when you look at Region Six, it’s 65 per cent,” she said.

Region Six covers the parish of St. Catherine, while Region Four of the Ministry serves schools in Westmoreland, St. James, and Hanover, recording an average attendance rate of 66 per cent.

“When I say absenteeism, what we’re looking at is poor attendance. So, you come today, don’t come tomorrow… and so, it is a problem we are facing in this country,” Senator Morris Dixon said.

She emphasised that the Ministry needs the support of communities across Jamaica to help improve student attendance.

“You can’t see a child in the middle of the day in a fast-food establishment and not say something to them. The communities cannot hide them. We have to send our children to school,” Senator Morris Dixon further stressed.

Meanwhile, the Minister expressed gratitude to schools that have taken the initiative to engage with communities and locate their students.

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, is imploring parents to report disputes involving their children to school authorities or the police before they escalate into serious, violent incidents.

Her call comes in the wake of the tragic death of a 16-year-old grade-10 student at Ocho Rios High School, who was struck during a dispute with another pupil on Wednesday (March 4).

The other student involved in the incident is now in police custody as investigations continue.

The Minister noted that Wednesday’s fatal incident appears to have been the culmination of a dispute that began the previous day.

“I say this, parents, if your child comes home and tells you that something happened at school, come into the school and report it. Report it to the police,” Dr. Morris Dixon appealed during a visit to the institution in St. Ann on Thursday (March 5).

She indicated that schools are equipped with guidance counsellors, deans of discipline, and school resource officers from the police force, but these systems can only work if families speak up.

During her visit to the school, the Minister met with the principal, teachers and members of the school community, as well as relatives of the deceased student.

She expressed condolences and assured them that the Ministry will provide full support during the difficult period ahead.

Counsellors from the Ministry and neighbouring parishes have been deployed to assist students and staff as they process the traumatic event.

The Minister pointed out that the intervention will not be limited to a single day, noting that psychosocial support may be required for months as the school community works to heal.

“I ask all of Jamaica to pray for our children across the country. Our children are hurting. There is anger there, and we have to work really hard to get to the bottom of it, to provide the psychosocial support to these children and to develop communities that can support these children,” she said.

“These children do not just come out of thin air. They are hearts of communities, and what we are seeing in the schools is what we’re seeing in our communities and the behaviour from our communities, and we have to stop it,” she added.

Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change and Member of Parliament for St. Ann North Eastern, Hon. Matthew Samuda, who was also on hand, expressed sympathy to the grieving family.

He told journalists that there have been sustained efforts to reduce crime and violence in and around St. Ann since last year, making the incident a painful interruption to what has been a period of focused progress.

“We are deeply hurt for the families. My personal condolences and, indeed, the condolences of my team, to the family that is grieving this morning. This is a true tragedy and it will take some time to unpack,” Mr. Samuda said.

He urged continued, coordinated push by schools and their surrounding communities to foster safer environments.

Following the visit to the school, the team travelled to the home of the grieving family to offer condolences and support.

The University Council of Jamaica (UCJ) will host its 21st annual observance of Quality Assurance in Higher Education Week from March 9 to 13, under the theme ‘From Shock to Stability: Sustaining Higher Education Quality Through Crisis and Beyond’.

UCJ’s Director of Public Relations and Communications, Najae Murray, told JIS News that this year’s observance seeks to highlight the Council’s role as a catalyst for dialogue on pressing issues affecting higher education institutions, particularly in the wake of recent climate events such as Hurricane Melissa.

“The theme reflects the reality that disruption is now a constant, and institutions must be prepared to respond to climate change, digital transformation, and economic pressures while maintaining standards of quality,” he stated.

Mr. Murray emphasised that achieving stability in higher education depends on strong governance, well-defined policies, and student-centred systems.

“Quality is what protects trust when systems are under strain. This year’s theme speaks to resilience, governance, and protecting students through strong quality systems,” he said.

The Week’s activities will include an online forum on March 10, featuring insights from both local and international experts.

The keynote address will be delivered by Professor of International Education at the Institute of Education, University College London (UCL), United Kingdom, Tristan McCowan, who will speak on the theme ‘Sustaining Higher Education Quality Through Crisis’.

Additionally, Assessment Specialists at the University of Cambridge, Heidi Green and Megan Rees, will present on ‘When Integrity is Tested: Understanding Security in the Assessment Lifecycle’.

The day will conclude with an online awards ceremony recognising institutions that have successfully achieved accreditation status.

On March 12, the UCJ will host a youth-focused engagement activity at the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC), located at 17 Worthington Avenue, Kingston.

Student leaders from across the country will have the opportunity to share their experiences on how crises such as hurricanes impact learning and well-being, while also discussing their perspectives on resilience within higher education.

The session will also include a climate round-up presented by Environmental and Policy Specialist at Environmental Services Limited, Jamaica, Leneka Scott.

The week will conclude on March 13 with a virtual Quality Clinic, providing institutions the opportunity to engage directly with UCJ accreditation officers on standards and best practices for programme recognition.

The clinic is designed for higher education institutions seeking to have their programmes accredited.

Mr. Murray stated that Quality Assurance Week 2026 is intended to foster dialogue, reflection, and resilience across Jamaica’s higher education sector.

He emphasised that quality assurance is most severely tested during times of crisis, and reaffirmed UCJ’s commitment to strengthening the foundation of trust in higher education.

Members of the public, students, and institutions are encouraged to participate in the Week’s activities.

For further information, please contact the UCJ at 876-618-4267, email [email protected], or visit the University Council of Jamaica’s official Facebook and Instagram pages.

Last year, more than 3,000 devices were distributed to primary schools across the island under the Laptop for Primary Schools Initiative, spearheaded by e-Learning Jamaica Company Limited (e-LJAM).

Communications Manager at e-LJAM, Kimona Gordon, stated that the project has significantly transformed the digital landscape of institutions while expanding access to technology for primary-level students.

She noted that the initiative is helping to bridge the digital divide and promote equitable learning opportunities for students.

“This means that we have been equipping students with the technology that they need to enhance the teaching and learning process. By equipping the schools with the laptops that are required, we are providing students with greater access,” she told JIS News.

In addition to supporting primary schools, e-LJAM has upgraded computer laboratories in high schools across the island with more than 15,000 laptops.

The move represents a strategic shift from traditional desktop computers, previously supplied to institutions, towards more flexible and efficient laptop devices.

e-LJAM’s ongoing modernisation drive, through replenishing devices, upgrading labs, and introducing improved technology, forms part of a long-term strategy to support Jamaica’s vision of becoming a knowledge-based society.

e-Learning Jamaica Company Limited (e-LJAM), an agency of the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, is mandated to integrate technology into the education system across the island.

Holmwood Technical High School in Manchester now has a new, four-level classroom block, which was built by the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information at a cost of approximately $200 million.

The building boasts 11 classrooms, four sets of male and female bathrooms, an elevator for disability access and teachers’ offices.

The project forms part of the secondary infrastructure upgrade for the parish and will result in some students from the nearby Manchester High School, which is currently on a shift system, being transferred over to Holmwood Technical.

At the official handover on Monday (March 2), Executive Director of the National Education Trust (NET), which oversaw the initiative, Latoya Harris-Ghartey, said that the project represents more than just constructing a new building.

“It is about accessibility and creating a nurturing environment for students and a launchpad for dreams,” she pointed out.

She noted that the road leading to the school was paved as part of the project.

Mrs. Harris-Ghartey said it is fitting that the project is being handed over at a time when Holmwood Technical is celebrating its 90th anniversary.

“Ninety years is no ordinary feat. It’s a testament to vision realised, challenges overcome, and lives transformed,” she noted.

“As a beacon of learning and a place of character-building and opportunities, Holmwood… continues to be an inspiring environment for the teachers who are dedicated to nurturing the young minds of students on a daily basis,” she said.

Holmwood Technical Principal, Hidran McKulsky, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education for its continued investment in the institution’s development.

‘They have also committed a tidy sum towards restoring our… institution to a stronger pre-Hurricane Melissa experience,” he reported.

Mr. McKulsky also thanked the school’s alumni for continuing to “stand by the school”, the board, members of staff, parents, students and well-wishers.

NET is a registered charitable organisation under the Education Ministry that mobilises funds and partnerships to improve educational infrastructure.

 

The HEART/NSTA Trust will be enhancing the quality of training and certification it offers, with a strong emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, Reading/Research, Arts and Mathematics (STREAM).

This is outlined in the 2026/27 Public Bodies Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure, tabled recently in the House of Representatives by Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Fayval Williams.

HEART will also expand its support for youth at risk through targeted interventions such as the Learning and Investment for Transformation (LIFT) Programme.

In addition, the Trust will strengthen the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ecosystem by implementing strategies designed to increase both reach and participation across its programmes.

“Targets under these priority areas will be achieved through the enrolment of 108,342 trainees in various programmes, with 41,070 obtaining certification within the 2026/27 financial year. Training will be delivered across HEART’s network of institutions, in partnerships with over 75 community training locations, enterprise and work-based training interventions and adult education sites,” the document stated.

In addition, HEART will continue to provide funding support for programmes administered by the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information.

The budgeted allocation of $400 million will provide critical support for the College Credits initiative under the Sixth Form Pathways Programme, facilitate the integration of TVET in schools, and advance other STREAM-focused initiatives.

The Government will be spending $1.4 billion in its continued thrust to end the shift system and reduce overcrowding in schools, by constructing additional classrooms and other amenities during the upcoming fiscal year.

A portion of the sum will be used to upgrade electrical infrastructure and provide security fencing for selected primary and secondary schools.

The Primary and Secondary Infrastructure Programme is being implemented by the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information and the National Education Trust, with funding from the Government.

Among the projects listed in the 2026/27 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives, are the commencement of construction activities at 11 schools.

The schools are Dias Infant, Boundbrook and Oracabessa Primary, Aberdeen High, Denham Town, Nain, New Forest, Port Antonio, Stony Hill, Newell Town and classrooms at Papine High.

The Government intends to complete civil works at Westwood High in Trelawny.

Electrical upgrading works are expected to commence and conclude at McGrath, Holmwood, Marcus Garvey and Maggotty High Schools.

Meanwhile, the Government is aiming to complete construction of security fencing at Naggo Head, Retirement, Prospect and Brixton Hill Primary Schools.

In the upcoming fiscal year, fencing work is also expected to commence and conclude at three schools – May Pen Infant, Adelphi and Parry Town Primary.

Up to December 2025, electrical upgrade works were completed at 13 schools – Priory Primary and Infant, Little London and Savanna-La-Mar Primary Schools, Alston, Kemps Hill, Tarrant, Charlie Smith, Denbigh, Waterford, Greater Portmore, Alston, Garvey Maceo High Schools and St. Mary Technical High School.

Progress of construction activities are as follows: Cedric Titus, 90 per cent; Albert Town, 70 per cent; and Westwood High, five per cent.

Expansion and or renovation works were completed at nine schools: Exchange All-Age, Norman Manley High, Papine High, Kingston College, Black River, Edwin Allen, Jonathan Grant, Bridgeport and Holmwood Technical High.

Wastewater systems have also been commissioned at Black River and Papine High Schools, while a chairlift was installed at the Sydney Pagon STEM Academy.

Additionally, security fencing works were completed at Bridgeport, Eccleston, Golden Spring Primary, Papine High and Cedric Titus High schools, while the progress of fencing works at

Retirement, Prospect and Brixton Hill Primary Schools are 90, 60 and 20 per cent, respectively.

The project, which initially ran from April 2020 to March 2023, has been extended to March 2025 and further to March 2028.

Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Fayval Williams, tabled the 2026/27 Estimates of Expenditure in the House of Representatives on February 12.

Approximately 200 grade six and grade 11 students from across Westmoreland and St. James have strengthened their competencies in Mathematics and English Language, and in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), respectively.

This was achieved through a major series of capacity building and development sessions hosted by the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Region Four, at Maud McLeod High School in Westmoreland on February 19.

The initiative forms part of a strategic regional response to improve student achievement and strengthen exam readiness. It also aims to build confidence among learners following recent disruptions to teaching and learning.

Region Four Regional Director, Dr. Michele Pinnock, told JIS News that students were actively engaged throughout the day.

Grade six students participated in robotics activities and introductory sessions in Food and Nutrition. Interactive review games also reinforced key Mathematics and English Language concepts.

Grade 11 students from Maud McLeod High and Grange Hill High in Westmoreland, along with Maldon High in St. James, also participated in targeted academic sessions. They engaged in a career forum that highlighted emerging and trending career opportunities.

Meanwhile, teachers and principals participated in sessions focused on improving numeracy and literacy outcomes.

They also explored strategies for integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) into classroom instruction—an approach that incorporates creativity and innovation into traditional STEM disciplines.

“Our facilitators were practicing teachers. So they were able to bring the things alive… and our teachers were very, very appreciative of that,” Dr. Pinnock said.

The day also featured STEAM project showcases and ‘Try a Skill’ sessions. These activities were aimed at strengthening independent learning skills and boosting student motivation.

Dr. Pinnock described the initiative as “an exceptionally good day,” emphasising that it strengthened both confidence and academic focus among students and educators.

The activities also featured the official launch of the Maud McLeod High School Resource Hub.

Established through a partnership involving the Ministry of Education, the Liberty Caribbean Foundation, and the Flow Foundation, the Hub is designed to strengthen teaching and learning continuity across 11 schools in eastern Westmoreland.

It will provide shared technology, STEM kits, printed instructional materials, and specialised learning spaces to support schools experiencing infrastructural challenges.