As the nation undertakes the repair and rebuilding of schools damaged by Hurricane Melissa, the National Education Trust (NET) has underscored the importance of embedding resilience in all new infrastructure.

“After [Hurricane] Beryl, a lot of the focus was on getting our schools ready for [the 2024/25 academic year, beginning] September, which we did. Now we are trying to be more clinical in the approach to rebuild and do renovations or repairs and put in place some resiliency in the infrastructure,” Executive Director, Latoya Harris-Ghartey, maintained.

She was speaking during the recent NET 360: Post‑Hurricane Melissa Technical Partners Virtual Forum, which convened key stakeholders to examine recovery efforts, sector needs, and collaborative approaches to rebuilding Jamaica’s education infrastructure.

Mrs. Harris‑Ghartey reported that approximately 690 schools have sustained some level of damage following Hurricane Melissa, with the worst impacts recorded in Westmoreland, St. James, St. Elizabeth, Manchester, St. Ann, and Trelawny.

She noted that NET is employing emergency contracting measures to ensure flexibility and efficiency in the rebuilding process.

The Executive Director further indicated that, where possible, slab roofs will be installed to replace damaged structures.

“What’s critical for us is that, based upon the structural integrity of all buildings in our schools, where we can replace the wood frame, we do so with either the slab or steel frame… but that depends on the structured assessments,” she explained.

Mrs. Harris‑Ghartey emphasised that, where school structures are outdated, rebuilding must be pursued to ensure compliance with national building codes.

“The approach is not just for the engagement of contractors for the fixing, but also contractors for the design and rebuild process. Our children are counting on all of us, and we stand ready to ensure that we get our schools back up,” she stated.

Mrs. Harris‑Ghartey underscored that schools serve as safe spaces for many students, beyond their role as centres of learning. She stressed that it is, therefore, critical to restore normalcy to the education sector as quickly as possible.

“[During the COVID-19 pandemic], we saw a rise in abuse, because children were out of school. So, what we’re looking for is safe spaces to be open for our kids. What we’re looking for is some long-term commitment because [Hurricane] Melissa’s rebuild, unlike [Hurricane] Beryl, is not a one-year programme. It is at least three to four years, which means we are all in this together for the long haul,” the Executive Director outlined.

She urged donors and partners to collaborate with NET as it undertakes the rebuilding of schools across the island to make them more resilient.

The National Education Trust, a charitable organisation and a government agency, plays a pivotal role in the transformation of Jamaica’s education sector through the mobilisation of resources and the fostering of strategic partnerships with the Jamaican Diaspora as well as local and international stakeholders.

The St. Catherine-based Jonathan Grant High School is celebrating 100 per cent passes in six subjects in this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC).

These are Agricultural Science, Building and Construction, Building Technology, Industrial Electrical Technology, Physical Education and Sport, and Textile, Clothing, and Fashion.

Acting Principal of the school, Cheryl Shippey, in her report at the recent graduation ceremony held at the institution in Spanish Town, noted that there were 98 per cent passes for Food and Nutrition and Health; 91 per cent for English A’ and Information Technology (IT); 90 per cent for Integrated Science and Visual Arts; 85 per cent for Technical Drawing; 80 per cent for Human and Social Biology and Biology; and 71 per cent for Economics.

Overall, the pass rate was 75.9 per cent, which is an improvement over the 69.5 per cent of 2024.

“Five students passed with nine subjects; 19 students with eight subjects; 20 students passed seven subjects; 43 students pass six subjects; 42 students passed five subjects; and 54 students passed four subjects,” she told JIS News.

She noted that every effort was made to deliver a curriculum that was relevant and achievable, as well as enjoyable, in an environment that is supportive.

The Acting Principal commended the staff of the Mathematics Department, who, she noted, continue to work tirelessly to support the students.

“So, despite the challenges and the 20 per cent pass rate, they refuse to give up. Their dedication and perseverance have been inspiring, offering extra classes, weekend classes, maths camps and marathons to help students grasp complex concepts and achieve success,” she said.

Miss Shippey said that students also benefit from character-building activities through participation in clubs such as Jamaica 4-H, Science and environment, drama, health, arts, media, music, chess, dance, Inter-School Christian Fellowship (ISCF) and quiz.

The Acting Principal further lauded parents for their participation in school activities and for keeping students focused.

“The school had faced tremendous and significant challenges as we worked to keep your boys and girls focused on the task of teaching and learning. Thank you, parents, for your presence at the school, for your involvement and service to the school. Thank you for your role in making the community a reasonably safe place for our children, for being good citizens,” she said.

A total of 59 seniors have graduated from the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC)–HEART/NSTA Trust Digital Literacy Programme.

The programme, which equips seniors with the skills to confidently use smartphones, tablets and computers, forms part of the Government’s ongoing initiative to bridge the digital divide and promote inclusive access for all Jamaican seniors.

The graduation ceremony was held on Friday (September 26), at the Stony Hill HEART Academy in St. Andrew, and was attended by Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr.

In his remarks, Minister Charles commended the achievement, noting that the initiative empowers older Jamaicans to thrive in an increasingly digital society.

“This programme… really affirms that seniors are never to be left behind, particularly in the digital age. By bridging that digital divide, we are ensuring that you, our seniors, remain connected,” he said.

Mr. Charles emphasised that digital literacy extends beyond basic device usage, enabling seniors to connect with loved ones overseas via video calls, access essential health and banking services, and foster intergenerational bonds that strengthen families and communities.

He encouraged greater male participation in future training sessions, noting, “We had only three men in this cohort, and I would love to see more stepping forward… age should not be a barrier.” The Minister emphasised that age no longer limits one’s relevance in today’s digital landscape.

Mr. Charles reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to fostering a digitally inclusive society through the expansion of training programmes, improved internet connectivity, and sustained support for initiatives that promote digital equity among older Jamaicans.

“To the graduates, may your new skills unlock information, joy, and purpose. To those seniors who haven’t yet started this journey, it’s never too late… and to families, we urge you to support your loved ones in embracing technology,” he added.

For her part, Executive Director of the Mona Ageing and Wellness Centre, Professor the Most Hon. Denise Eldemire-Shearer, underscored the far-reaching and transformative impact of the training, stating, “A course like this gives our seniors autonomy and independence.”

Executive Director of the NCSC, Cassandra Morrison, commended the graduates for their determination and encouraged them to remain active learners.

“You have not only completed this digital literacy course, but you have shattered stereotypes and proven that there is no limit to learning. Your success today is a beacon to others and a reminder that seniors continue to contribute meaningfully to national development,” she said.

Ms. Morrison also expressed appreciation to key partners—including the HEART/NSTA Trust, Universal Service Fund (USF), and the Flow Foundation—for their continued support in providing devices, internet access, and computer lab infrastructure, essential to the programme’s success.

The graduation ceremony formed part of the activities commemorating Senior Citizens Month 2025, being observed throughout September under the national theme: ‘Respect, Protect, Empower, Connect’.

State Minister in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Hon. Rhoda Crawford, has called on teaching institutions to work more closely with the Government to address the underperformance of boys in the education system.

She made the call during her first official assignment as State Minister at the Grand Gala for Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations, in St. James, on Monday, September 29.

“As a Ministry we do not presume having the solution to this question. We need institutions like you to help us to figure it out, as there’s so many questions that need to be raised,” Ms. Crawford said.

She noted that male students are underperforming in literacy and numeracy. Moreover, they are more likely to disengage from schools and are disproportionately represented among those who drop out before completing secondary education, according to the State Minister.

Ms. Crawford said this is not merely an educational issue, but a pressing national development crisis.

“Now, do we equip teachers with gender sensitive teaching strategies that acknowledge differently how boys and girls learn? Do we integrate more hands-on, skill-based and technology driven learning that excite boys and keep them motivated? Do we provide strong male role models in education so boys can see themselves reflected in their teachers and aspiring to excellence?” she asked.

She added that Jamaica cannot achieve its vision of increasing growth and prosperity if half of its young people are left trailing behind.

In the meantime, the State Minister indicated that special needs education is another area of critical importance.

She commended Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College for already producing excellent special education teachers.

“The future of teacher education in Jamaica must ensure that every teacher graduates with skills, empathy and creativity to support the students with exceptionalities. Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College is already well on the way,” Ms. Crawford explained.

“Special needs education must not be a side programme. It is not an afterthought. It must be part of the core DNA of training for our teachers,” she added.

Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College’s 50th Anniversary Celebration was held under the theme: ‘Celebrating Excellence, Advancing the Legacy’. The event featured a range of celebratory activities, including presentations and a balloon release to commemorate the college’s five-decade history as a pioneer of western Jamaica’s tertiary education.

Principal of the institution, Dr. Ricardo Bennett, praised the contributions of past principals and Board chairmen.

He pointed out the need for continued government support and robust alumni engagement, as the celebration underscored the college’s enduring commitment to educational excellence and its forward-looking vision for the future.

The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) is developing a special student card equipped with a built-in security alert feature, designed for use on rural school buses.

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, who made the disclosure during Wednesday’s (October 1) Post Cabinet Press Briefing at Jamaica House, urged parents to accompany their children to sign up for the card.

“It is that card that the students will start using very soon to swipe when they go on the bus. When they swipe that card, each parent will get an alert that they have entered the bus. They will get an alert also when they have left the bus,” she explained.

The National Rural School Bus Programme officially rolled out on September 8, with some 60 buses deployed islandwide.

Minister Morris Dixon expressed satisfaction with the programme’s implementation thus far.

“When I see the joy on our children’s faces when they go on [the school buses], I am reminded that the hard work of fiscal discipline actually can make lives truly better,” she said.

Senator Morris Dixon reminded Jamaicans that students will continue to ride the designated buses free of charge until the end of October. Thereafter, a subsidised fare of $50 per trip will be charged.

More than 200 schools are currently benefitting from the programme, with additional institutions set to be included in its phased implementation.

To support this expansion, 40 additional buses are expected to be deployed between September and November.

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.