JIS: Students of Comfort Castle Primary and Junior High School in Portland are the beneficiaries of a $343,350 donation from the Canadian charity, the Tamara Gordon Foundation.

 

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, presented the cheque to Principal of the school, Dalmain Moore, at a ceremony held at the Ministry’s Dominica Drive address in New Kingston, on Tuesday (August 27).

 

The Minister, who made the presentation on behalf of the Foundation, said the generous gesture demonstrates the important role of the diaspora in national development.

 

“This significant donation will be very helpful for the programmes you are running at Comfort Castle. It is another example of how our diaspora reaches out to make real change and directly and positively impact the lives of Jamaicans [at home]. It is such a fundamental reason why we appreciate our diaspora so much,” she said.

 

Mrs. Johnson Smith lauded the Foundation’s Director, Tamara Gordon, who has devoted her life to empowering persons with disabilities, despite having suffered personal tragedy.

 

Speaking with JIS News, Mr. Moore, who expressed his appreciation for the generous donation, said the money has come at an opportune time, as preparations are under way for the new academic year.

 

He said the funds will be used to expand the school’s literacy and numeracy programme in the area, purchase a commercial printer and a desktop computer, among other things.

 

“The fact is the community is economically challenged. Our intention is to see how best we can educate the population, because by educating the people we are giving the people the power. We are changing a community and the nation as well,” he said.

 

Ms. Gordon, who is of Jamaican parentage and was born in Canada, became a paraplegic following a serious motor-vehicle accident.

 

Established in 2013, the Tamara Grant Foundation is a community based charity which seeks to provide support to persons with physical disabilities in the greater Toronto area by empowering and improving their lives by facilitating equal opportunities for persons of this community, through education.

 

The charity provides financial, social and other practical resources necessary for physically challenged persons to be self-supporting and to function as contributing members of society.

 

The Foundation primarily provides scholarships for disabled students to assist with financing their tertiary education.

 

CAPTION: Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith (left) and Principal of Comfort Castle Primary and Junior High School in Portland, Dalmain Moore, display cheque for $343,350, which has been donated to the school by Canadian charity, the Tamara Gordon Foundation. The Minister handed over the cheque at the Ministry, in New Kingston, on Tuesday (August 27).

JIS: Five hundred and fifty-two schools have been inspected and fogged ahead of the start of the new academic year in September by the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

 

This announcement was made by the Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, at the Ministry’s Quarterly Press Briefing, on Tuesday (August 27), at the head office in New Kingston.

 

“That process is ongoing and will continue through the first few weeks of school to ensure that our children are protected in that environment,” Dr. Tufton said.

 

One major goal from conducting these inspections and fogging is to ensure schools are prepared to accommodate students and not let them become infected by the dengue virus through the breeding of the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes on school compounds across the island.

 

He said representatives from the Ministry have also examined water catchment facilities at the schools, observed their solid waste facilities, made recommendations where necessary and cited if schools are in breach of any rules.

 

Additionally, in an effort to eliminate the spread of the dengue virus across the island, the Ministry of Health, through the National Health Fund (NHF), will be spending $130 million on activities geared towards clearing breeding sites of the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.

 

For this initiative, the Ministry will be collaborating with the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) and the Parish Councils, through the Local Government Ministry.

 

CAPTION: Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton (right), addresses journalists at the Ministry’s Quarterly Press Briefing, held on Tuesday (August 27), at the Ministry’s head office in New Kingston. With the Minister is Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dunston Bryan.

JIS: Minister with responsibility for Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Karl Samuda, says Education Officers have a very important role to play if students and teachers are to give of their best and perform at an optimum level.

 

Mr. Samuda, who was speaking at the Jamaica Association of Education Officers meeting at the Iberostar Hotel in Lilliput, St. James, on August 21, said it is to this end why he is charging all Education Officers to be more vigilant and hands-on when they pay inspection visits to schools, so as to “give us an accurate assessment” as to the performers and the non-performers.

 

“You are our eyes and ears on the ground. We are not telling you to drive any fear in anyone, but there has to be some level of anxiety whenever it is known that an education officer is visiting a school for inspection. That is the only way we can ensure best practices and accountability,” he said.

 

Mr. Samuda also argued that students too will benefit from being a part of a well-run school, noting that there is empirical evidence to show that institutions that have proper systems of checks and balances tend to do better than those with the ad hoc make it up as-you-go-along type of approach.

 

The Minister said it is clear that for Jamaica to have the type of high quality education system that everyone seeks, then all hands must be on deck.

 

He said that while there will always be differences, the answer cannot be where those who are charged with building minds, so as to secure the nation’s future, “are going in different directions.”

 

“I want us to have regular meetings and go through your reports together,” the Minister told Officers.

 

“In that way we can recognise the problems from early and fix what we need to fix. We can’t just be pumping money into things that are not working. We have a duty to the people of the country that they are indeed getting value for their hard-earned money,” he said.

 

Mr. Samuda said the Ministry will continue to engage all stakeholders into decision- making, acknowledging that everyone has to be made to feel that they are a part of the process and that their inputs will be taken into consideration.

 

The Minister added that he has never wavered from the belief that Jamaican students are among the best in the world and that educators continue to go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that remains a top priority.

 

“For our students to evolve into successful stories on the global stage, we have to lay that foundation here at home…give them that quality start,” Mr. Samuda emphasised.

 

CAPTION: Minister with responsibility for Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Karl Samuda.

JIS: Minister with responsibility for Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Karl Samuda, says the Ministry will be conducting surveys in short order to assess water shortages in affected schools across the country.

 

Addressing the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) 55th Annual Conference, held at Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa, in St. James, on August 21, Mr. Samuda said the assessment will be done with a view to having the installation of water tanks and the necessary piping to bring the commodity to institutions affected by dry spells and inconsistent supply.

 

“In addition, discussions will be held with the National Water Commission (NWC) to secure regular supplies of water to serve all affected schools,” Mr. Samuda explained.

 

“A survey will also be undertaken within each [education] region to ensure that this important matter is dealt with expeditiously. That survey I wish to have conducted within a month at the outset, so that plans can be put in place to effect change immediately,” he added.

 

In the meantime, Mr. Samuda gave charge to teachers to play their part to bring about positive change in the lives of the country’s future generations.

 

“[The Education Ministry] partners with you so that collectively we can make a difference, because you are the most essential group of people in the effort to create an atmosphere where we can grow and prosper, and you must view yourselves as that,” he said.

 

This year’s conference was held from August 19 to 21 under the theme: ‘Empowering Educators: Retooling, Innovating and Networking for Sustainable Development’.

 

Among the matters discussed over the three days included the organisation’s financial report, proclamation of the new President-elect, addresses from representatives of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, and others.

 

CAPTION: Minister with responsibility for Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Karl Samuda, speaks at the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) 55th Annual Conference, held at Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa, in St. James, on WednesdayA, August 21.

JIS: The Jamaica Association for the Deaf (JAD) is encouraging parents and guardians of children with hearing challenges to enrol them in one of the organisation’s seven institutions catering to these youngsters.

 

“We are appealing to parents and community members who recognise that a child is not responding in the way they should, to give us a call. Even if the child is not deaf and we can’t place them in a school for the deaf, our ability to assess and connect parents with other assessment agencies is something we value,” Executive Director, Kimberley Sherlock Marriott-Blake said.

 

She was speaking during a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank at the Agency’s Head Office in Kingston on Wednesday (August 21).

 

Mrs. Sherlock Marriott-Blake pointed out that only 400 students are currently enrolled in JAD schools, representing approximately 50 per cent of capacity.

 

Against this background, she said the organisation is taking steps to sensitise persons to the importance of placing children who are deaf or hearing impaired in an environment tailored to advancing their educational development.

 

“Our goal is that, no matter the extent of the hearing loss, the child can be supported and given the education that they deserve. We are firm believers that every child can learn and every child must learn. Education is our core focus. So ensuring that students are enrolled and adequately supported in schools is critical for us,” she emphasised.

 

Mrs. Sherlock Marriott-Blake indicated that the JAD receives grant-aided support from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information. As such, school fees and other costs associated with enrolment are not as exorbitant, when compared to other private institutions.

 

The seven schools operated by the JAD are: Lister Mair Gilby High School; Danny Williams Primary School; the JAD Pre-School; the Ex-Ed United, located at the Excelsior Primary School; Port Antonio Unit; the Woodside Unit in May Pen; and St. Christopher’s School for the Deaf.

 

All institutions utilise the National Standards Curriculum alongside the Jamaican Sign Language Grammar Programme. They also provide special education and vocational training for members of the deaf community.

 

The JAD also manages a Hearing Clinic and Social Services Division which oversees transitional services, advocacy and a training unit that facilitates Jamaican sign language and deaf culture education.

 

The Association also operates a ‘Fine Hand Bindery’ that provides skills training and employment opportunities for members of the deaf community as well as income generation for the organisation.

 

“The support that we provide, as a school and organisation, goes beyond the classroom as we offer support for parents and siblings. We teach them to sign language and address the concerns they may have with raising a deaf child,” Mrs. Sherlock Marriott-Blake added.

 

Persons interested in enrolling youngsters with hearing challenges may contact JAD at [email protected] or call 876-970-1778 or 876-970-1779.

 

CAPTION: Executive Director of the Jamaica Association for the Deaf (JAD), Kimberley Sherlock Marriott-Blake (right), addressing a JIS Think Tank on August 21. Ms. Deniese Badroe, Business Development Division Director of the JAD looks on.

JIS: Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Dr. Grace McLean, says that all is in place to ensure a seamless start to the 2019/2020 academic year.

 

She noted that funds have been disbursed for the renovation of several institutions and the acquisition of furniture and other equipment in advance of the opening of schools on September 2.

 

“I can comfortably say that we are going to have a smooth start to the new school year. Funds are out for the fixing up of schools that need to be fixed up – the bathrooms, canteens, the windows and the painting of the classrooms.”

 

“I can assure you that we have already started the delivery of furniture and the provision of funds for those who need to buy at the local level,” she said.

 

Dr. McLean was speaking at Noranda Jamaica Bauxite Partners’ Primary Exit Profile (PEP) awards ceremony at the Port Rhoades Sports Club, Discovery Bay, St. Ann, on Thursday (August 15).

She informed that the distribution of new textbooks for students from grades one to nine will commence next week.

 

“We will be starting the delivery of a new round of textbooks that are aligned to the National Standards Curriculum. You will be having a brand new set of books and we will deliver term by term,” she said.

 

Dr. McLean advised that the Ministry is working to fill vacant posts for principals.

 

She said that the Teachers’ Services Commission is scheduled to meet on August 16 “so that principals that should be appointed can be appointed so that they can be ready for the new school year.”

 

Dr. McLean said that over the next two weeks members of the Education Ministry, including education and administrative officers “will be out in schools engaging with you to make sure that everything is in place for our children.”

 

During the awards ceremony, Noranda Jamaica Bauxite Partners awarded 65 bursaries valued at $25,000 each to PEP students from 32 primary and preparatory schools in its operating areas.

 

Abrianna Greaves and Jamari Green from Servite Primary in Brown’s Town, St. Ann, were named the top performing girl and boy, respectively, receiving scholarships valued at $100,000 per annum for five years.

 

Vice President and General Manager at the company, Delroy Dell, said the award programme forms part of the company’s commitment to nation-building.

 

CAPTION ONE: Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Dr. Grace McLean (right), makes a presentation to Abrianna Greaves (centre) from Servite Primary in Brown’s Town, St. Ann, who was named the top performing girl at the Noranda Jamaica Bauxite Partners’ Primary Exit Profile (PEP) awards ceremony at the Port Rhoades Sports Club, Discovery Bay, St. Ann, on Thursday, August 15. Sharing in the moment is Vice President and General Manager at the company, Delroy Dell.

 

CAPTION TWO: Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Dr. Grace McLean, speaking at the Noranda Jamaica Bauxite Partners Primary Exit Profile (PEP) awards ceremony at the Port Rhoades Sports Club, Discovery Bay, St. Ann, on Thursday, August 15.

JIS: Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says no child should be denied access to an education due to obligatory prohibitive fees being charged by schools.

 

“I’m not saying that the parents must not contribute, but sometimes, we miss the bigger picture (which) is to make sure that no child, regardless of the income status of your household is in any way deprived of an education,” he said.

 

The Prime Minister was speaking at a Primary Exit Profile (PEP) awards function at Jamaica House on Wednesday (Aug. 14).

 

Mr. Holness said he is aware that primary schools have begun to charge fees which some parents are unable to afford.

 

“Whether it is ancillary or auxiliary, or registration – whatever fee it is, I am putting the primary schools on notice, that… I’m seeing an increased number of requests for assistance to pay for registration packages,” he said.

 

The Prime Minister stressed that at the primary level, the criteria for enrolment “should never be that the parent can afford it. The criterion for enrolment is your proximity to the school.”

 

He said that while he understands that principals are competing and are trying to improve their school, “it cannot be at the expense of having every child being enrolled with an equitable chance in a school.”

 

The Prime Minister noted that at the secondary level, the Government’s support to schools has increased dramatically since the introduction of the no tuition policy.

 

He noted that last year, the Government spent $34.1 billion on secondary education, which amounted to about $170,000 per child.

 

“We are not telling you that it is adequate, but…we’re now seeing universal secondary education, meaning every child can now get access to…a seven-year secondary (education). If you allow fees to become a consideration that will defeat the purpose,” he pointed out.

 

“The objective, as it was when we started Common Entrance… to when we changed over to the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) to now having PEP, is to get all Jamaicans into the education system, with a fair chance of getting a solid education,” he emphasised.

 

The awards ceremony recognised 15 children of staff from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and Office of the Cabinet, who were successful in their PEP exams this year.

 

During the event, the Prime Minister presented the students with book vouchers for back-to-school.

 

CAPTION: Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (centre), shares a moment with children of Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and Office of the Cabinet staff members, following a Primary Exit Profile (PEP) awards function at Jamaica House on Wednesday (Aug 14). The students were presented with gift book vouchers in recognition of their performance in the PEP exams this year.