Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Fayval Williams, has emphasised the importance of fostering a culture of respect, empathy and non-violence among students and within the school environment.

She said there must be a collective commitment to finding positive and constructive ways to resolve disputes and conflicts in schools.

The Minister was speaking during a visit to Irwin High School, in St. James, on April 24, in the wake of a stabbing incident which resulted in the death of a student.

Mrs. Williams said the Government is unwavering in its commitment to support initiatives that promote peaceful conflict resolution and ensure the safety and well-being of all students.

The Minister said it has been a difficult task processing the unfortunate and tragic stabbing incident, emphasising that there is nothing normal about the loss of a student’s life at the hands of another student.

She pointed to the gravity of the situation, where the potential loss extends beyond the victim to include the accused student facing trial.

“As I stated in Parliament, this is just a tragic situation…just sadness all around. It is devastating for the family, the school community, and Jamaica as a whole, when a child kills another child. It should cause us to look within ourselves as parents, as a community, as an education sector, and as a society,” the Minister said.

“We must take a long hard look at this to ensure that we get this right…that something like this never happens again. Yes, there may be factors that contribute to the belief among some children that the answer to their frustration in human interactions is to lash out with violence. We must change that mindset,” she added.

The Minister conveyed her heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased student, acknowledging the profound impact of such a tragic event on the entire school community and Jamaica as a whole.

“We cannot accept such violence as a normal part of school life. Every student deserves to feel safe, respected and valued in their learning environment. We must work together to address the root causes of conflict and violence, and to create a culture of peace and understanding in our schools,” she said.

Mrs. Williams pledged the Ministry’s full support and assistance to the affected school community, assuring stakeholders that every effort would be made to investigate the incident thoroughly, provide counselling and support services to students and staff, and implement measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The Minister also highlighted the collaboration with the Ministry of Justice on initiatives aimed at promoting restorative justice and peaceful conflict resolution.

She emphasised the importance of working together across Ministries to address the complex social issues that contribute to violence and conflict in schools and communities.

“We will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Justice to promote restorative justice practices and provide training and support to schools in conflict resolution techniques. It is essential that we equip our students with the skills and tools they need to resolve disputes peacefully and constructively,” the Minister said.

Students are being encouraged by Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, to make physical activity a healthy lifestyle habit.

He urges them to identify an engagement that they can actively participate in daily, particularly something they enjoy.

“If you like running, run around the house; if you like walking, go out and walk for half an hour. If you like swimming and you can, do a little swimming; and if you like hiking, go and hike,” the Minister said.

He was speaking during Friday’s (April 26) National School Moves Day event at Manchester High School in Mandeville.

Dr. Tufton noted that a significant number of young people have been enticed by technology to the extent where they are largely preoccupied with devices, such as smartphones, rather than physically interacting with friends and colleagues.

He said this is compounded by their exposure to attractively packaged ultra-processed foods that are advertised through media outlets they regularly access which, in instances, have enticed them to spend more time snacking rather than engaging in activities consistent with healthier lifestyles.

Dr. Tufton noted that this level of inactivity and nutritional choices are resulting in too many young people now suffering from lifestyle diseases, citing diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity among the most common of these.

“All of these things are going to affect them in years to come. So while they may not feel it now, as their parents, guardians, teachers and administrators, we need to do more to encourage children to go outside, leave the smart phones and get off the Internet to avoid some of the… greasy, salty sugary, fatty ultra-processed snacks… and get back to the basic [healthy] lifestyle,” he underscored.

Dr. Tufton also encouraged teachers to take steps in ensuring that children leave the classroom during breaks and go outdoors to engage in physical activities, as long as these are healthy and wholesome, adding that this “will be good for them.”

Meanwhile, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education and Youth, Hon. Marsha Smith, encouraged the students to embrace and recognise the importance of National School Moves Day.

She said one of the best ways to safeguard themselves against lifestyle diseases is by engaging in physical activity.

“I want you to see physical activity as an important medicine to keep your bodies, minds and spirits healthy,” she said.
Manchester High School Principal, Jasford Gabriel, also underscored the importance of physical activity.

“There is a close correlation between physical fitness and mental alertness; this means you [will] do better in your school work when you are physically fit,” he said.

Senior Education Officer, Core Curriculum Unit, Ministry of Education and Youth, Dr. Lorna Thompson, addresses the Norman Manley High School Maths Conference held at the institution in Kingston on Friday (April 19). The event was part of activities for Math Week from April 14-19, under the theme “Adding Up the Excitement: Math Rocks!”

Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Fayval Williams, says that despite the various challenges, significant progress has been made in literacy, teacher training, and the accessibility of high-school education, over the past six decades.

In her address to educators and stakeholders at the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) 60th Education Conference 2024, at the Ocean Coral Spring Hotel in Trelawny on April 2, the Minister emphasised the strides taken in improving literacy rates across Jamaica.

She praised the dedication of teachers and the collaborative efforts that have contributed to enhancing literacy levels among students throughout the country,

“Sixty years ago, only about 40 per cent of the teachers were trained. Today, we boast 10 teacher-training institutions, including those with teacher education faculties. And I would say 100 per cent of our teachers are trained,” Mrs. Williams noted.

“Even though there is still room for improvement, giant leaps have been made over the last six decades. Sixty years ago, if I could cast your minds back, almost half a million adults in Jamaica were illiterate. Today, the literacy rate of Jamaica overall is 88 per cent. Significantly higher. Yes, I’m also going to say [it is] not near that of our colleagues in the Caribbean, so we do have some way to go, even as we celebrate how far we have come,” the Minister added.

Reflecting on the advancements in teacher training, Mrs. Williams cited the continuous development and support provided to educators to ensure they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively educate the youth of Jamaica.

She emphasised the importance of ongoing professional development for teachers to enhance the quality of education delivered in the classrooms.

Mrs. Williams also noted the progress made in ensuring easy access to high-school education for all students in Jamaica, pointing to initiatives aimed at expanding educational opportunities and removing barriers to entry, particularly for marginalised communities.

She further reiterated the Government’s commitment to promoting inclusive education that caters to the diverse needs of students.

“While there is nothing wrong in celebrating these achievements, there is [absolutely] no room for complacency in the education sector. We are encouraging educators to continue striving for excellence and innovation in teaching practices to further enhance the quality of education in Jamaica,” the Minister said.

Mrs. Williams further stressed the importance of adapting to the changing educational landscapes and embracing new technologies to meet the evolving needs of students.

She commended the JTA for its dedication in advancing the teaching profession and advocating for the rights of educators, adding that she has always been impressed with the role of the association in promoting collaboration among teachers and fostering a supportive community within the education sector.

Mrs. Williams also called for a moment of reflection on the accomplishments to date, as well as the challenges that lie ahead, further emphasising the need for collective efforts to address gaps in the education system and work towards greater inclusivity and equity in education.

“I want to express, on behalf of the Ministry, our gratitude to all educators, stakeholders, and partners in the education sector for their unwavering commitment to providing quality education for the youth of Jamaica. We will continue to do our part to ensure the continued progress and success of Jamaica’s education system in the years to come,” the Minister said.

The Ministry of Education and Youth (MOEY) has an approved ‘Philosophy of Education for Jamaica’.

A bulletin issued by the Ministry states that in accordance with the recommendations of the Jamaica Education Transformation Commission Report, also known as the Orlando Patterson Report (2021), the Ministry was charged to “widely promote an education philosophy which sees learning as a collaborative interaction between teachers, students and the curriculum and pursue efforts to ensure widespread acceptance”.

Following extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including students and student leaders, parents, members of the church community, teachers, principals, Education Officers and other technocrats, the Education Philosophy for Jamaica has been finalised and reads as follows:

“Under God, the Jamaican educational philosophy embraces diverse learning capacities and styles, aiming to nurture each learner’s full potential. We provide a comprehensive education, blending academic and vocational pursuits with values-based teachings and life skills. Our focus is on fostering community harmony, appreciating our cultural heritage, promoting inclusivity, environmental stewardship, and respect for all. Through this approach, we aim to cultivate learners’ understanding of themselves, respect for humanity and love for country as embodied in our National Vision, Anthem, and Pledge.”

The education philosophy embodies the tenets of the Ministry’s efforts to Transform Education for National Development (TREND).

School administrators are being encouraged to disseminate this philosophy to all stakeholders to ensure its widespread adoption and incorporation in their school improvement plan, teaching and learning preparations and practices, and home-school engagements and community partnerships.

They are also being urged to familiarise themselves with the philosophy and incorporate its core principles into their daily routines.

The music programme at Kingston High School has been bolstered through the donation of musical instruments, valued at more than $1million, by the Ministry of National Security.

The items, provided under the Ministry’s Music, Sports, and Technology (MST) Initiative, include keyboards, acoustic and bass guitars, amplifiers, mixer board, microphones and stands, drums and percussion instruments.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, in his address at the handover ceremony on Tuesday (April 9) at the school’s campus at 172 King’s Street, said the MST initiative underscores the Government’s focus on proactively addressing the root causes of violence by engaging and empowering youth.

“We look at bringing to the schools restoration of the music, sports and technology programmes,” he said.

Dr. Chang urged the staff and students to make good use of the musical instruments and noted the Government’s commitment to “bringing a level of support to the institution to help you to do the job to provide young people in this community with proper education”.

Acting Vice Principal, Sashauna Gordon, in expressing gratitude, said that music contributes to the enrichment of the students’ educational experience.

“Music holds a special place in our hearts and plays a vital role in our school community. It has the power to inspire creativity, foster teamwork and bring joy to our daily lives. The donation of these musical items not only embraces our existing music programme but also provides opportunities for students to explore their talents and passion in new and exciting ways,” she pointed out.

Music teacher, Michael Bennett, said the items will go a long way in enhancing the school’s music programme.

“We are very grateful for the items received. It will allow our students’ musical talents to blossom and to inspire even greater creativity,” he pointed out.

For his part, grade-nine student Jerome Williams, who aspires to become a musician, said the donation of the items is “truly a blessing”.

“I love music. It inspires me and it brings people together,” he added.

The MST initiative forms part of the Ministry’s national anti-violence campaign, which aims to promote community engagement initiatives, with a view to disrupting criminal activity, restoring public order and public safety, and encourage social responsibility.

Twenty-nine Programme of Advancement through Health and Education (PATH) beneficiaries have been commended for their outstanding academic performance.

The top-female and male students were selected from the seven education regions, based on the results of their 2023 Primary Exit Profile (PEP) and Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.

They were recognised by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security during Thursday’s (April 11) PATH Top Achiever’s Awards Ceremony.

The event was held at the Spanish Court Hotel in New Kingston under the theme ‘Celebrating Empowerment through Education’.

Primary awardees received a plaque, a $25,000 book voucher and a cheque of similar value, while secondary students were presented with a plaque, and a cheque and book voucher valued $50,000 each.

A former beneficiary, Jordon Freeman, was recognised with the PATH Trailblazer Award for excelling in his academic and career pursuits.

In his keynote address, Portfolio Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., said the Ministry plans to strengthen its partnership with the education sector as it undertakes an overhaul of PATH.

“We are doing this with a view to ensuring that we address the challenges that have been exposed, so that we can provide a system that gives maximum support to our children,” he stated.

The Minister noted that the PATH beneficiaries’ success stories fuel his commitment to lead the transformation that will continue to serve Jamaica’s most vulnerable.

“Our goal is to create a more responsive, more transparent and a more efficient and effective PATH. We want to ensure that the more than 300,000 beneficiaries are all excelling,” Mr. Charles said.

For his part, State Minister, Dr. the Hon. Norman Dunn, pointed out that since 2002, PATH has been a cornerstone of Jamaica’s social-assistance efforts.

“The achievements that we… witness today bear testament to the programme’s resilience and the collective will of our nation to ensure that no one is left behind,” he said.

Dr. Dunn charged the awardees to continue to emulate examples of resilience and sound character.

In her remarks, Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Fayval Williams, said the Government remains committed to supporting vulnerable students.

She commended the awardees and urged them to explore their potential for greatness through technical and vocational skill areas, academia, sports, entertainment, science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics or any discipline of their choice, “with the same tenacity and rigour you applied to the exams”.

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says conflict management should form a part of the curricula at schools as a means of reducing violence in the society.

Addressing students and teachers at Manchester High School in Mandeville on Friday (January 12), Prime Minister Holness said the principles of conflict resolution and management are critical to violence reduction and prevention, particularly among youth.

He referenced data indicating that a significant percentage of the shootings and murders are committed by young males under 24 years, adding that they are predominantly the victims of violence.

“We have a problem with resolving conflicts… we have a problem with violence. But we also have a problem with our young men [being] in conflict and using violence [to resolve it] and being the victims of violence.

“Governments usually try not to get too involved in regulating households, even in how they discipline children. But the social problems that we have, have become so challenging, they are now at crisis proportion that the Government has to be direct and instrumental in dealing with this problem of violence in a frontal way,” the Prime Minister stated.

Consequently, he maintained that “we need to take a different approach to solving conflicts; we can’t use violence to solve it.”

“We are going to have to incorporate the schools now, to deliberately teach in the curriculum how to manage conflict. It is going to have to be a curriculum subject,” the Prime Minister emphasised.

Meanwhile, Mr. Holness said there will be greater collaboration with the National Parenting Support Commission (NPSC) and educational institutions to reinforce best principles of conflict resolution.

“There has to be a solid link between the home and the school. What is being taught in the schools must also be reinforced in the homes. So, yes, the two-pronged approach… we will be dealing with the schools directly about treating with conflict and about dealing with violence and building peace; and through the National Parenting Support Commission, we will also be carrying this message to parents to see a transformation of our society,” he stated.

Mr. Holness encouraged the students to be Ambassadors for peace, noting that they will be instrumental to Jamaica’s continued growth and development.

“You are going to be the ones to inherit a properly run and structured economy, and you are going to grow it. You are going to create the labour force that will attract the investment that will [transform] Jamaica into a first world country. But on the other hand, we need good citizens. We need people who will respect the law, we need people who will become good parents, we need people who will take a peaceful stance in resolving conflict.

So as we have worked on the economy and building the productivity of the country… we must now work on the person, the human being,” he underscored.

Prime Minister Holness was joined on the visit to the school by Member of Parliament, Manchester Central, Rhoda Moy Crawford, and other stakeholders.

The Ministry of Education and Youth is preparing the procurement to enable system-wide installations and coordination of security cameras across the education system.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Fayval Williams, made the disclosure during a statement to the House of Representatives on Tuesday (January 16).

A survey conducted in July 2023 showed 154 schools with a total of 1,955 cameras.

“This year, an additional eight schools have benefited from $15 million in grants to procure CCTV cameras that will improve safety and security at their schools,” Mrs. Williams stated.

The Minister also informed that the Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, will be ramping up restorative justice practices in schools along with conflict resolution.

Approximately 3,600 participants across 120 schools will benefit from this training.

Mrs. Williams pointed out that the team at the Ministry is looking forward to continuing the dialogue with the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport to develop an expanded rural transportation programme that will benefit more than the current 7,500 students.

“This programme currently costs approximately $390 million annually,” the Minister noted.

Meanwhile, 150 students across 10 secondary schools will benefit from Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) training, made possible by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) – Positive Pathways to Guidance Counsellors and Social Workers – within the targeted schools.

“CBT training raises awareness of depression, anxiety, personality disorders and other socio-emotional issues,” Mrs. Williams said.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Youth, Dr. Kasan Troupe (seated, right), and Chief Education Officer, Terry-Ann Thomas-Gayle (seated, left), accept a gift from Boston College student, Justin Smith (seated, centre). The occasion was a courtesy call from a Boston College delegation, at the Ministry’s main office in Kingston on Tuesday (January 9).