JIS: Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Alando Terrelonge, has lauded educators for their work in preparing the future leaders of Jamaica.

 

Speaking with JIS News during his visit to St. Aloysius Primary School in Kingston on May 8 to celebrate Teachers’ Day, Mr. Terrelonge thanked teachers across the island for their dedicated service in empowering children.

 

“Teachers are the guardians of our society. I want to celebrate all our teachers simply because there is no society without the impact and influence of our teachers to ensure that successive generations are educated, inspired and empowered. I want to say a big thank you to all our teachers for all the work they continue to do to ensure the prosperity of Jamaica,” the State Minister said.

 

Mr. Terrelonge said the Ministry continues to collaborate with the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) to recognise the work that teachers have been doing.

 

Meanwhile, Principal of St. Aloysius Primary, Althea Palmer, said working with children is her passion.

 

“It is not a nine-to-five job. It calls for determination, dedication, passion and a love for children. It calls for somebody with a vision of where they would like to see their Jamaica and the kind of legacy you would like to leave behind,” she said.

 

Grade-two Coordinator and senior teacher, Pancita Walker, who is trained in early-childhood education, told JIS News that her inspiration and motivation for teaching is seeing the progress of her students.

 

“What drives me and motivates me as a teacher is when I can move a child from point D to point A. I am fulfilled. There is no child that cannot reach his or her greatness,” Miss Walker, who has been employed at the school for 18 years, said.

 

Grade-six student, Daniel Hall, told JIS News that he appreciates the work his teachers put in to make the subjects interesting for him. “Teachers help us to learn, so in the future we can be like them,” he said.

 

Locally, Teachers’ Day is observed annually on the first Wednesday of May, during the first full week.

 

Teachers’ Day is one of several activities to mark Education Week, being celebrated from May 5 to 11 under the theme ‘Empowering Educators: Retooling, Innovating, Networking for Sustainable Development’.

 

CAPTION: Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Alando Terrelonge, interacts with grade-six students of St. Aloysius Primary School in Kingston today (May 8). The State Minister visited the school to celebrate Teachers’ Day. Locally, Teachers’ Day is observed annually on the first Wednesday of May, during the first full week.

 

CAPTION TWO: Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Alando Terrelonge (centre), greets Grade Two Coordinator and Senior Teacher at St. Aloysius Primary School, Pancita Walker (left), on his visit to the institution to celebrate Teachers’ Day, today (May 8). At right is Principal of the school, Althea Palmer. Locally, Teachers’ Day is observed annually on the first Wednesday of May, during the first full week.

 

JIS: Minister without Portfolio with oversight for the Education, Youth and Information Ministry, Hon. Karl Samuda, is appealing for all Jamaicans to work together to end violence against the nation’s children.

 

“Every day we wake up we hear sad stories…; it has to come to a stop,” he said.

 

Minister Samuda made the remarks during a visit to the Haile Selassie High School on Payne Avenue, St. Andrew, on May 8.

 

In providing safety tips to the students, the Minister encouraged them to be alert and aware of their surroundings at all times.

 

“When you are going home, don’t walk alone, no matter where you are and how safe you think you are. Walk with a friend or two, and make sure that your eyes are alert and take note of your environment,” he said.

 

He noted that the collaboration of all citizens is critical in protecting children.

 

“We all have to fight together. We have to cooperate with our teachers, our parents and our friends and relatives… . I beg for your support,” he said.

 

Mr. Samuda’s visit to Haile Selassie High was part of activities for Teachers’ Day.

 

The observance was in keeping with Education Week activities from May 5 to 11 under the theme ‘Empowering Educators: Retooling, Innovating, Networking for Sustainable Development’.

 

CAPTION: Minister without Portfolio, with oversight for the Education, Youth and Information Ministry, Hon. Karl Samuda (standing) speaking with civics and social studies teacher, Haile Selaisse High School, Tanisha Wiles during his visit to the institution on Payne Avenue, St. Andrew, on May 8. Mr. Samuda’s visit to the institution was used to observe and celebrate Teachers’ Day. Other teachers (from left) in the background are Clifton Wellington and Tiffany Taylor.

 

CAPTION ONE: 

Public Relations Executive in the Marketing and Public Relations Department, Jamaica Information Service (JIS), Kadian Brown, reads to grade-one students at the Red Hills Primary School in St. Andrew. Occasion was a visit to the school by a team from the JIS to participate in Read Across Jamaica Day today (May 7).

 

CAPTION TWO: 

Vice Principal of the Red Hills Primary School in St. Andrew, Lorraine Bramwell (left); and Principal, Paul Messam (second left), with students and a team from the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) that visited the school, today (May 7), to participate in Read Across Jamaica Day.

CAPTION ONE: Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Alando Terrelonge reading to students of New Providence Primary School, in Kingston, today (May 7), to mark Read Across Jamaica Day. The Day forms part of activities to mark Education Week from May 5 to 11, under the theme, ‘Empowering Educators: Retooling, Innovating, Networking for Sustainable Development’.

CAPTION TWO: Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Alando Terrelonge reads to New Providence Primary School students, to observe Read Across Jamaica Day on May 7, at the institution’s Barbican Road address in Kingston. Read Across Jamaica Day forms part of activities to mark Education Week from May 5 to 11, under the theme, ‘Empowering Educators: Retooling, Innovating, Networking for Sustainable Development’.

 

JIS: Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Dr. Grace McLean, says the Ministry remains committed to resolving issues within the sector.

 

She notes that matters arising in 2019, such as those related to the Primary Exit Profile (PEP), have been identified and are being addressed through remedial interventions and other initiatives.

 

This, Dr. McLean adds, in an effort to facilitate the seamless development of the education system and citizenry.

 

“I, therefore, take this opportunity to assure the wider Jamaica and the Jamaica Teachers Association (JTA), that the Ministry is committed to continuous service, support and consolation, as we ensure that whatever we are doing, it is in the best interest of our children,” she added.

 

Dr. McLean was speaking at a service at Mount Ward Methodist Church in Ramble, Hanover, on Sunday, May 5, to mark the start of the JTA’s observance of ‘Education Week 2019’, from May 5 to 9.

She also lauded the JTA for implementing various education initiatives to support students’ cognitive development.

 

“I urge you to continue being beacons of hope for our children, even as we grapple with our personal and institutional challenges. Our aim at the Ministry is to mobilize support for our educators, to ensure that we continue to meet the educational needs of future generations,” Dr. McLean said.

 

She added that teachers along with parents and church leaders are among the first channels through which knowledge is introduced to children.

“So even as we recognize the efforts being promoted, teaching as a valuable profession must be in the collective effort of all stakeholders in education,” Dr. McLean further said.

 

CAPTION: Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information (MOEYI), Dr. Grace McLean, at a service at Mt. Ward Methodist Church in Ramble, Hanover, on Sunday, May 5, to mark the start to the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) ‘Education Week 2019’.

 

JIS: Children’s Advocate, Diahann Gordon Harrison, is urging heightened vigilance by parents and community members in protecting the nation’s children from harm, in light of recent attacks and mishaps involving several youngsters.

 

Speaking at the Office of the Children’s Advocate’s (OCA) first quarterly press briefing at the agency’s offices in downtown Kingston on May 3, Mrs. Gordon Harrison, said the mishaps against children have not “gone unnoticed” by the entity.

 

She contended, however, that while the OCA’s officers are doing their part to provide support, communities can do more.

 

“We use these incidents to urge that immediate and important steps be taken to protect our children. It is not just parents and guardians who must assist with protecting children… we need all communities and school families,” the Children’s Advocate emphasised.

 

Mrs. Gordon Harrison noted that the school community can play a vital role in safeguarding children, as they know what is usual and unusual about youngsters who they interact with daily, while stressing that “everybody needs to get involved”.

 

She said data collated by the OCA show that most attacks on children are committed by persons known to them and with who, in some cases, they have close relations.

 

“We need to be looking at the systems of protection and supervision that we create for our children, as parents, and we need to, as community members, speak out when we see something that looks wrong. If we see children walking to and from school alone, we need to ensure that they are walking in groups,” she said.

 

Meanwhile, Mrs. Gordon Harrison highlighted children’s vulnerability when travelling alone on public transportation to school.

 

In this regard, she proposed the creation of incentives for taxi and bus operators to provide special arrangements for the youngsters.

 

Mrs. Gordon Harrison also said retired and unemployed persons could give consideration to becoming safety wardens for children who have to walk the streets, often unaccompanied, particularly in their communities.

 

She advised that the OCA is, as part of its mandate, providing counselling and legal representation to families islandwide, to ensure the rights and welfare of children are preserved.

 

Under the Child Care and Protection Act 2004, the OCA is authorised to take all reasonable steps to protect and enforce the rights of children in Jamaica.

 

CAPTION: Children’s Advocate, Diahann Gordon Harrison (right), addressing the Office of the Children’s Advocate’s (OCA) first quarterly press briefing on May 3, at the agency’s offices in downtown Kingston.

JIS: Children’s Advocate, Diahann Gordon Harrison, is urging young people, especially girls, to beware of potential dangers they can be exposed to on social media.

 

“Recognise that a lot of what is happening out there is falsehood… [and can lead to you to getting] in with the wrong crowd,” she cautioned, citing human trafficking as an example.

 

She was speaking at a Social Change Luncheon hosted under the ‘We Inspire Girls to be Strong Women’ initiative at the Courtleigh Hotel in New Kingston on May 2.

Mrs. Gordon Harrison said a recent assessment of the typical human trafficking victim in Jamaica points to girls, aged 13 to 17, with serious self-esteem issues.

 

She said they tend to “listen to anybody and do anything to get some attention, and buy into the garbage that human traffickers are feeding that target population”.

 

This, the Children’s Advocate further stated, sets them up as prime prey for the perpetrators of this heinous crime.

 

She, therefore, encouraged young people to stay focused and not be distracted by the social media “hype”.

Mrs. Gordon Harrison also cautioned them to be careful how they present themselves on social media, noting that Human Resource interests scout the platform to view the profiles of prospective employees.

 

In the meantime, the Children’s Advocate is encouraging girls to trust their instincts if they feel uncomfortable with certain situations, particularly instances of abuse.

 

“Abuse is real! It can derail your life in a very real and significant way and you need to learn to trust your instincts. It doesn’t matter who it is; if it feels wrong, chances are it is wrong. The abuser, typically, is somebody who knows you very well and who you trust and who is close to you… so listen to those instincts,” she said.

 

Additionally, Mrs. Gordon Harrison encouraged young girls to aspire to become leaders and agents of change as, ultimately, “you will be the movers and shakers of tomorrow”.

 

Conceptualizer of the initiative, Cortia Bingham, said the movement seeks to influence the next generation of women to become innovators and creative, critical thinkers who can influence positive changes in the society.

 

“One of the main things that we wanted to achieve with We Inspire Girls to be Strong Women, is to create more women who are thought leaders who [can] bring bright ideas that can really push Jamaica forward,” she said.

 

During the luncheon, girls from five high schools presented their social change initiatives which they believe will positively impact their communities or schools. These were assessed by a panel of judges.

 

Eddie-Ann Gordon, a Grade 10 student from Vere Technical High School, emerged the winner with her initiative focusing on reducing cyber bullying.

 

She was awarded a $50,000 scholarship by Foska Oats; one-year mentorship; lunch vouchers for one school term and furniture from Courts Jamaica; a paid internship from Chas E Ramson, and sponsors’ products valued $100,000.

 

Second-place went to Roshelle Pinnock of B.B. Coke High, whose initiative focused on proper dining etiquette.

 

Markiesh Francis of Westwood High; Kerrisha Francis of Dinthill High; and Janeil Stephens of St. Catherine High also made impactful presentations.

 

Since 2017, the We Inspire team, through a high school tour, has been to more than 50 secondary schools islandwide, directly engaging more than 10,000 girls to think critically, dream big and create a life based on principles and values.

 

CAPTION ONE: Conceptualiser of the ‘We Inspire Girls to be Strong Women’ initiative, Cortia Bingham (left); and Foska Oats Brand Manager, Marsha Lee Stewart (right), present Eddie-Ann Gordon of Vere Technical High School with a scholarship valued $50,000. The presentation was made during a Social Change Luncheon hosted under the initiative at the Courtleigh Hotel in New Kingston on May 2.

CAPTION TWO: Conceptualiser of the ‘We Inspire Girls to be Strong Women’ initiative, Cortia Bingham (centre), with Vere Technical High School student, Eddie-Ann Gordon (left), and Guidance Counsellor at the institution, Owen Rodney. The occasion was a Social Change Luncheon hosted under the initiative at the Courtleigh Hotel in New Kingston on May 2. During the event, girls from five high schools made presentations on social change initiatives they developed, which were assessed by a panel of judges. Miss Gordon, who presented on cyber bullying, emerged the winner and received several prizes including a scholarship valued $50,000.

 

 

JIS: The Government is redoubling its effort to ensure the nation’s workforce is equipped with technical and vocational skills to better meet the needs of the society.

 

This is according to Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Dr. Grace McLean, who said this is being achieved by “mainstreaming” Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) into the curricula, beginning at the early-childhood stage.

 

“It’s not an add-on; it’s not just something else you do. We understand that we cannot go forward as a people and really achieve the development that we need unless we ensure that our students, our people… have the relevant skills,” she said in a speech read by Acting Chief Education Officer, Winnie Berry.

 

The speech was delivered at the press launch for the Fourth International Conference on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the Caribbean, held at the Regional Headquarters of the University of the West Indies, Mona, on Tuesday (April 30).

 

Dr. McLean stressed that TVET is of greater importance now more than ever, “as we begin to venture into an era of increased industrialisation and interconnectedness”, adding that as a sector, TVET has been recognised as a critical area that will be a key driver in the improvement of the productive sector.

 

As such, she noted that the Ministry has continuously pushed for a greater commitment to the administration of TVET across both the secondary and tertiary education systems, and has been encouraging persons to participate in the building of the nation through new advancements in infrastructure, technology and communication.

 

“The Ministry has also been undertaking a TVET Integration Model, facilitated by our TVET Rationalisation project, which seeks to engage students from the secondary-school level in the skills, knowledge, attitudes, habits and values that are in demand in the society, and which, consequently, will contribute to the nation’s productivity goals,” she said.

 

The Integration Model being used by the Ministry in schools introduces young children to the concepts of TVET from the early-childhood level, and continues to build on this initiation through processes of induction, orientation, and exploration and specialisation right throughout the public education system

 

Dr. McLean noted that since the introduction of this programme, the Ministry has sought to provide support to a number of schools, through the provision of financial aid as well as supplying equipment and tools to schools seeking to increase the student uptake of TVET. In addition, labs have been outfitted and tools and other materials have been provided to facilitate the integration of TVET in schools.

 

She said that the HEART Trust/NTA has had an indelible effect on the direction and recognition of TVET and technical skills in Jamaica, and continues to collaborate with the Ministry to enhance the delivery of TVET, specifically at the secondary level.

 

“I am grateful to partners such as the School of Education, UNESCO, the Ministry of Tourism, other education institutions and partners for working with the Ministry to achieve its targets in integrating TVET across all levels,” she added.

 

The conference, themed, ‘Towards the 21st Century Economy: Principles, Strategies and Work Practice’, will be held from May 22 to 24 at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa in Montego Bay, St. James.

 

The conference has attracted over 60 papers and 25 specially invited speakers from various countries. It will offer opportunities to stakeholders at all levels throughout the region to interact with international interests in identifying and exploring global principles, and to highlight strategies in the search for best practices that will benefit the region.

 

Special emphasis will be placed on repositioning TVET as a vehicle for the digital economy, TVET contributing to gross domestic product (GDP), TVET in entrepreneurship and youth empowerment, and treating with qualifications by examining the National/Regional Qualifications Framework.

 

The conference is being organised by UWI, in partnership with the Education Ministry, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), University of the Commonwealth Caribbean, Caribbean Maritime University, GraceKennedy Group and Sutherland.

 

It will receive sponsorship from Halston Limited, Port Authority of Jamaica, and the Caribbean Development Bank.

 

CAPTION: Acting Chief Education Officer, Winnie Berry, delivers a speech on behalf of Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Dr. Grace McLean, at the press launch for the Fourth International Conference on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the Caribbean, held at the Regional Headquarters of the University of the West Indies, Mona, on Tuesday (April 30).

The Minister of State in the Ministry of Education Youth and Information, Hon. Alando Terrelonge, yesterday signed the regional Caribbean safe school initiative in Kingstown, St Vincent. Minister Terrelonge participated in the two day 2nd Caribbean Safe School Ministerial forum.

 

Minister Terrelonge expressed “Today I had the honour of signing the Caribbean Safe School Initiative as contained in the Antigua & Barbuda Declaration of 2017, on behalf of Jamaica. 

The declaration prioritizes school safety in the Caribbean, and in so doing, Jamaica reaffirms our commitment to disaster risk management in the education sector & the right to quality and inclusive education for all our children. 

 

It is an honour to represent my country at the 2nd Caribbean Safe School Ministerial Forum in St Vincent. Given the frequency and ferocity of natural disasters in the region occasioned by climate change, it is imperative that we examine our disaster risk reduction as a region, and that we also focus on building resilience & devising policy to secure our schools against the myriad of geophysical hazards including earthquakes and hurricanes, and lessen the psycho social effects of natural disasters on students and staff.”

 

The Initiative seeks to motivate and support Governments to develop national strategies and implement school safety, building upon the Comprehensive School Safety Framework and defining a safe school as one that combines all of the following elements, defined as its three core pillars, which should be addressed by education policies and plans, and aligned with disaster management at national, regional, district, and local school site levels: ? Safe Learning Facilities (disaster-resilient infrastructure); ? School Disaster Management; ? Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience Education.

 

The conference was hosted by the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in partnership with CDEMA, OECS Commission, UNICEF, UNISDR, UNESCO, CDB and IsraAID.

 

CAPTION: Minister of State in the Ministry of Education Youth and Information, Alando Terrelonge, signing the regional Caribbean safe school initiative in Kingstown, St Vincent. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JIS: Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Alando Terrelonge, says come September when the 2019/20 academic year begins, all reports of corporal punishment being administered in schools “will be treated very seriously”.

 

Mr. Terrelonge, who reiterated the Government’s prohibition policy on corporal punishment, emphasised that this method of discipline “is not the solution for a society that is already steeped in violence”.

 

“Corporal punishment must end. We have indicated that we do not wish for our children to receive corporal punishment in schools… yet there are some teachers and some administrators who are still beating our children. I am asking every single one of you to stop,” the State Minister further stressed.

He was addressing social workers at the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) Field Services Conference at the Iberostar Rose Hall Hotel in Montego Bay, St. James, on April 16.

 

Mr. Terrelonge argued that administering discipline, such as corporal punishment, which demoralises and dehumanises, will not improve the behavioural challenges identified but, rather, will make it more difficult for the children to function in society.

 

He suggested that intense counselling and discipline, tailored to correct, guide, and alter youngsters’ mindset, are alternatives that can and should be explored.

 

“We want to ensure that our children are disciplined… but that their very human rights are also respected. So you have that task, as well, to look out for all these incidents and report them, so that they can be dealt with,” he added.

 

Mr. Terrelonge assured that Government will continue strengthening the law to ensure that the persons abusing children are decisively dealt with.

 

CAPTION: State Minister in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Alando Terrelonge (second right), shares pleasantries with (from left) Business Consultant and Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Marcus Mottley; Chief Executive Officer, Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), Rosalee Gage-Grey; and Director, Alternative Care Services at the CPFSA, Eunice Scott-Shaw, during the entity’s Field Services Conference at Iberostar Rose Hall Hotel in Montego Bay, St James, on April