Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Fayval Williams, has underscored the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to the care and protection of children.

She pointed out that the Ministry is collaborating with the Children’s Affairs Policy Division and the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) to increase public awareness of every child’s rights, empower children with information related to their rights and responsibilities, celebrate and affirm children and promote positive engagement, heighten public awareness of the issues negatively affecting children and the impact these have on their development, and steps to be taken to address these issues.

The Minister said this is being done in conjunction with the National Child Month Committee (NCMC).

She was speaking at the Saxthorpe Methodist Church on Constant Spring Road in Kingston, on May 5 at the National Church Service to mark the beginning of the activities for Child Month 2024.

The theme for the Month is ‘Stand up! Speak out! Protect the Rights of our Children’.

The Minister emphasised the important role of parents, guardians, relatives, and society in nurturing, guiding, and protecting children, the future of the nation.

A series of activities designed to achieve these outcomes were announced, including the National Child Online Protection Forum on the importance of protecting the children in online spaces, the Child Conversation – Special Edition for children with special needs, a Wellness Bench Lyme – Child Conversation in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Child Month Poster Competition for the children in State care, a Child Management Day – engaging wards of the State in shadowing professionals at the CPFSA, and the Annual Prayer Brunch.

One notable initiative is the ‘31 Days of Children’s Rights’ campaign, launched on the Ministry’s social media platforms, aimed at disseminating vital information on children’s rights.

As the Month unfolds, Jamaicans are encouraged to participate in these events and remain steadfast advocates for children’s well-being.

A total of 10,000 computers have been distributed to high schools as part of a programme to upgrade technology laboratories at the institutions.

Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Fayval Williams, made the disclosure during her contribution to the 2024 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Wednesday (May 8).

She noted that the computers were facilitated through e-Learning Jamaica (e-LJAM).

“We have done this in record time in one school year. It is the good policies of this Government and the consistent good performance of revenues that has created the budget space to allow us to take on these massive technology upgrades and broadband connectivity across the length and breadth of the education sector,” Mrs. Williams said.

Through e-LJAM, some 25,700 teachers have received e-vouchers to procure a laptop, with 24,000 teachers redeeming their vouchers.

“I implore the teachers who have not yet redeemed their vouchers to do so quickly. The Ministry of Education and Youth is committed to a fit-for-purpose school learning infrastructure,” the Education Minister said.

“Let us not divorce what we have been able to provide to our schools from the consistent excellent budget figures of this Government,” she added.

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.