Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Dr. Kasan Troupe, is calling on volunteers across various sectors to lend their support to the education transformation process.

She noted that professionals, such as engineers and psychologists, among others, can play a role.

“If you are a teacher and you have done very well on your performance appraisal, if you have done something remarkable in the teaching profession, if you are a mentor, there is a place for you in transformation,” Dr. Troupe said.

She was addressing the recent launch of the Transforming Education for National Development (TREND) portal at Clarendon College.

TREND aims to sensitise the public about and get buy-in for the education transformation process.

It is guided by the 365 recommendations in the Professor Orlando Patterson-chaired Jamaica Education Transformation Commission (JETC) report.

The recommendations, which span early-childhood education through to the tertiary level, are designed to improve performance at all stages of the education system, to enhance the nation’s competitiveness.

Dr. Troupe said the Ministry is on target in implementing the recommendations, adding, “we want to use your skills to help us sell the message.”

She encourages interested persons to visit the TREND portal at trend-ja.com, for information about how they can offer support.

Dr. Troupe also urges Principals, whose schools have received good reviews in the National Education Inspectorate (NEI) report, to indicate, via the portal, if they wish to serve.

“If you want to volunteer and help your alma mater, or other schools across the island, this is the platform. We are expanding this opportunity for all of Jamaica to get involved in this transformation,” the Permanent Secretary said.