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.