The System Of
Education In Jamaica

Watch! See the real Jamaica in VIDEOS!
Click Here and see why over 60,000 fans are raving about my YouTube Channel!

Careers Day

By Tamekia Kentish

The government has taken a keen interest in what they call the total-education of its citizenry, and so there are greater efforts on the way to improve the quality of our education system - from early childhood to university level.

The new educational mantra by the way, is "free education for all children… no child should be turned away from school because of money."

Early Childhood

The Early Childhood division is now moving to regularize all existing institutions. Hence, all teachers must be trained and certified. All institutions, public and private, must be duly registered.

This provides the government with a suitable means of tracking the progress of such schools.

The regional educational officers now have proper listings to help them monitor the quality of education disseminated. This is also a useful guide to the teacher-student ratio.

Learning abilities and disabilities becomes easier to detect and addressed. Thus more specialized teachers are been trained to address matters of dyslexia, ADHD, and more severe cases of mental handicaps.

Primary Level

Education in Jamaica has also seen greater focus placed on literacy. One of the increasing trends over the past five (5) to eight (8) years is that many high school students leave high school but cannot read very well.

Simple grammatical rules, vocabulary, sentence structure and comprehension were skills that many high school graduates could apply very well. For a moment, there was a blame game being played out.

High school teachers blame primary teachers, who further blame the parents for poor school attendance and indiscipline; and ultimately parents, blamed the government and the wider society for the indiscipline – and it goes on.

So in an effort to reduce illiteracy, the government adopted a program where students could not move on to a higher grade until they have satisfied the required reading level – this was an ingenious plan which saw increased attention and results for primary school students.

Secondary Level

While being aware that major results of the policy changes will not become visible for a few years, there must be some measures to assist current high school students who are not performing well.

The first plan of action was to offer three compulsory CXC (Caribbean Examination Council) subject for FREE.

Students now have the opportunity to sit English Language, Mathematics and Computer Information at no cost to them. As such, these students now have only their effort and attention to bring into discipline.

The government is working over-time to get the education in Jamaica up to a high standard where its citizens can be competitive in a global environment.

Vocation & Tertiary

For the Jamaican youth who finds him or herself outside of high school but without either the requirements or interest for a college education, such a youth can decide to earn a certified skill at one of the many HEART institutions in Jamaica.

Here, various skills, experience, and sometimes job placement are facilitated by this institution.

For those who are interested in a college/university education, the government has facilitated a student loan program that is open to all Jamaicans without collaterals. The main criteria are acceptance into the institution of choice and two gainfully employed guarantors.

The JAMAL effort is still seeking to eradicate adult illiteracy through there ongoing programmes.

So, whatever else is thought of Jamaica, and despite the greater works to be done, the education system has come a far way. The education sector is a huge part of the Vision 2030 plans, and we definitely hope all that has been outlined to be done to improve the education system in Jamaica will be achieved. 

Sharing IS Caring! Please help me get the message out by sharing this article with your friends on social media (links below). Thnx ;-)

If you found this page useful, please consider subscribing to my weekly newsletter, to get even more. 

It tells you each week about the new information that I have added, including new developments and great stories from lovers of Jamaica! 

Return to Ministry of Education Jamaica from Education in Jamaica Efforts
Return to My Island Jamaica Homepage from Education in Jamaica Efforts

References & Sources For Education in Jamaica Efforts

1. https://moey.gov.jm/
   
2. https://planipolis.iiep.unesco.org/sites/default/files/ressources/jamaica_vision_2030_education_sector_plan.pdf
   

Other Great Articles You Might Have Missed

P.S. Didn't find what you were looking for? 
Still need help?

Click Here to try our dependable and effective Site Search tool. It works!

Or, simply click here and here, to browse my library of over 500 questions and answers! Chances are someone already asked (and got an answer to) your question.

---

Celebrating Jamaica60!

CLICK HERE to see the results of our fun JAMAICA60 essay contest!

Featured Video!

Trending Now!

Top Articles

Recent Articles

• 
• 
• 

1. The History Of St Elizabeth |The Achievements of Jamaica's Breadbasket

   Dec 03, 22 06:51 AM

   
   As one of the largest and earliest established parishes, there is much more to the history of St Elizabeth, the breadbasket of Jamaica.

   Read More

2. Are All The Beaches In Jamaica Clothing Optional?

   Dec 02, 22 04:59 PM

   
   Are all the beaches in Jamaica clothing optional? Not by a long shot! Your best chance at clothing-optional beaches is at these adult-only resorts in Jamaica.

   Read More

3. Where In Jamaica is Laughing Waters Beach Located?

   Dec 02, 22 01:54 PM

   
   Just where in Jamaica is Laughing Waters beach located? The elusive beach is not as difficult to find as you might think.

   Read More

4. Family Hotels In Negril | All Inclusive Budget & Luxury Options!

   Dec 02, 22 09:16 AM

   
   While some of the best family hotels in Negril are opulent all-inclusives, not all of them are. Here are the best options for both budget and luxury vacations.

   Read More

5. How Much Cash Can You Carry Legally In Jamaica?

   Dec 01, 22 04:52 PM

   
   How much cash can you carry legally in Jamaica? That’s an excellent question! No matter your reason for travelling, there is a limit to the money you can bring.

   Read More