MoESYI leads $10m Labour Day school upgrade activities

The St Martin de Porres Primary and Infant School in Gordon Town, St Andrew was a vibrant hub of activity and collaboration on Labour Day as the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information (MoESYI), the National Education Trust (NET), an agency of the MoESYI, the CHASE Fund, and e-Learning Jamaica Company Limited brought the vision of a modern, student-centred learning environment to life.

This effort is part of a J$10 million initiative to enhance learning spaces and install essential digital resources at 15 infant, primary, secondary, and special needs institutions across the island. The project focused on improving digital access by providing smartboards, laptops, and internet upgrades, particularly to schools with previously limited connectivity.

Senator, Dr Dana Morris Dixon, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, emphasised the significance of the day’s activities.

“Today was a beautiful reminder that when we come together as a community, we can achieve so much. Being at St Martin de Porres Infant and Primary School with the Most Honourable Mrs Juliet Holness, member of parliament for St Andrew East Rural, the CHASE Fund and eLearning teams and seeing the energy, the teamwork, and the love poured into the upgrades – it was truly inspiring. This isn’t just about sprucing up buildings; it’s about giving our children the kind of environment they deserve to learn, grow and thrive. That’s what Labour Day is all about – service, unity and building a brighter future for Jamaica,” Minister Morris Dixon said.

RESILIENT EDUCATION SYSTEM

Latoya Harris-Ghartey, executive director of the National Education Trust (NET), an agency of the MoESYI, hailed the Labour Day 2025 activities as a resounding success that showcased the impact of strategic partnership and national service.

“This Labour Day we witnessed what is possible when purpose meets partnership. From Westmoreland to Portland, volunteers, educators and partners came together to uplift our schools not just with paint and polish, but with powerful tools for twenty-first century learning,” she said.

“With support from the CHASE Fund and eLearning Jamaica, we delivered interactive smartboards, laptops and connectivity upgrades to fifteen schools, including special education institutions. The transformation was not only physical, it was also emotional and inspiring. We saw joy, pride and renewed hope in the eyes of students and teachers. That is the true spirit of Labour Day and the Ministry is honoured to be a leading part of it,” she added.

Highlighting the national importance of the initiative and the collaborative efforts behind its success, W. Billy Heaven, CEO of the CHASE Fund, spoke to the value of investing in education and community development across Jamaica.

“The work done here today is integral to shaping the future of our society, especially on Labour Day in Jamaica, where we honour the hard work that contributes to the nation’s progress. Labour Day provides an opportunity to recognise the efforts of teachers, staff, and parents of the community who work tirelessly to create a nurturing environment where young minds can flourish. Their commitment ensures that the next generation of Jamaicans is equipped with the skills, values, and resilience needed to drive our country forward,” he said.

TARGETED SCHOOLS

Andrew Lee, CEO of e-Learning Jamaica, explained how the digital upgrades are central to the future of education in Jamaica.

“At e-Learning Jamaica, we believe that technology is the bridge to a more inclusive and forward-thinking education system. These digital upgrades are not just about modernisation. They are about preparing Jamaica’s youth for the opportunities of tomorrow,” he said. “By integrating digital tools into our classrooms, we’re fostering innovation, collaboration, and critical thinking. This is how we build a resilient education system that can meet the demands of a rapidly evolving world.”

The targeted schools were: Chantilly Primary and Infant School, Westmoreland; Pindar’s Valley Primary and Infant School, Clarendon; Manchioneal Primary and Infant School, Portland; Annotto Bay Primary and Infant School, St Mary; Catherine Hall Special Education Unit, St James; Edgehill School of Special Education, Ocho Rios Campus, St Ann; St Martin de Porres Primary and Infant School, St Andrew; White Marl Primary and Infant School, St Catherine; Vauxhall High School, Kingston; Vaughansfield Primary and Infant School, St James; Bull Bay Primary and Infant School, St Andrew; Porus High School, Manchester; Muschett High School, Trelawny; the Danny Williams School for the Deaf, Kingston; and the Roger Clarke High School (formerly known as Balaclava High School), St Elizabeth.