More Emphasis on the Teaching of Civics

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says the Government will ensure that more emphasis is placed on the teaching of Civics in school, to counteract the many values being presented to the society.

The Prime Minister said the foundation of the State – the culture – is being challenged by information coming from places with experiences and notions that differ from “how we see things”.

“So, there has to be a constant reinforcement of what are the values of the Jamaican society, so Civics, which we all were taught in primary and secondary school, we have to bring back into the system,” Mr. Holness said.

The Prime Minister was addressing the 2016 Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) awards ceremony for children of staff members at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and the Cabinet Office, held on August 24, at OPM.

Mr. Holness said the move is to ensure that children are able to contextualise the many forms of values coming their way.

He told the audience that although some “element” of Civics is already in the education system, “we have to do more of it, otherwise you could end up with a society with so many different values that it becomes chaotic”.

The Prime Minister reiterated that the Government is committed to universal access to secondary education, and it is being done through “our no-tuition policy”.

He said education must be built around the needs of children who have different learning styles, and the reforms being pursued are about making sure that “our education system is responsive to the needs of our children”.

Ten children were presented with awards at the ceremony.