Youth Ministry Achieves Goal of Increased Participation in Student Governance

Minister of Youth and Culture, the Hon. Lisa Hanna MP, has indicated that she is pleased with the progress the National Secondary Students Council (NSSC) has made over the past two years in increasing the level of participation in students’ governance. The Minister was speaking at the NSSC Thanksgiving Church Service, which marked the beginning of NSSC Week 2015, held at the Emmanuel Apostolic Church on Sunday, February 08, 2015.

“When I became Minister in 2012, I wanted to ensure that student governance was a priority for our students. We have since revamped the Students Council movement which was dormant for two years and since then the level of participation has increased significantly. The NSSC is active in 165 schools across the island, impacting over 300,000 students.” she said.

The Minister noted that there has been a constant thrust to revive the NSSC in schools as it acts as a feasible medium for student advocacy and participation. This she says has been done through capacity building worships and training sessions conducted by Ministry of Youth and Culture’s Youth Empowerment Officers and executive members of the Council.

“In the 2013/2014 academic year we had 83 schools participating in the NSSC’s elections, while 2014/2015 had an increase of close to 150 schools, the number of students nominated to serve on the Council’s National Executive has increased by 45% and we have increased voter turnout of students participating in the elections from 30% to 60%.” Minister Hanna explained.

The Minister noted that this achievement by the Ministry speaks to the commitment and dedication of the Youth Division of the MYC in implementing the renewed policies through the provision of increased budgetary resources.

Newly elected President of the NSSC, Charles Young, in acknowledging the growth of the NSSC over years, implored his colleagues to build on the current momentum as they strive to promote the active participation of students in matters affecting their interests, by making representations to on their behalf.

“As we bask in remembrance, and reflect on the past 40 years, the value of the Students Council movement cannot be ignored. There were several issues that were solved and problems prevented from escalating as a direct result of this student government framework. While applauding past efforts and accomplishments, keen attention must be placed on areas in the secondary education system and population that require immediate solutions.” Young said.

NSSC Week is being celebrated under the theme: ‘Youth Awake, Your Future is at Stake’.

Among the week’s activities are:

Launch of NSSC Jingle and Poster Competition – Monday, February 9, 2015

Student Council Support Day – Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Exchange Day – Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Twitter Summit – Thursday, February 12, 2015

‘Show me the money” Fundraiser – Friday, February 13, 2015

Volunteers Day – Saturday, February 13, 2015

The National Secondary Students’ Council was established in 1975, through a policy brought before government in 1973. This policy came as a response to the growing demand for effective student representation and the need for students’ involvement in the decision making process of schools at the all levels.

The Minister applauded the efforts of all student counselors and implored them to keep focused and diligent as they help to shape a better Jamaica for their peers.