Church Teachers’ College Celebrating 60th Anniversary This Year

Church Teachers’ College in Mandeville, Manchester, is this year celebrating its 60th anniversary with a slate of activities between October 2024 and July 2025, under the theme ‘Celebrating A Legacy of Excellence: Boldly the Demands of the 21st Century and Beyond’.

Details of the events were announced during a media launch at the College on Thursday (August 29), which was attended by State Minister in the Ministry of Education and Youth, Hon. Marsha Smith, who represented Portfolio Minister, Hon. Fayval Wiliams.

The activities will kick off in October with a welcome matriculation service and anniversary launch.

Other slated engagements include an evening of musical excellence, a health fair and 5K Run/Walk, a get-together dubbed ‘Grooving in the Park, and a homecoming weekend, banquet and diamond gala.

In her remarks, Ms. Smith said the College is a vision born 60 years ago that has helped to cultivate the minds that would shape the nation’s future.

“We are not just celebrating the passage of time, we are also celebrating the impact of the countless educators who have dedicated their lives to professional teaching. They have played a critical role in building the foundation of our society,” the State Minister said.

She noted that the education landscape is ever evolving, pointing out that “our responsibility, as stakeholders and leaders, is to ensure that our institutions not only keep pace but lead the way”.

Ms. Smith underscored the Government’s commitment to helping teachers continue their professional development, do an effective job and continue exploring avenues for personal development.

Keynote speaker was Executive Director of Barnett Limited, Mark Kerr-Jarrett, whose grandfather, Sir Francis Kerr-Jarrett, was responsible for organising appeal funds for the College and was, himself, a notable contributor.

Mr. Kerr-Jarrett recounted his grandfather’s contribution to nation-building.

“Perhaps his most profound legacy was his unwavering belief in the power of education. Sir Francis recognised education as the cornerstone of a prosperous nation. A beacon guiding future generations towards empowerment and advancement. His commitment to supporting educational institutions was rooted in knowing that education was the key to unlocking human potential, regardless of background or circumstance,” Mr. Kerr-Jarrett said.

He pointed out that continuing his grandfather’s legacy would mean embracing a vision of partnerships, as the challenges currently facing the education system cannot be tackled alone.

“Governments, educational institutions, businesses and communities must unite in a concerted effort to support and uplift education. Collaboration and rigorous accountability ensure the resources, expertise and opportunities necessary for our students to thrive in an ever-evolving world,” Mr. Kerr-Jarrett said.

Consequently, he called on members of the private sector to increase their participation in the development of Jamaica’s educational institutions, especially Church Teachers’ College, thereby forging partnerships that would transcend boundaries.

In his remarks, Mayor of Mandeville, Councillor Donovan Mitchell, described the college as a beacon of excellence that has been shaping the mind and character of individuals who have gone on to impact the world in immeasurable ways.

“The legacy we honour today is built on the dedication, passion and vision of those who came before us – educators and leaders who dared to dream a brighter future and worked tirelessly to make today a reality,” Councillor Mitchell stated.