Education Philosophy Developed for Jamaica

The Education Philosophy for Jamaica has been finalised says Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Fayval Williams.

It reads:
“Under God, the Jamaican educational philosophy embraces diverse learning capacities and styles, aiming to nurture each learner’s full potential. We provide a comprehensive education, blending academic and vocational pursuits with values-based teachings and life skills. Our focus is on fostering community harmony, appreciating our cultural heritage, promoting inclusivity, environmental stewardship, and respect for all. Through this approach, we aim to cultivate learners’ understanding of themselves, respect for humanity and love for country, as embodied in our National Vision, Anthem, and Pledge”.

The education philosophy embodies the tenets of the Ministry’s efforts to Transform Education for National Development (TREND).

Addressing Wednesday’s (April 17) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, Portfolio Minister, Hon. Fayval Williams, said the decision on the philosophy was reached following extensive consultations with education sector stakeholders including students, student leaders, parents, teachers, and administrators, as well as members of the church community.

“We want our children to be respectful, to value education and skills training, to value cleanliness in their immediate environment and the wider Jamaica, to see virtue in work, cultivate honesty, and empathy; to obey laws and rules and conform to socially accepted behaviours. This all leads into the education philosophy that we will seek to inculcate in Jamaicans,” she stated.

Mrs. Williams said the Ministry will continue to raise awareness of the ideology to stakeholders.

“We also are depending on our principals and teachers to bring the philosophy alive in the school communities via devotions, discussions and other activities,” she added.

Mrs. Williams informed that this philosophy was disseminated to the education system via bulletins to principals on April 3, 2024.

“The team at the Ministry of Education and Youth continues to sensitise the education system to the philosophy,” she said, adding that this is being done through awareness-building exercises.

The philosophy is one of the recommendations of the Jamaica Education Transformation Commission Report, also known as the Orlando Patterson Report (2021).