Government Welcomes Support of the Church

The Government welcomes the support of the church in addressing literacy, numeracy, and character development within the nation’s schools, says Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon.

Addressing a recent gathering of worshippers and other educational stakeholders at the Roman Catholic Blessed Sacrament Cathedral in Montego Bay, St. James, Dr. Morris Dixon, reminded that the church has had a long history of playing a part in enhancing the quality of education in the country.

“The church has made its intention known that it will not sit on the sidelines while literacy and numeracy remain serious challenges for our students,” Dr. Morris Dixon said.

“We welcome the church’s influence and leverage to ensure that our students improve in these critical areas,” she added, noting that the pledged support comes at a time when the Ministry has been citing the need for collective action to foster a brighter future for the nation’s youth.

The Minister was referring to a recently launched Church-led initiative at Holy Trinity High School in Kingston that is designed to improve the ability of students who are entering grade seven, noting that it is a travesty having students leaving the classroom unable to read and write.

Dr. Morris Dixon, in highlighting the historical significance of the church in Jamaican education, said that many of the country’s most esteemed institutions were established by religious organisations.

She specifically mentioned Chetwood Primary, Mount Alvernia Prep, and Mount Alvernia High School in St. James, noting that each was celebrating a century of excellence in education.

“These institutions stand as a testament to the church’s enduring impact on our educational landscape. They have shaped generations of students, instilling not only academic knowledge but also strong moral values,” the Minister said.

Dr. Morris Dixon said it is important to tackle the issue of literacy and numeracy at an early stage, noting that it is counterproductive to have students in high schools facing these challenges.

She also stressed the importance of involving God in “everything that we do”, noting that “[for Jamaica to prosper], we must recognise that God is an integral part of all we do”.

“By guiding our students with the principles of integrity, respect, and compassion, we can cultivate a generation that is not only academically competent but also socially responsible,” the Minister said.

For his part, Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, expressed admiration for the church’s readiness to assist in the fight to improve numeracy, literacy and character development in the nation’s schools.

“The church has always been a pillar of support for education in Jamaica. We are committed to mobilising our resources and networks to uplift our students and communities as well,” he said.