November 8-14 Declared JISA Week

Governor General, His Excellency, the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, has declared November 8 to 14, and the second week of November annually, as Jamaica Independent Schools Association (JISA) Week.

At a ceremony, held on Friday, November 6, at Kings House, the Governor General read the Proclamation, and called on Jamaicans to give their support.

“I encourage all citizens of Jamaica to support JISA in this venture, as we commit the resources of our country, to ensure that Jamaica’s children continue to receive world class education, that enables them to compete successfully in a global market,” he said.

JISA is an umbrella organisation for private educational institutions in Jamaica, which focuses on professional development and leadership capacity building. There are over 1600 private schools in Jamaica, which engages some 120,000 students.

Sir Patrick hailed the JISA for its work in providing leadership to the independent schools, and for offering the necessary administrative support, to ensure that the schools are operating in accordance with guidelines.

President of JISA, Mr. Wesley Boynes, said this recognition highlights the passion and commitment of JISA and the significant contribution the sector has played in the nation’s development over the years.

“This proclamation sets a great hope in our hearts that a new stage has been set for a new type of conversation to be pursued between the private education sector, and key stakeholders, like the governing authorities of education in our nation and also the private sector of Jamaica,” he said.

He stated that JISA has deliberately positioned itself, as an organisation to be seen as worthy of significant investments, that will bring forth productivity and profitability. He said he expects this annual recognition to expand, as the Association seeks to make an even more significant impact, in shaping the minds of the nation’s children.

Mr. Boynes also said JISA is leading a values-based education initiative aimed at creating a greater link between education and character development.