PM Reiterates Commitment to Literacy

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, has reiterated the Government’s commitment to enabling all Jamaicans, regardless of their social backgrounds, with the necessary education to become literate.

“There is no better way to assist in the moulding of a person than by providing that person with access to education,” she emphasised.

The Prime Minister’s commitment came in a message read by Mayor of Spanish Town, Councillor Norman Scott,  at a scholarship award  ceremony, held at the Caymanas Golf Club in St. Catherine, on November  20.

Approximately 100 youth and adult learners received scholarships to pursue courses offered by the Jamaican Foundation for Lifelong Learning (JFLL).

The scholarships, valued  $500,000,  have been offered by the Jamaica Biscuit Company Limited, as part of  its corporate responsibility to residents in close proximity to the company’s 206 Spanish Town Road location.

“Both the Jamaica Biscuit Company Limited and the Jamaican Foundation for Lifelong Learning must be recognised and appreciated for facilitating the development of our people. This is the kind of collaborative effort which will continue to bring immeasurable success to our people, communities and businesses,” the Prime Minister said.

She pointed out that the desire for education has no geographic boundary nor is it restricted to any particular social class.

Mrs. Simpson Miller urged the beneficiaries to perform to the best of their abilities and to complete the course, to make themselves and their families proud.

The beneficiaries are drawn from the communities of Majesty Gardens, Seaview Gardens, Waterhouse and adjoining communities in Kingston. Their training will be facilitated at several JFLL locations in the Corporate Area over a 12-month period.

Minister of Education, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, reminded the participants that ignorance is more expensive than education, and urged them to seize the opportunity being offered.

“Have no shame about the fact that you are at this age or that stage and you have to undertake this programme. The shame comes from when you know you have a need and you look at the opportunity and you turn back from that opportunity. It is to your character and goodness and ambition for yourselves and your families that you will take up the offer that is being made,” he said.

The Minister emphasised that in today’s world, “there is no good place for those who do not have a good education.”

Rev. Thwaites noted that basic learning, coupled with skills training, will propel the beneficiaries to greater employability prospects upon completion.

For her part, Marketing Manager, Jamaica Biscuit Company Limited, Peta-Gaye Levene-Thomas, said the initiative forms part of the company’s effort to develop the human capital of residents by providing employment, as well as supporting initiatives in sports, education and community development.

Through this initiative, she said, the participants will realise personal development in their lives, and encouraged them to use the opportunity given to foster a new spirit of development.

Deputy Executive Director, JFLL, Dr. Grace Munroe, said the organisation will continue to provide training programmes for Jamaicans to reduce illiteracy, and transform lives.