Science Labs to Be Built, Upgraded, Equipped

Science laboratories at several educational institutions across the island have been earmarked for construction, upgrading or outfitting, as the Government advances science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in schools.

“I am happy to indicate that as a Ministry, Government, we have made the provision vis-à-vis laboratories,” said Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Marlon Morgan.

“There are [some] basic equipment and supplies that our science labs – whether it is a physics lab, a biology lab or a chemistry lab – should be outfitted with. We are mindful of the deficits, and that is a part of the Government’s work at present in terms of better outfitting our school science laboratories,” he noted.

“It is important to have the requisite pieces of equipment, such as 3D printers and other bits of hardware to facilitate the hands-on engagement, the hands-on instruction and the kind of tutelage that our young people would need, essentially, to better assimilate content and do so in practical settings,” he added.

Senator Morgan was addressing the launch of the University of Technology (UTech) and Kiwanis Club STEM Education Project on Monday (March 23) at Ardenne High School in St. Andrew.

He welcomed the initiative, which will equip students with digital robotics and problem-solving skills, while inspiring pathways into technology, engineering and innovation careers.

“It aligns quite appropriately with the strategic thrust of the Government,” Senator Morgan said.

“Like many of the developed economies around the world, we believe, as a Government, that if we are to develop and have available to industry, and the country by extension, the workforce that will help us to make our mark and will help us to fulfil our great promise as a country, STEM will have to be an important part of that equation,” he said.

Senator Morgan highlighted the importance of partnerships in unlocking the country’s potential in STEM for innovation and national development.

“If you consider it, [the] Government alone cannot do all the lifting that there is to be done in this massive enterprise called education. Indeed, if we are to step into our great promise as a country, and be that place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business, Jamaica will have to have a high capacity, fit-for-purpose workforce that will help to serve the needs and interests of industry, private sector, the non-government community. That is what will take Jamaica into being a place of more exponential growth, higher-paying jobs and, of course, more fulfilling and rewarding lives for our citizens,” he stated

For his part, President of UTech, Dr. Kevin Brown, explained that the STEM Education Project is an expansion of the STEM Summer Camp, which UTech has been operating for the past two years at its western and Papine campuses.

Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Marlon Morgan (seated second left), participates in the launch of the University of Technology (UTech) and Kiwanis Club Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Project on Monday (March 23), at Ardenne High School in St. Andrew. Others (seated from left) are Lieutenant Governor, Kiwanis Division 23 Central, Michael Powell;  President, University of Technology (UTech), Dr. Kevin Brown; District Governor, Kiwanis Eastern Canada and Caribbean, Cynthia Blackman; and Principal, Ardenne High School, Dr. Jacqueline Pinto, while students from the school share the moment. 

“What we wanted to do is move it beyond just a summer camp and offer it during term time, and hence why we are partnering with Kiwanis who has vast engagement across the country and their other umbrella youth groups,” he said.

“The reality is that Jamaica needs more STEM-ready students. We excel at the arts; Jamaica’s culture is what has put us on the map globally but we now need to ensure that we have enough professional STEM graduates,” he argued.

Dr. Brown said that Ardenne High will serve as the pilot for the project, which will be targeted at primary and high-school students.

“We will use this as a test bed and if it goes well, then of course, we will use Kiwanis’ vast reach to get into the other high schools and primary schools across the country,” he said.

Dr. Brown informed that the aim is to reach between 200 and 400 students under phase one of the initiative and expand to 700 more in another phase.

“Fundamental to what we are doing here is that we are supporting Vision 2030 for our country… . We are living in a technological age and so, Jamaica cannot afford to be left behind. We have to become a STEM island,” he said.