Whiteman stresses primary education remains free

Whiteman

EDUCATION, YOUTH and Culture Minister, Senator Burchell Whiteman, has reiterated that primary education remains free of charge to parents and that no primary school should ask students to pay fees for attendance.

"There are no fees for primary registration in Jamaica... and I trust that those who have a responsibility for managing and administering schools will honour that policy of our country," the Minister emphasised.

Noting that the Government had decided to charge a few at the secondary level to make more resources available at the primary level, he said grants for normal primary school operations have increased to $435 per child annually (more for grades 7-9) and payment for teachers was $15,000 per student per year. Feeding grants cost the government $43 million per year, he added.

Mr. Whiteman was speaking at Blue Cross of Jamaica's annual scholarship award ceremony at Caenwood Education Centre in Kingston, where scholarships valued at $210,000 were awarded to 21 students for excellent performance in the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT).

The Minister commended the students for having done well in their examinations and urged parents to continue to support their children.

"Monitor what they see, what they do, what they read. Student success is only partially dependent on the school, a large part is dependent on the parents and the community," he emphasised.

The scholarships, valued at $10,000 each, were awarded to 12 children of Blue Cross subscribers, and nine to children of Blue Cross staff who are to attend high school in September. The award is tenable for the five years of the child's secondary education, provided that the student maintains a 75 per cent average and is of good conduct.

Dr. Henry Lowe, president and Chief Executive Officer of Blue Cross, said since the programme started eight years ago, the company has disbursed some 100 scholarships valued at $7.5 million with additional support of $10.5 million. The company also recently disbursed a sum of $250,000 to needy students throughout Jamaica.

He said the programme was instituted to ensure that talented students did not drop out of school due to a lack of funds.

"With the increasing cost of living and the problems facing Jamaica now as it relates to crime and violence, educating our youth is of paramount importance if we are to give them and Jamaica a chance of a sustainable future," Dr. Lowe said.

He called on parents and teachers to challenge the students to continue to work hard and never settle for mediocrity.

"A sound education will equip them with the tools necessary to excel in the wider society," he said.

In her address, Senator Aloun N'dombet Assamba, urged the students to take advantage of the education that the scholarship would provide. "Equip yourselves so that you can determine what you want to do in life," she said.

She also urged parents to get involved in their children's education as the schools would never be able to address all their needs.

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