Make education accessible and relevant to current realities

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Jamaica has long cherished the value of education. In classrooms across the island, we see bright minds with different strengths, dreams, and learning styles. While some students thrive with traditional teaching methods, others may need different approaches. Many youngsters face challenges such as learning disabilities that are not always identified or supported. With greater awareness and inclusive teaching methods, we can ensure that all students, no matter how they learn, are given the opportunity to succeed.

We also know that not every student will follow the same path in life. Some may aspire to become engineers or doctors, while others are called to creative industries, agriculture, skilled trades, or entrepreneurship. Around the world, countries are recognising the importance of offering a wide range of educational paths to match the diverse talents of their people. Jamaica can benefit from this approach, too. By broadening our curriculum, we can inspire more young people to pursue their goals.

It is also important to consider the different levels of access students have to resources. Some children have reliable Internet, books at home, and extra help after school. Others may struggle to access even the basics. As we think about the future of education, we are invited to explore ways of creating more equal opportunities for learning – through community centres, mobile libraries, digital tools, and partnerships that bring learning closer to everyone. From birth through old age, education should be within reach.

Higher education, too, should feel like an open door, not a distant dream. In today’s global economy, tertiary training, whether at a university, college, or vocational institution, is increasingly important. Making this level of education more accessible, whether through scholarships, online learning, or financial reform, will help more people take meaningful steps toward personal and national development.

There may be concerns that changing the curriculum will be difficult or costly, but thoughtful reform does not always mean spending more. It means being open to new ideas, learning from best practices on the globe, and working together across communities, families, and institutions. Change is not a criticism – it is a commitment to doing better for our children and generations to come.

As we look toward a brighter future, let us be guided by our motto: ‘Out of Many, One People’. Let us honour the diverse gifts of our young people and shape a curriculum that uplifts every mind and prepares every heart to serve.

JOHNOY DAVIS