Education minister emphasises impact of Franciscan Sisters

MINISTER OF Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon, says that while many great deeds often go unnoticed, there is no denying the profound impact the Franciscan Sisters have had on education in Jamaica.

Addressing a gathering of worshippers and other stakeholders at the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral in Montego Bay, St James, on January 26, Dr Morris Dixon said that the centenary celebrations echoing through the halls of Mount Alvernia Prep, Chetwood Memorial Primary, and Mount Alvernia High School are not just a celebration of academic achievements but a century-long legacy planted by the Franciscan Sisters.

Dr Morris Dixon added that these institutions have become more than mere schools and are now widely viewed as the bedrock of educational excellence in Jamaica, shaping the lives of countless young people over the past 100 years.

“It’s now easy to see the [vision and tenacity] of the Franciscan Sisters, who embarked on their educational mission in 1925. A century ago, these remarkable women set out with a humble yet transformative goal: to provide education grounded in Christian values,” she noted.

“What began as a modest endeavour has blossomed into a thriving legacy, nurturing the minds, hearts, and souls of generations of Jamaican youth. Their visionary leadership has planted the seeds for institutions that have grown into pillars of educational excellence,” the Minister added, emphasising the far-reaching influence of the Sisters.

The journey of the Franciscan Sisters in Jamaica started in the Corporate Area, with the establishment of schools like Immaculate Conception High. However, their commitment to education soon extended to Montego Bay, where they founded Mount Alvernia Prep, Chetwood Memorial Primary, and Mount Alvernia High School.

These institutions have not only survived but thrived, proving to be instrumental in the educational landscape of Jamaica.

Mount Alvernia Prep and Kindergarten, as Dr Morris Dixon noted, is not merely a school but a sanctuary of learning where the youngest learners are encouraged to explore, grow, and thrive.

The nurturing environment fosters curiosity and creativity, allowing children to develop a love for learning that will serve them well into their futures.

“This foundational stage is crucial for our children, and the Sisters have created a space where they can flourish,” she remarked, underscoring the importance of early-childhood education.

Chetwood Memorial Primary, on the other hand, has established a reputation for laying a solid groundwork for academic excellence. Generations of students have walked its halls, emerging as innovators and leaders in various fields.

The minister pointed out that the school has produced individuals who have made significant contributions to society, reflecting the high standards of education instilled by the Franciscan Sisters.

“The legacy of Chetwood is reflected in the success stories of its alumni, who carry forward the values they learned here,” Dr Morris Dixon added.

Mount Alvernia High School stands as a testament to the Sisters’ dedication and commitment to educational excellence. With a distinguished reputation for both academic and cultural achievements, the institution has been a breeding ground for future leaders, innovators, and change-makers.

“For a century, Mount Alvernia High has moulded the minds of our youth, inspiring them to reach for the stars,” the minister said, highlighting the school’s role in shaping not just individuals but the future of the nation itself.

The minister said that the records will show that the Franciscan Sisters’ influence extends far beyond the classrooms of these institutions.

They have set a high standard for education in Jamaica, ensuring that the values of integrity, compassion, and excellence permeate every aspect of the learning experience. Their work has created a legacy that inspires current educators and students alike.

Dr Morris Dixon emphasised the need to honour this legacy by continuing to uphold the values instilled by the Franciscan Sisters. “As we celebrate these centennial milestones, we must also reflect on the responsibility we have to carry forward the torch of excellence,” she urged.

The minister also called on educators, parents, and the broader community to work collaboratively in nurturing the next generation of leaders, emphasising that education is a collective endeavour.

For his part, Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, said he has been privy to numerous testimonials about the impact that the Franciscan Sisters have had on the national psyche.

“The values they have instilled, the friendships that have been forged, it has been something that Jamaica … our teachers and students, our communities can all be proud of. The Franciscan Sisters truly believed in us. They instilled in us the confidence to pursue our dreams and make a difference in the world,” Mayor Vernon noted.

He added that the Sisters’ legacy serves as a reminder of the power of education to uplift and empower, to inspire change, and to build a brighter future, noting that at a time when the world faces myriad challenges, “the story of the Franciscan Sisters and their commitment to education has stood the test of time”.

The Franciscan Sisters of Allegany are a congregation of Catholic religious women and their associates serving the poor and marginalised of Bolivia, Brazil, Jamaica, Mozambique and the United States for over 160 years.