Agencies partner to volunteer at schools for Labour Day 2025

In the true spirit of national pride, solidarity and community development, the CHASE Fund, the National Education Trust (NET) and e-Learning Jamaica Company Limited have partnered to enhance learning spaces and install essential digital resources at 15 infant, primary, secondary and special-needs institutions schools across the island on Labour Day, May 23.

“Labour Day is about working together to make our communities better,” W. Billy Heaven, CEO of the CHASE Fund, said in a media release “This collaboration is an example of how agencies working together can play a vital role in supporting Jamaica’s vision for inclusive, high-quality, and technology-driven education at the foundational level.”

Andrew Lee, CEO of e-Learning Jamaica Company Limited, said: “We believe that true transformation in education requires equitable access to technology by all students. Our collaboration with the CHASE Fund and the National Education Trust is not just about improving infrastructure, it’s about empowering students and educators with the digital tools they need to thrive in a technology-driven world. We are excited to be part of this endeavour.”

By pooling resources, expertise and funding, the agencies aim to bridge the digital divide that has long hindered equitable educational opportunities. The initiative, valued at $10 million, will involve Internet upgrades for schools with limited connectivity and the provision of smartboards and laptops. While staff volunteers will be mobilised on the day to support infrastructure improvements, installations and beautification efforts, training programmes for educators and students to maximise the effective use of new technologies will go beyond Labour Day.

Latoya Harris-Ghartey, executive director of the National Education Trust, said the initiative is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when people come together with purpose and heart.

“This Labour Day, we are not just bringing equipment to schools, we are bringing hope, opportunity and a renewed sense of possibility for hundreds of children,” she said.

“What started as a modest idea has grown into a $10-million movement, thanks to the unwavering support of the CHASE Fund and e-Learning Jamaica. Together, we are helping to close the digital gap and build classrooms where every child, no matter their background or ability, can thrive and dream big.”

The targeted schools are Chantilly Primary and Infant School, Westmoreland; Pindar’s Valley Primary and Infant School, Clarendon; Manchioneal Primary and Infant School, Portland; Annotto Bay Primary and Infant School, St Mary; Catherine Hall Special Education Unit, St James; Edgehill School of Special Education, Ocho Rios campus, St Ann; St Martin de Porres Primary and Infant School, St Andrew; White Marl Primary and Infant School, St Catherine; Vauxhall High School, Kingston; Vaughansfield Primary and Infant School, St James; Bull Bay Primary and Infant School, St Andrew; Porus High School, Manchester; Muschett High School, Trelawny; the Danny Williams School for the Deaf, Kingston; and the Roger Clarke High School (formerly known as Balaclava High School), St Elizabeth.