Education minister pledges new models to transform schools
Published:Thursday | October 9, 2025 | 12:09 AMRuddy Mathison/Gleaner Writer
Jamaica’s education system could soon see sweeping innovations aimed at transforming how schools operate across the island, according to Education Minister Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon.
Speaking on Tuesday at the fifth anniversary celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of the new high school wing at Christel House Jamaica in Twickenham Park, St Catherine, Morris Dixon said that the time has come for Jamaica to embrace new educational models.
“I say to everybody that a single model cannot serve all of Jamaica’s needs. We cannot have one model of schools in our country,” she said, delivering the keynote address.
Christel House Jamaica was established five years ago through the vision of the late German-American philanthropist Christel DeHaan, whose mission was to break the cycle of poverty through education among children living in underserved and volatile communities worldwide.
The institution provides students with transportation to and from school, along with meals and uniforms – free of cost – ensuring that children can focus on learning without the burden of financial hardship.
Drawing on the Christel House concept, Morris Dixon said Jamaica must now make room for innovation within the school system.
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“We understand that we have to support new models in our country because we are not going to get the outcomes we want if we keep doing things the same way,” the minister stated. “So in the Ministry of Education, we are talking about innovations.”
Among the initiatives highlighted by Morris Dixon is a new breakfast programme launched in September, targeting children in underperforming schools, to improve nutrition and learning outcomes.
She also pointed to the introduction of a school bus system designed to provide reliable transportation for students, describing it as one of several innovations intended to enhance student performance.
The minister said that the Government is currently developing plans to upgrade laboratories across the island’s 15 technical high schools.
“We are looking at state-of-the-art labs in our technical schools in Jamaica – robotics labs, digital labs, construction labs, and renewable energy labs,” she said.
Morris Dixon added that the Government’s plan to build six science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) schools across the island is part of this transformative vision.
“So when we see Government supporting new models, it’s all about education,” she affirmed.
One of the most moving moments of the anniversary celebration came from student Shavary McFarlane, who shared how Christel House transformed his life. Standing alongside his mother, Onica Buchanan, he recounted the family’s struggles before being admitted to the institution.
“I was always fighting and causing trouble. I used to skip every class, including physical education,” Shavary said. “My confidence has grown, and I now go to classes and I’m doing exceptional.”
His mother expressed gratitude, noting that as a single parent, she often struggled to find lunch money and bus fare before her son was enrolled.
The ceremony also featured a special tribute to former Mandeville Custos Sally Porteous, a co-founder who played a key role in bringing Christel House to Jamaica. The newly opened high school wing was dedicated in her honour.