Denise Daley, member of parliament for St. Catherine Eastern has stressed the importance of education transformation for Jamaica’s progress with a number of suggested strategies.

Among them are the urgencies to “identify and nurture gifted students early rather than allowing them to develop behavioural issues due to neglect,” as well improving the capacity of underperforming schools.

She was delivering her presentation in the 2023/24 Sectoral Debate on Wednesday (June 7) in the House of Representatives.

“We must improve access to quality education for all Jamaicans,” she said, adding that underperforming schools require attention and a tailored curriculum to meet their specific needs.

“We continue to just lump them together because we believe that one curriculum fits all. We believe that even though they are not performing, they have to be given the same curriculum…and when the grade is low, and when there is no good result, we call them underperforming schools,” she argued, stressing that the essential resources must be provided to these schools in order to promote wholistic development.

A cohesive and functioning society

The member of parliament also spoke about the need to have a cohesive and functioning society. She said that new conditions must be created that will transform the lives of every day people through economic empowerment, equal justice, access to services such as health, water, education, and personal safety.

“The transformation that Jamaica needs now works hand in hand with good governance. To achieve social transformation, it cannot be treated as a project. It must be infused into our way of life and all arms of government. We must take an inclusive approach to achieve the desired changes,” she said, noting that social transformation must be focused on raising the standard of living especially those who are marginalised.

RELATED MP Daley wants trainee teachers trained in social work

Send feedback to [email protected]