One of the problems that the Jamaican education system faces include teacher migration and shortages. In 2023, The Ministry of Education and Youth reported that 400 teachers resigned, leading to disruptive measures such as class mergers and increased workload for existing staff. [1] This means that students in overcrowded classrooms are not getting the attention that they need to optimize their learning potential.
On September 2, 2024, hurricane Beryl blew through the southern parts of the island, ravishing many homes and schools. Those hardest hit were families who were already struggling in their preparation to send their children back to school. Lack of electricity, water, internet, road blockages and damage homes have impacted entire communities, setting them back in terms of educational and social advancement.[2]
Other issues plaguing Jamaican youths on their educational journey is violence, cultural attitudes towards education, social class barriers.
Amidst these challenges, the Ministry of Education and Youths remain concerned about the country’s overall educational growth. “Obviously, at that level, we are not satisfied with the performance of students in their maths exams. We here at the Ministry of Education and Youth, have to redouble our efforts; we have to have an emergency plan for maths to help our students,” the Minister said.[3]
These problems reveal that there are many opportunities for government and non-government organizations to step up and help the youths who despite their ambitions experience serious hindrances to their educational goals.
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