JAMAICA .

iEARN-Jamaica is a collaborative initiative between the Marcus Garvey Foundation for Education and Human Development, iEARN and the Ministry of Education and Culture. This initiative, Education 2000, seeks to launch pilot projects to demonstrate how technology can enhance teaching and learning in Jamaica.

Building on the vision, contributions and initiative of Dr. Julius Garvey and Constance Lynch, schools in the Guy's Hill area of St. Catherine Parrish were provided with computers and given training on early-childhood literacy & education. An initial introduction and training was provided by staff of iEARN in March 2000 to principals and teachers from 26 schools.

In order to create a national support structure, Dr. Garvey formed the Marcus Garvey Foundation for Education and Human Development to bring together members of the private sector, education, government and philanthropic communities with the goal of assisting Jamaican young people to gain the skills needed to succeed in a global economy. This means literacy and numeracy and an ability interact meaningfully across cultures and diversity. At the same time, students in Jamaica want to share and share their culture, their music, literature and traditions, with the world.

Most public schools lack access to technology and Internet-based resources. Therefore, initial trainings were designed to introduce opportunities available for connectivity and research.

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Training sessions were held at Excelsior High School for teachers from four schools in Kingston.

As part of the training at Guys Hill High School, teachers planned projects they might do on-line in collaboration with other teachers around the iEARN network. Teachers were aided by the contributions of Ms. Phyllis Mitchell, Honorable Member of Parliament and Minister of State in the Ministry of Education.

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Dr. Julius Garvey (center below) stressed the importance with teachers and students of honoring and sharing Jamaican culture

We welcome your involvement and contributions to this effort to prepare Jamaican youth for the 21st century! For information on how you can help, contact us! For information on iEARN, contact iEARN.