Jamaica allocates $1.6 billion for Kingston Western school upgrades

Jamaica’s Minister of Education, Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, has announced an allocation of $1.6 billion for upgrades to three secondary schools in the Kingston Western constituency: Denham Town High, Kingston High, and St. Andrew Technical High School (STATHS).

During a principals’ awards ceremony, Dr. Morris Dixon emphasized the need to redefine excellence in education. She argued that success should not be measured solely by standardized test results, such as CSEC examinations, but also by the ability of schools to transform the lives of students facing significant socio-economic challenges. She noted that because students start from different academic levels, outcomes cannot be expected to be identical across all institutions.

Denham Town High is slated to receive funds for rebuilding facilities, including an administrative building and vocational areas, following damage caused by an earthquake two years ago. The project is currently undergoing the final stages of the public procurement process before seeking Cabinet approval. Additionally, the Minister highlighted the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), citing St. Andrew Technical High School as a leader in the field.