Budget Contribution Remarks (attached) by Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training, the Hon. Glenys Hanna Martin in the House of Assembly, June 10, 2024.

Excerpt:

"A key issue for all educators and students is the issue of Digital literacy and the emergence of  artificial intelligence.

These are compelling matters on which our educational system must be on the cutting edge and in front of new trends.

We will shortly roll out a strategy to maximize the objective of digitally literate teachers and  students and seek to integrate this literacy into all core subjects.

In the 21st century we can expect nothing less.

The Ministry met recently with a team from International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the United Nations specialized agency responsible for matters related to information and communication technology (ICT), and URCA in seeking their guidance and technical support as  we move to expand digital literacy at all levels in the public school system.

ITU has agreed this summer to facilitate online training for digital literacy for teachers as a component of the professional development offerings.
The Ministry is now in advanced discussions with industry stakeholders for the acquisition of technology to facilitate this digital literacy transformation for both students and teachers.

Professional learning videos of research-based instructional practices, suggested tiered activities and assessments from the curriculum document will be recorded using proficient classroom  teachers.

In furtherance of these efforts and In partnership with BTC
The JUMP programme will be introduced.

This is a regional initiative aimed at creating a more digitally equitable society by providing  internet access to those most in need.

This initiative directly collaborates with the Ministry of Education to empower students from  low-income households to overcome barriers and realize an improved quality of life.

Through the first phase of JUMP which is two years, 5,000 families will receive subsidized internet services, with BTC and the Government covering a portion of the monthly subscription fees, while families pay a nominal monthly fee.

Through its partnership with Dell, BTC will provide, without cost, new Dell laptop computers to each family, along with a comprehensive eight-week digital skills training program. The training  will cover not only the child, but the entire family, teaching them how to use programs including  
the Microsoft office suite, how to access and utilize online Government services like My Gateway, and how to access and follow their child’s progress with the Ministry of Education.

Currently, thirty-five families are experiencing the benefits of the JUMP program during the  local pilot phase.

When the 2024/2025 school year begins, JUMP will be in full effect, empowering thousands of  households with affordable internet access, free quality devices, and free digital literacy skills."

Please click on the link below to read the Minister's full speech:

Minister Hanna Martin Budget Speech 2024

(BIS Photos/Ulric Woodside)