#Kingston, November 12, 2018 – Jamaica – Chief Education Officer, Dr. Grace McLean, is encouraging tertiary students who are facing challenges with education fees, to enter into dialogue with administrators at their institutions, so that support can be provided.

Dr. McLean, who was responding to questions at an education forum on November 8 at The Mico University College in St. Andrew, said over the past five years, the Ministry has provided “substantial” support for those students.

She pointed out that last year, Heads of universities and teachers’ colleges agreed to an arrangement where once the Ministry is notified of an issue, it gives a “commitment” and the students are not negatively affected at the institutions.

However, Dr. McLean is encouraging students to move away from a culture of not wanting to take a student loan, or to work out payment plans with the learning institutions.

“Presidents of all our universities and teachers’ colleges have bent backwards to accommodate our students by providing lists of those who need support, but most of the recently affected students, who have been publicly identified, did not utilise the system in place,” she noted.

The Mico Education Conversation Series focuses on the vision for education, creative and innovative ideas for education transformation, and engagement of stakeholders in effective implementation of strategic national education initiatives.

Launched in 2017, the forum is part of the University’s national dialogue on the importance of education, to drive the achievement of Jamaica Vision 2030, and move the country towards sustainable growth and development.

Among the presenters was Executive Director of the Economic Growth Council, Senator Aubyn Hill, who spoke on the theme ‘Productive human capacity: Key determinant of sustainability’.

He called for more training of Jamaicans to ensure that investors do not have to seek workers outside, as the country has the best workforce.

Senator Hill also said a spirit of leapfrogging must be encouraged in young persons, so that Jamaica can sustain and increase economic growth and development.

Release: JIS

Contact: Garfield L. Angus

Photo Captions:

Header: Chief Education Officer, Dr. Grace McLean, addresses The Mico University College Education Conversation Series, held yesterday (November 8), at the institution’s Marescaux Road campus in St. Andrew.

Insert: Executive Director of the Economic Growth Council, Senator Aubyn Hill (standing), addresses The Mico University College Education Conversation Series, held at the institution’s Marescaux Road campus in St. Andrew yesterday (November 8). Listening (from left) are Investment Promotions Manager at JAMPRO, Ricardo Durrant; Chief Education Officer, Dr. Grace McLean; and Managing Director of the JN MSC Group, Onika Miller.

Photos by Donald De La Haye