MP looking to remove shift system from schools

Member of Parliament (MP) for St Ann North East Matthew Samuda is working to have the shift system removed from schools in that constituency.

During his address in the State of the Constituency Debate in the House of Representatives last week, Samuda said there are big dreams for education in the constituency.

“These dreams include taking all schools off shift, all secondary schools moving away from City & Guilds exams to a minimum CXC standard, and redevelopment of the Buckfield playing field as a central homework and youth sports hub, [and] for the development of a HEART/NSTA Trust academy for the constituency,” Samuda said.

“Education is the highway to growth, but sometimes our people need a little gas to move the engine. It is why we are partnering with the Ministries of Labour and Social Security and Education over the last two years [to make the above a reality],” he said.

He said the dream of a robust homework programme, with retired teachers living in Steer Town for guidance, will be launched soon, along with the development of a community centre and corner library.

“We continue to invest in learning environments, support and listen to our educators, expand our opportunities for our young people and strengthen the connection between education, skills and unemployment because our ambition for St Ann North East is not simply to get our children through school, it is to give them the strongest possible foundation from which to build their lives, contribute to their communities and seize opportunities ahead,” Samuda said.

Samuda, who has been MP for two years, said the maximum available from the Constituency Development Fund has been invested in education and has been supported by the Universal Service Fund with free Wi-Fi and tablets for students in need, while an additional 100 students have been assisted to attend universities through partnerships, with grants of at least $70,000.