KINGSTON, Jamaica — With a heavy focus on education which sometimes sees him donning his teacher cap while teaching mathematics, English language, history and social studies in the various schools in his constituency, Member of Parliament for St Catherine East Central, Alando Terrelonge, dedicated $10 million towards back-to-school initiatives in his constituency over the past year.

He said that since taking office, “education and youth empowerment have remained at the forefront of initiatives for East Central’s human capital and community development”.

He made the comment recently during his contribution to the 2024/25 State of the Constituency Debate in the House of Representatives.

Terrelonge said that in addition to providing book vouchers, school bags and other supplies to students, 50 ‘Terrelonge All-Starz’ from Gregory Park Primary, Naggo Head primary and Independence City Primary received trophies and academic grants of between $10,000 and $20,000. Another 500 students from across the constituency received similar grants towards their primary and high school education.

And 51 tertiary level students received grants of between $50,000 and $100,000 under the new Tertiary Grant Programme, supported by the Ministry of Education and Youth, that saw each MP being given an additional $3 million to assist tertiary students.

“Our thanks to (former) Minister of Education, Fayval Williams and the Prime Minister, Dr Andrew Holness for envisioning this programme as we aim to achieve one degree per household in Jamaica,” Terrelonge said.

He also shared that the HEART Trust-NSTA has been instrumental in getting constituents certified in various skills.

“Not only are we supporting academic pursuits financially, but we are also equipping our youth with 21st century skills to better prepare them for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Through HEART Trust-NSTA recruitment drives in Gregory Park, Newland, Grange Lane, Southborough, and Caymanas Gardens, we are creating employment and other educational opportunities for our youth,” he emphasised.

The two-term MP said 32 young adults were also recommended for the Heart Care Programme, while eight students were recommended for the LIFT Programme.

“This is how we build a modern Jamaica by investing in our people, giving them the opportunities and skills they need to be self-sufficient, not by creating a hand-out culture,” said Terrelonge.