KINGSTON, Jamaica – Teachers and principals at the early childhood, primary and secondary levels will continue to upskill themselves in numerous professional development opportunities, through the National College for Educational Leadership (NCEL) and the Jamaica Teaching Council (JTC).

Minister of Education and Youth Fayval Williams made the disclosure during a statement to the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

Williams also informed that all remaining teachers and lecturers are expected to receive their laptops this term.

“There will be more smart/electronic whiteboards, more multimedia projectors and more computer labs in primary and secondary schools that will serve as the basis for the development of critical skills for the digital age,” she said.

Williams pointed out that information and communications technology (ICT) is a major pillar as the Ministry transforms education for national development.

“We will continue the work to have all our schools connected with broadband internet. To date, we have 663 schools connected and we will be getting to more infant schools, primary schools, and secondary schools this term,” she noted.

She also expressed appreciation to Digicel, which has set up smart rooms in 11 primary schools and has committed to another 10 in the upcoming financial year.

– JIS