Mission Statement

To implement public relations activities and manage an effective system of communications, which supports the Ministry’s goals and objectives for internal and external communications to all its publics.

Historical Overview

The Ministry of Education, Youth (MOEY) is cognisant of the fact that education is a national priority in fulfilling the commitment of human resources development as a key component of our country’s success. The mission statement of the Ministry essentially incorporates the harmonisation of educational and cultural resources to assure that all its publics receive the best value in human investment.

The Ministry has established a Communication Unit, which is responsible for planning and executing a public relations programme. The unit was established in March 1998 when the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) recognised that in order to maximise productivity in each Ministry, communication, both internally and externally, needed to be improved.

The Communication unit is linked to the Ministry’s overall long-term programme of reform and expansion of the educational system, where applicable, to foster good relations with the public, and enhance the Ministry’s image. It also works closely with the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) in executing public relations activities.

The Communication unit will increase its effectiveness as it facilitates the exchange of information, ideas and feelings based on an understanding of theMOEY’s objectives, policies and programmes.

Activities

The activities of the unit will vary throughout the year for various reasons. However, the unit’s work involves the following:

• Writing and distributing news releases, news features, photographs and letters to the editors of media organisations.
• Maintaining a current newspaper clipping file containing articles on education.
• Maintaining a current list of media, Parliamentarians, Custodes, public relations managers / information officers / administrators, members of the Diplomatic Corps, MOEY regional officers, key personnel and spokesperson directory.
• Organising press conferences, receptions and official visits in consultation with the Permanent Secretary.
• Arranging press, radio and television interviews for management in keeping with relevant project areas.
• Editing and producing in-house newsletter, magazine, and organising other forms of internal communication, for dissemination to the Ministry’s publics.
• Commissioning and organising exhibitions or displays for the Ministry’s notice boards or other venues if applicable.
• Handling P.R. sponsorships.
• Organising site visits
• Attendance at appropriate meetings for information to plan and execute programmes.
• In house training of staff on public relations.
• Liaising with other Ministries and Government agencies regarding educational issues.
• Liaising with the press on the placement of advertisements.
• Plan official openings of new premises.
• In consultation with JIS, develop information packages to be used in radio and television broadcasts on matters related to education.
• Liaising with all departments/units on public relations activities relating to their projects and programmes.

The Ministry’s publics

• Teachers
• Staff
• Media
• Students
• Members of the school community
• Agencies of the Ministry
• Stakeholders
• Members of the public who share an interest in education