From the desk of the Project Manager...

The Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture's strategic objectives speak to striving towards literacy for all in order to extend personal opportunities; securing teaching and learning opportunities that will optimise Access, Equity and Relevance throughout the system; and supporting student achievement and improved institutional performance in order to ensure that national targets are met. These are all represented in the Jamaica All Age Schools Project (JAASP) components, and can also be translated into project objectives.

JAASP has a wonderful opportunity to reach all in its family through this medium, and to build awareness of the need for all of us to work together in changing the way All Age Schools and their students have generally been viewed for years. The project, therefore, is an ambitious one, but the goals are not unachievable and for those who love to be challenged, here is an opportunity!

I truly believe that despite the problems of rural Jamaica, and the overall paucity of resources, some of our most important assets/resources have yet to fully rise to the call, thereby giving all they can!

I wish to salute those who have, and remind others that, 'Nothing can come of nothing,' when we do nothing.

I would like to thank Principals, Teachers, Students, Education Officers, the Steering Committee and project staff for their commitment and hence all their work so far. We look forward to sustaining these positive relationships throughout and beyond the project’s lifetime as we work towards the ultimate goal of 'Improved lifetime opportunities (through education) for rural children.'

Patricia Johnson,
Project Manager