Education

Testimonial

“The Foundation has been a major supporter of the Vision Development Foundation: West Kingston/South St. Andrew Remedial Reading Project and Adult Literacy Programme, and through this support has made it possible for inner-city children and adults to access educational opportunities and, more importantly, to complete and achieve certification in their areas of pursuit. The results have been outstanding, particularly the GSAT students, some of whom, based on their results, were placed in "traditional high schools". The Foundation has helped empower young adults with an education, allowing them to better manage their affairs and to make sound decisions about their future. These results have had a positive impact on the community and have been a basis of encouragement for young children and adults, and a proud event in the history of the community.” - Dr. Omar Davies, MP, Chairman, Vision Development Foundation

The Education Programme supports projects that help disadvantaged children, particularly those aged between 0-8 years, to gain and improve knowledge and skills to reach economic self-sufficiency and remain active learners.

The Foundation's Education Programme deliberately targets the most vulnerable of our youth — those at the early childhood level. The early childhood level is the most critical stage of the development of the child and is also the stage where the foundation is laid for future development. The health status of our children is a key indicator of the nation's future.

Early targeting is necessary as the percentage of persons in Jamaica with formal qualifications has remained low through the years. In 2004, approximately 92.0 per cent of the poorest had no academic qualification, compared to 62.7 per cent of the wealthiest. Additionally, 92.4 per cent of those persons no longer in schools exited the education system at the secondary level, with 81.2 per cent never having passed any examination. This varied according to location (persons in rural areas were more vulnerable), consumption status and age. Participation by girls and women in education exceeds that of men after Grades 9 of the secondary education system and there is a falling rate for male labour force participation and an increasing rate for female participation. Whilst the Education Programme targets day care centres, basic and infant schools and infant departments in primary and all-age schools and children in grades one to three of primary and all-age schools, the Programme also provides support to secondary and tertiary institutions.

Projects & Programmes

Early Childhood Support Programme

The Roving Caregivers Programme (under the Bernard Van Leer Foundation-sponsored Kingston Inner City Child Support Project Phase II)

Under the Bernard Van Leer Foundation-sponsored Kingston Inner City Child Support Project Phase II (2006-2009), this project was designed to improve the educational, health and nutritional status as well as the care and protection of children from the targeted communities. It also sought to train their parents in effective parenting and nutritional practices, and early stimulation methods. The project benefitted 12 Inner City Communities in Kingston Jamaica.  EHF administered the Roving Caregivers Programme and the Nutrition Programmes.  The Roving Caregivers Programme stimulated children from birth to three years of age and assisted them in reaching their appropriate developmental milestones. It also educated parents and caregivers on proper parenting skills.  The Nutrition Programmes educated Caregivers, School Staff, Roving Care Givers and Parents on the importance of proper nutrition during Early Childhood Development.  The programme also provided workable, economical and proper nutritional solutions to participants.

EHF/University of Technology (UTECH) Student Leadership and School Mentorship Programmes (2006-2010)

The Shaw in Jamaica MoN Project

The overall objective of this project was to further the elimination of racial health disparities in prostate cancer among men of African descent through scientific research of prostate cancer in Jamaica. To this end, Shaw University (Shaw), the University of the West Indies (UWI) and EHF entered a memorandum of understanding to implement a 5-year programme of education and research, and to promote exchange among the students and faculties of Shaw and UWI. EHF served as chief coordinator for the project for the period 2009-2010.

The project, which was funded by the National Institute of Health National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NCMHD), helped to further develop the research skills and capabilities of undergraduate students from Shaw University, who were hosted by the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica, and who were mentored by UWI undergraduate and graduate students. The main focus was Prostate Cancer, which inflicts Jamaican and American men of African decent greatly.

EHF's Schools' Wellness Clubs (SWC)

Wellness Alphabet Book (Student Book and Teacher’s Guide)

The Prostate Cancer Guide – A Resource for Jamaican Men & Their Families

ProstatebookcoverIn light of studies that reveal that Jamaican men suffer from a disproportionately high incidence of prostate cancer, Dr. the Hon. Henry Lowe spearheaded the research and publication of this booklet, with the aim of fostering greater awareness among Jamaican men and their families about prostate cancer. It is the book’s intention to assist Jamaicans in recognizing the possible warning signs of prostate cancer and to encourage them to take immediate action to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment.

EHF partnered with Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) on this initiative, whereby JNBS provided funding assistance toward the printing of the first 2,500 copies of the book, which was launched in October 2010.

The book is endorsed by the Ministry of Health and the South East Regional Health Authority.

Organizations and individuals who we have supported in educational projects and programmes

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