Beyond Textbooks: Comprehensive Support for Academic Success
Paving the way for academic success in collaboration with Jalawelo, Maxfield Park Primary, and the community.
As we prepare for the 2024 back-to-school rituals, we reflect on a conversation we had with Principal Beverley Gallimore-Vernon of Maxfield Park Primary School a few years ago when Jalawelo donated new, crisp textbooks to 20 students. Their bright faces showed curiosity and pleasure as they were handed their very own books. Back then, Principal Gallimore-Vernon reported a decline in some students’ scores for English, Mathematics, and Numeracy. One contributor to this decline was the inability of some parents to afford the required books for their children. Students in grades 4-6 need access to the required textbooks to prepare for the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) exam. This exam determines the quality of the high school to which they will be assigned, which can ultimately affect their chances of entering university and securing well-paying jobs. Principal Gallimore-Vernon brimmed with joy as we distributed the new textbooks to the students. It was clear that she had a genuine and deep connection with her students by the way she spoke about and to them.
The Context and Challenges
Maxfield Park Primary is an elementary school in St. Andrew, Jamaica, that welcomes students up to Grade 6. In a community plagued by poverty and crime, Maxfield Park Primary shines as a beacon of hope. An explosion of color awaits students within the school’s walls. The rooms, benches, and walkways display brightly colored messages about learning. While much improved over the years, the students at Maxfield Park Primary continue to face significant academic challenges.
The need to purchase expensive textbooks each year weighs heavily on the minds of parents with limited financial means. These routine financial obligations create stress as there is little meaningful access to safety nets in situations like these. Children of parents who have to deal with these types of stressors often struggle academically, cognitively, and behaviorally. Furthermore, high stress levels can negatively affect parents’ interaction with their children. Jalawelo was happy to help reduce this stress with our book donation, but we recognize that this in and of itself is not enough. While our book donation is a step in the right direction, it is clear that merely handing over textbooks and school supplies is not enough to ensure academic success.
Addressing Undereducation: A National Issue
In a recent article in the Gleaner, Professor Rosalea Hamilton, director at the Institute of Law and Economics, highlighted the issue of undereducation within Jamaica's labor force. She stated that nearly 70% of the workforce has either not passed any exams or has not met the required thresholds, limiting them to only skilled-level one and two jobs. Hamilton emphasized that to compete globally, particularly in an economy driven by innovation and high-level thinking, Jamaica needs to elevate the education level of its labor force to match that of globally competitive countries. She pointed out that while only 14% of Jamaicans hold degrees, this figure is approximately 40% in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries.
Success is in the performance of our students, not in a project about handing over textbooks. We must focus on providing comprehensive support that addresses the root causes of academic underperformance. This includes targeted interventions, continuous academic support, and programs that engage both students and parents in the learning process. By doing so, we can ensure that our students are not just equipped with the necessary materials but also with the skills and knowledge to excel academically and beyond.
The Long Road Ahead
The school understands that they have a long road ahead, and creating a Centre of Excellence was just one milestone. While there has been some improvement at the school, there is still a long way to go. Principal Gallimore-Vernon informed us that some shooters had recently terrorized the surrounding community. She noted that without appropriate interventions, some of this new generation of children may be easily enticed into criminal activity as well. This reality motivates the school leadership to embrace the school’s motto: “Academic Success Under Construction.” It reflects the reality that, although it is a long process, success is possible and must be passionately pursued.
Through our continued efforts and collaboration with the school and community, we can help Maxfield Park Primary students achieve the academic success they deserve, laying the foundation for a brighter future.