THE Jamaican Foundation for Lifelong Learning (JFLL) has launched a new high school diploma equivalency programme targeting high school dropouts, the unemployed, and adults who left high school without passes in CXC, which they need to progress to the tertiary level.

Audrey Hinchcliffe, chairman of JFLL, said these Jamaicans were often deprived of opportunities to have successful careers and contribute to nation building.

“The high school diploma equivalency is an alternative pathway to a general education programme for adult learners aged 17 and older. It caters to individuals who have exited the formal education system and require a second chance to access learning opportunities to pursue their personal, academic and professional goals,” Hinchcliffe said at the recent launch.

She said the programme copies one being offered in New York City, which she was a graduate of in 1968.

“When I was in America and I needed to go to college, I pursued a high school diploma and I got into college and I got two degrees after that. I am living proof that the programme can get you into any college,” Hinchcliffe said, showing her certificate.

Dr Grace Munroe, deputy executive director of JFLL, said the programme will be offered in three different phases.

“The programme is comprised of 11 modules and offered over three distinct levels — basic, intermediate and proficiency. The basic level of the programme is equivalent to the curriculums of grades one to six in the formal education system. Four subjects will be offered at this level — mathematics, English language, life skills and information technology. The basic level is a prerequisite for the intermediate level,” she said.

The intermediate level covers grades seven to nine and the course of study at this level will be based on competency-based curricula. This programme will provide the adult learner with the opportunity to gain a level of competence or mastery acquired through a core of knowledge, skills and attitudes and focus on five core subjects — mathematics, English language, science and technology, information technology and social studies.

Students will be assessed at each module of the intermediate level. Upon completing the course of study at this level, the participant will be required to sit an examination to determine readiness for HEART Trust training. They will be encouraged to engage in a course for training, then successful students will be awarded national vocational qualification.

After this stage, participants may either seek jobs with their qualifications or transition to the proficiency level of the programme.

The proficiency level is equivalent to the curriculums of grades 10 to 11. This level will guided by the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate syllabus.

Participants are expected to complete the five courses — mathematics, English language, social studies, information technology and integrated science. Upon successful completion of this third stage and passing these five courses, participants will be awarded their high school diploma from JFLL.

Education Minister Ronald Thwaites said the programme opens a valuable system for parents of children who did not complete high school.

“With this programme, the parents can access and learn what their children, especially their teenagers, are learning in high school. This programme can also help parents who lost their high school opportunities to be on par with their children who are now in high school. They will be able to help and support each other.”