Mandeville, Manchester —The Jamaica Observer had the final leg of its annual Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC), Mathematics and English Language workshop at deCarteret College here on Friday.

Though the Easter break was not quite over, more than 200 students came out to benefit from what was being taught as the examinations draw closer.

Kesi Asher, business development and marketing co-ordinator at the Observer, said with an increase from the original four workshops to ten her team has been busy making stops across the island since late last year.

In addition to Mandeville there were workshops in Montego Bay, St Ann, Kingston, Portland, St Mary, St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Clarendon and St Thomas.

Asher said that the series of workshops, which is a partnership with teachers from various educational institutions and sponsors, have continued over the years as a commitment to helping students succeed.

“We believe in education and the growth of students and we continue to do our part to help them achieve their goals,” she said.

Experienced educator and long-standing contributor to the workshops, Sonia Lee, urged students to have an “open book policy”.

“There is no day that the book should be closed. If you get a (grade) three you can get a (grade) one with a little bit more energy and effort,” she said.

Lee lauded the students who came out to the workshop for showing the interest.

“You came out today even though it is not compulsory. You made it your business,” she said, noting that mishaps can happen and throw off even the students who are focused and as such nothing should be taken for granted.

The Jamaica Observer Lecture Series Workshops held across the island were free to students.

Wisynco, through its Bigga and Wata brands, sponsored the Mandeville event.

— Alicia Sutherland