THE US Embassy in Kingston has partnered with Junior Achievement Jamaica (JA Jamaica) to provide tablets for students in need at the primary and high school levels.

This initiative, valued at $3.7 million, is tied to two flagship programmes being led by JA Jamaica — JA BizTown for primary schools and the Junior Achievement Company of Entrepreneurs (JACE) for high schools.

JA BizTown combines in-class learning with simulated work experience in a model town. It allows students to understand and carry out functionalities of a bank, manage businesses, act as consumers and practise the roles and responsibilities of being a good citizen. It helps students connect the dots between what they learn in school and operations in the world of work.

Similarly, JACE features a comprehensive, hands-on approach to learning through interactive classroom activities and the actual start up of student-led entrepreneurial ventures. The programme provides useful, practical entrepreneurial content that hepls students to become productive members of society who can create job opportunities and compete in the global economy.

Speaking on the partnership, the US Embassy’s Public Affairs Officer Bobby Adelson said, “The United States Government continues to support activities that foster prosperity and inclusive development for youth in Jamaica and throughout the region. We applaud Junior Achievement Jamaica on their continued effort to educate students on work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. We look forward to successful outcomes from our partnership.”

Students participating in these programmes who are without a proper device will be equipped with new tablets. The first distribution date is set for February 10 and will be incorporated with Jamaica’s National Careers Week, which will feature activities promoting and raising awareness on careers for young people.

The event is facilitated through a collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, HEART/NSTA Trust and Junior Achievement Jamaica.