KINGSTON, Jamaica – The National Education Trust (NET), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information (MoESYI), officially handed over newly renovated facilities at the Papine High School in St Andrew last Thursday. This marked a significant step towards improving the learning environment for students and staff.

The handover ceremony was attended by Minister of Finance Fayval Williams. Her remarks highlighted the progress being made by the ministry to ensure that students have access to better environments for learning, which will better enable them for a brighter future.

The renovation project is part of the Primary and Secondary Infrastructure Project (PSIP), funded by the Government of Jamaica and aims to alleviate overcrowding while enhancing facilities in public schools. The work included the extension of the school’s plant, improvements to wastewater infrastructure and the renovation of selected amenities. These upgrades are designed to provide additional spaces, allowing the school to be removed from the shift system and improving the overall learning environment.

“The renovation at Papine High School is a critical part of our efforts to enhance educational infrastructure across Jamaica,” said Latoya Harris-Ghartey, Executive Director of the National Education Trust. “As an agency under the Ministry of Education, we are committed to transforming the landscape of education by creating safe, conducive environments for students to excel. This project represents just one of the many steps we are taking to ensure that students can learn in spaces that support their academic and personal growth.”

The renovation works, which began in July 2024, were completed ahead of schedule in September and October of the same year. The renovations included the conversion of the school’s holding area into five classrooms, the transformation of the Industrial Arts Classroom into two smaller classrooms and the refurbishment of two bathrooms and the conversion of two rooms in the 6th Form Block into additional classrooms. The total cost of the project was $46.9 million.

Leighton Christie, Principal of Papine High School, expressed his gratitude and excitement at the improvements.

“This is a game changer for our school,” he said. “The new classrooms and upgraded facilities will not only provide a more comfortable and functional space for our students but will also enhance the overall teaching and learning experience. On behalf of the staff and students of Papine High, I would like to thank everyone involved in making this project a reality.”

The renovated facilities will benefit the school’s 1,000 students and 70 staff members. This project is part of the ministry’s broader strategy to upgrade and expand public school infrastructure across Jamaica, with the ultimate goal of eliminating the shift system and ensuring that every child has access to quality education in an environment that supports their academic growth and well-being.

The National Education Trust, as the implementing agency for these projects, will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Education to oversee similar initiatives that aim to improve educational access and facilities across the island.