KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Education Trust (NET) marked its 15th anniversary with a distinguished celebration uniting key stakeholders, students and government officials to reflect on its achievements and outline its vision for the future.

The milestone event featured a symbolic march led by Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon, minister of Education, Skills, Youth & Information, Dr Kasan Troupe, permanent secretary in the ministry, and Mrs Latoya Harris-Ghartey, executive director of the National Education Trust. The march culminated in a special ceremony honouring the trust’s legacy and reaffirming its ongoing commitment to national educational development.

Established in 2010, NET has been instrumental in transforming educational infrastructure, fostering strategic partnerships and promoting sustainable development within schools across Jamaica.

Over the past 15 years, the organisation has spearheaded transformative initiatives aimed at enhancing learning environments, expanding access to quality education and strengthening community engagement.

In her remarks, Minister Morris Dixon emphasised the critical role that NET has played in shaping the education sector in Jamaica, lauding the organisation’s dedication to bridging gaps in educational infrastructure.

“Fifteen years ago, the National Education Trust was born out of a vision — a vision that every child, regardless of where they are born, should have access to quality education in a modern, well-equipped learning environment,” Minister Morris Dixon stated. “Today, as we celebrate this milestone, we recognise that the work is far from over. The landscape of education is evolving, and the challenges ahead — climate change, technological shifts and the demands of a global economy — require bold action and a relentless pursuit of excellence.”

“The future of Jamaica depends on what we do today. The investments we make now — in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education, digital access, school infrastructure, and climate resilience — will determine the strength of our workforce, the competitiveness of our economy, and the opportunities available to our children,” she continued.

Meanwhile, Harris-Ghartey also expressed pride in the organisation’s journey and its far-reaching impact.

“Celebrating 15 years is not just about recognising our past achievements but also about reaffirming our commitment to the future. We have made significant strides in education development, thanks to the dedication of our partners and stakeholders. My hope for the next 15 years is that we continue to expand our reach, drive innovation, and create an even greater impact on Jamaica’s educational landscape,” she said.

The celebratory march brought together students, educators and government representatives in a shared commitment to advancing education. The event concluded with a heartfelt tribute to past and present contributors whose dedication has been instrumental in NET’s success.