EXECUTIVE director of the National Education Trust (NET) Latoya Harris-Ghartey wants Jamaicans to understand that the push towards science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) education is not a pipe dream.

“STEAM education is more than a concept, it is a structural strategic approach to preparing our students for the future. The students are showing you every day that they are ready and able to adapt and integrate. We have students with reading issues, but give them a device and you’ll be amazed at what they can do.

“It means that we just need to find a way to enhance that and empower them more to get them on the productive path,” Harris-Ghartey said at the launch of the STEAM Education in Schools Programme at AC Hotel Kingston last Wednesday.

Pointing to the work that NET has been doing to take Jamaica’s education system to a first-class level, Harris-Ghartey said the entity does a lot more than spend money on education infrastructure across the island. She said NET has been building ecosystems.

“In doing so, we will create opportunities and build futures for young people. STEAM education is a comprehensive approach to equipping our students with the essential tools of the 21st century and beyond,” declared Harris-Ghartey.

“The key is ensuring we nurture critical thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, creativity and adaptability. In an area of rapid technological advances and global challenges, these competencies are fundamental for success. By integrating science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics, STEAM education fosters an environment where students are not merely passive recipients of information but are active creators, innovators and solutions seekers,” added Harris-Ghartey.

The NET executive argued that a multi-disciplinary approach will allow learners to apply knowledge in the real-world context, driving technological transformations, and artistic advancements, to position themselves as competitive leaders in an increasingly interconnected and dynamic global economy.

She pointed out that NET manages the implementation of the education system transformation programme in partnership with the British Council.

According to Harris-Ghartey, through the programme, the foundation is being laid for better learning outcomes, stronger communities, and ultimately a more prosperous Jamaica.

“We stand here today because of a shared vision of multiple organisations working together for a common goal. To the British Council, the Ministry of Education, E-Learning [Jamaica], our team at NET, and all our partners, I extend my deepest gratitude for your dedication, expertise and your investment in this programme [that] will change lives, open doors and create pathways for countless students.”

Harris-Ghartey pointed out that last year, the Education Steering Committee signed off on new building standards for the sector and NET is now working with Bureau of Standards Jamaica to elevate those standards into national standards.

“With those building standards we will renovate, modernise, and build our schools from early childhood up to secondary level. I know the ministry is working on tertiary standards now and critical to that is green building technology for sustainability and energy efficiency including water management,” said Harris-Ghartey.

E-Learning Jamaica, one of the key partners in the STEAM Education in Schools Programme, celebrates 20 years of existence this year and its Chief Executive Officer Andrew Lee is confident that over the 20 years the entity has made significant impact locally in the area of technology.

“Since we came into being in 2005, our mission has always been to ensure all our students and educators have the tools that they need to thrive in the digital world and that is why partnership is so important and it is very important for us to collaborate and we’ll work on this initiative with NET and the British Council for the work particularly around the micro bit.

“Just as an example to let you know what we have done practically, we have provided over 11, 000 laptops to our primary schools. We are in the process of rolling out over 900 interactive panels to our primary schools in particular across Jamaica,” said Lee.