Dear Editor,

Education is the foundation of any thriving society. It is the gateway to opportunity, a tool for breaking generational poverty, and the means through which Jamaica can empower its citizens to contribute meaningfully to national development. However, while we recognise the importance of education, our system continues to face significant challenges, particularly in terms of resources, accessibility, and equity.

One of the most pressing concerns in Jamaican education today is the persistent issue of student hunger. The daily feeding of students in schools should be regarded as a fundamental necessity, not a privilege. Malnutrition and food insecurity directly affect concentration, cognitive development, and overall academic performance. Yet scores of students across Jamaica attend school daily without a guaranteed meal, significantly limiting their ability to learn.

There is no denying that education goes hand in hand with adequate nutrition. Scientific research has consistently shown that students who are well nourished perform better academically, exhibit improved behaviour, and have stronger attendance records. Despite these well-documented findings, the reality in many Jamaican schools is that countless students struggle with hunger, making it difficult to focus on lessons and fully engage in classroom activities.

The Programme for Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) has served as an intervention to support vulnerable students by providing free meals in designated schools. However, the initiative is still insufficient to meet the needs of all students facing food insecurity. Many schools struggle to consistently provide meals due to budget limitations and inadequate infrastructure. Additionally, students outside of the PATH system often fall through the cracks, leaving them without access to the nourishment they desperately need.

In a recent article dated April 22, People’s National Party (PNP) President Mark Golding reiterated his commitment to ensuring that all needy children receive at least one meal a day in school if his party forms the next Government. Golding emphasised that his Administration would go even further, aiming to provide both breakfast and lunch for students as the economy improves. He cited a United Nations study indicating that more than 55 per cent of Jamaicans suffer from moderate to severe food insecurity, underscoring the necessity of a structured meal programme.

While hunger is a critical issue, Jamaica’s education system also faces broader challenges that hinder student success:

• Lack of resources: Many public schools suffer from overcrowded classrooms, outdated learning materials, and inadequate technological resources.

• Teacher shortages: Low wages and challenging working conditions have contributed to a decline in the number of qualified teachers available to educate Jamaica’s youth.

• High dropout rates: Economic hardships and societal pressures force many students to leave school prematurely, disrupting their education and future prospects.

• The shift system: Schools often have to share limited resources like textbooks, technology, and facilities among multiple groups, creating bottlenecks in access.

To create a more equitable and effective education system, urgent action must be taken to ensure that students are supported both academically and nutritionally. The following recommendations could help alleviate existing challenges and improve the state of education in Jamaica:

• Expand the national school feeding programme: All students, regardless of socio-economic status, should have access to nutritious meals daily to optimise their learning potential.

• Increase funding for education: More investment in school infrastructure, learning materials, and teacher salaries would create a stronger educational foundation.

• Prioritise teacher recruitment and retention: Incentives such as competitive wages, professional development opportunities, and improved working conditions would encourage more individuals to pursue careers in teaching.

• Prioritise shift removal: Dedicated efforts must be made to provide equal educational opportunities to students by completely ending the shift system.

• Strengthen partnerships between Government and private sector: Collaboration with businesses and non-profit organisations could foster more sustainable solutions for both education and nutrition.

Education is the key to Jamaica’s continued progress; however, if we don’t address the issue of student hunger, we cannot expect our children to excel or fully develop their potential. It is time for policymakers, educators, and community stakeholders to come together and take decisive action in reforming Jamaica’s education system.

Investing in education and nutrition is not just an act of goodwill, it is a necessity for national development. The future of Jamaica depends on how well we nurture and empower our young minds today. Let us not fail them.

Leecent Wallace

Principal of Christiana High School

Manchester

leecentw@yahoo.com