As an educator within the Jamaican school system, I am compelled to raise an issue that continues to undermine the quality of education across the island — the chronic lack of resources in our schools. This issue is not new, but it remains unaddressed in any meaningful or sustained way, and those most affected are our students.

Teachers are asked to inspire, engage, and elevate students to their full potential, and most of us do so with passion, creativity, and deep personal sacrifice. However, passion alone cannot replace textbooks, Internet access, working science labs, or functional classroom tools. Many of us work in overcrowded classrooms with no working fans, limited chalk or markers, and insufficient furniture. Visual aids are scarce, and access to technology is a distant dream in many public schools, especially in rural and inner-city areas. We speak of innovation and digital transformation in education, yet some teachers must still write entire lesson notes on the black or white boards because we cannot print enough for the day and there are only two projectors for a school with over 70 teachers. Many of us are expected to bear the cost of these shortages.

Teachers routinely dip into their own pockets to buy materials, print worksheets (if unable to get it done at their school), and provide even basic supplies for their students. This is done out of love and commitment, but it is neither sustainable nor fair. While the public often praise teachers for our dedication, especially during Education Week or on Teacher’s Day, this praise rings hollow when our working conditions remain unchanged and our appeals are ignored.

The real support we need is tangible investment in our schools. This is not just a teacher’s problem, it is a national issue. When classrooms are poorly resourced, students suffer. When students suffer, Jamaica suffers. If we want to prepare our youth for a competitive global landscape, we must start by giving them and their teachers the basic tools needed to succeed. While we are proud to support our students in this way, it is not sustainable. Teachers are already underpaid and overworked. To be expected to also fund basic classroom needs is not only unfair but also disrespectful to our profession.

I propose the following steps to begin addressing this urgent issue:

1) Allocate more direct funds to schools for purchasing essential materials and equipment.

2) Establish partnerships with private sector companies to provide technology and Internet access to underserved schools.

3) Implement a national resource bank where teachers can access and share locally developed lesson plans and digital teaching tools.

4) Provide teachers with a termly resource allowance to reduce out-of-pocket spending.

5) Launch a National Textbook Recycling Programme to ensure students in all schools have access to current learning materials.

6) Upgrade and maintain school infrastructure to create safe, comfortable learning environments.

It is painful to see how the lack of resources affects our students. Many of them are bright, creative, and eager to learn, but they are being held back by circumstances beyond their control. The gap between resource-rich and resource-deficient schools in Jamaica is growing, and it is our students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, who suffer the most. How can we promote equity in education when the starting line isn’t the same for every child?

Mr Editor, we need more than talk, we need action. It is time for the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information and all relevant stakeholders to prioritise the basic needs of our schools. Investment in teacher training is important, but it must go hand-in-hand with investment in teaching materials and infrastructure. We need functioning libraries, science labs, learning aids, classroom furniture, and access to modern technology. If we truly believe in the power of education to transform lives and shape our nation, we must provide our schools with the resources to do so.

Jamaican teachers are resilient, but we are not magicians. We cannot continue to perform miracles with minimal support. We are calling on the Government, the private sector, and the wider society to partner with us in strengthening the foundation of our nation, our schools. If we truly believe in the slogan ‘Every Child Can Learn, Every Child Must Learn’, we must put our money and effort where our mouths are. Teachers are doing their best with what little they have, but we cannot be expected to build a world-class education system on good intentions alone. Education is the backbone of national development. Investing in it is not a favour, it is a necessity.

We cannot afford to treat education as a ceremonial priority. It must be a real one, backed by action, policy, and funding. Teachers are willing to do the work. What we need now is for our leaders, communities, and education stakeholders to match our effort with the resources we need to carry out our mission.

Danielle Latibeaudiere-Clarke is a teacher of English language and literature. Send comments to the Jamaica Observer or daniellelatty93@gmail.com.