STAKEHOLDERS at the Corporate Area-based Shortwood Teachers’ College are planning to celebrate its 140th anniversary in style with infrastructural and technological upgrades aimed at better equipping the teachers-in-training to engage with the nation’s children.

Delivering her address at the institution’s anniversary media launch on Wednesday, Principal Nadine Molloy was overjoyed as she shared news of the many developments that are underway.

“It is an honour and a privilege to share with you today, on these historic grounds, where the story of Shortwood Teachers’ College has been written for well over a century. From its earliest days, this college has proven itself to be more than a place of study.

“It has been a cornerstone of national and regional development, preparing generations of educators who have shaped classrooms, communities and indeed the fabric of our society,” said Molloy.

She thanked Minister of Education Dr Dana Morris Dixon — who was in attendance — and the education ministry, which has promised a contribution of $500 million to facilitate the renovation and completion of the teachers’ college’s early childhood centre, the addition of special education facilities, enhanced laboratory spaces, and an upgraded library.

Molloy noted that the developments on the campus would not end there as she emphasised that there is now a priority on the mental health of the student teachers, which, she said, is heavily dependent on them operating in a clean and thriving environment.

The recently appointed principal and veteran educator pointed to newly developed recreational park spaces adjacent to the Majorie Myers Hall on the campus and announced plans to create more recreational areas and a historical park where the institution’s legacy could be observed.

“At Shortwood Teachers’ College, education must take place in an environment that reflects the values that we espouse… That is why we are cultivating an even more environmentally sustainable campus, one that promotes wellness, balance and innovation.

“We’re also drafting plans to aid in preserving our rich history by transforming our declared historic buildings into a unique heritage park. Ensuring that our legacy is both honoured and made accessible for future generations,” said Molloy.

Outside of the projects that would be afforded through the Government’s contribution, Molloy told the Jamaica Observer that the institution has financed a technologically advanced maths centre which serves as a research and training facility for the students and staff.

“What we want is a hub where we learn how to teach maths differently. So the idea is, if you really want to pass maths, if you really want to do well in maths, Shortwood is the place to be. So it’s also a research centre. It’s a learning centre for the staff and for the students. And we’re happy it is up and running and we are going to be putting in additional software,” declared Molloy.

She explained that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the dorms on the campus needed repairs which have been done in the interest of providing the students with the best possible experience, while preparing them to become the teachers of the next generation.

“The dorms had fallen a little bit on hard times where the residences are concerned, and we just made a concerted effort to improve them. And I’m happy to know that the students are appreciative of it. We are proud and are committed to keeping this a place where knowledge is created, shared and applied in service of and to our nation Jamaica and the wider world,” Malloy added.

In the meantime, Miss Shortwood 2025 Britney Dyer told the Observer that she was most excited about the improvement to the dormitories, and is pleased with all the other upgrades in the queue.

“I’m really excited, to be honest; I love what is happening now. I love the fact that we have so many special guests in our presence, but think I am most excited about the dorms,” said Dyer.

“I admire how our principal is doing the work and when I look outside I can’t help but think that’s amazing,” added Dyer.