KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Education Trust (NET), a registered charitable organisation and an agency of the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, celebrated its 16th anniversary on Tuesday, marking years of unwavering commitment to strengthening the education system in Jamaica.

This milestone was observed under the theme, “Rebuilding, Reinvesting, Reaffirming: 16 Years of Partnerships Driving National Impact”.

In a press release on Wednesday, the NET said it has been central to the mobilisation of resources for the education sector, building strategic relationships with donors, investors and development partners to bridge critical gaps and respond to the evolving needs of schools.

Embedded in the organisation’s mandate is the responsibility for infrastructure development across all levels of education, with NET leading the construction, rehabilitation and upgrading of school facilities to create safe, inclusive and enabling learning environments for students and educators islandwide.

As part of the anniversary observances, NET participated in a special church service held on Sunday at Christian Fellowship World Outreach Inc.

Parliamentary Secretary in the ministry, Senator Marlon Morgan, commended the contribution of NET to national development through education.

“I am pleased to have worshipped here today on the occasion of NET’s 16th anniversary. We at the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information are absolutely delighted that God has blessed and sustained the organisation over these 16 years. We look forward to many more years of partnership and progress, as NET continues to make its mark in advancing Jamaica’s education system,” Morgan said.

Permanent Secretary Dr Kasan Troupe in her remarks to the organisation, praised the impact of NET over the years.

“Sixteen years of partnerships for national impact. I can truly say that I have felt the impact of this organisation, especially during this period as we deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. This category five storm has tested us as a ministry, but team NET has risen to the occasion. I am so proud of the entity under the stewardship of Chairman, Professor Andrew Spencer and Executive Director Mrs Latoya Harris-Ghartey. Team NET, happy 16th anniversary — you are trending! #TREND,” Troupe said.

Spencer also addressed the organisation, stating, “Congratulations on NET Day, which was proclaimed by His Excellency, the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Linton Allen, Governor-General of Jamaica. I know that NET has given 16 years to transforming education in Jamaica, and we have decades more to give to the development of education in Jamaica.”

Harris-Ghartey added: “Keeping God at the centre of everything we do is fundamental to who we are at NET. Our journey over the past 16 years has been shaped by his guidance, the commitment of a passionate and resilient team, and the steadfast support of our partners and stakeholders. Together, we have built and rebuilt schools, reinvested in learning spaces, and reaffirmed our shared responsibility to our children. As we look to the future, we remain focused on serving with purpose, accountability and gratitude, while deepening the partnerships that make national impact possible.”

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening educational infrastructure, expanding investment in schools and communities and fostering partnerships that continue to drive sustainable development through education. It said it remains dedicated to supporting the growth and resilience of the education system in Jamaica for generations to come.