KINGSTON, Jamaica — More than 90 high school students gathered at The University of the West Indies recently to participate in the Reggae Jammin Mathematics Marathon, as part of preparations to sit their exams.

The full-day initiative offered guided tutoring sessions, interactive problem-solving activities and direct, practical support in an environment where students felt encouraged rather than overwhelmed.

“At Reggae Jammin, we believe in supporting young people both inside and outside of the classroom. The mathematics marathon was more than just a tutoring session. It was an opportunity to encourage students, build confidence and remind them that they are capable of achieving great things,” Navron Henry, brand manager for Reggae Jammin, was quoted as saying in a news release on Tuesday.

“We are proud to play a role in empowering the next generation through education,” Henry added.

Running the sessions was Demar Hemley, a mathematics tutor with more than a decade of experience. He is also the founder of Hemley’s Tutoring, launched in 2021 with a vision of expanding academic support across the Caribbean.

Students work through mathematics problems during the Reggae Jammin Mathematics Marathon at The University of the West Indies. For parents like Wesley Burger, whose daughter attends Wolmer”s High School for Girls,
the timing could not have been better. He said. “Practice, revision, and clarity sessions are extremely helpful at this point.”

“I always do marathons before major exams so when Reggae Jammin contacted me, I immediately said yes because this would help students on a wider scale. The students were excited and encouraged throughout the day, and they willingly participated in the sessions. By the end of the marathon, you could see their confidence growing as they gained a better understanding of the areas they were struggling with,” said Hemley.

That confidence was visible to parents as well.

“It’s exam time, so practice, revision and clarity sessions are extremely helpful at this point,” said Wesley Burger, whose daughter attends Wolmer’s Girls High School and is currently in fifth form.

“The best part of the experience for me was knowing that the sponsors, Reggae Jammin, took the time to care,” Burger added.

Burger said he would not only support future mathematics marathon initiatives but also actively recommend the programme to other parents and students.

The Reggae Jammin Mathematics Marathon is part of the brand’s continued efforts to support Jamaican youth through education and community engagement.