CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS TO SERVE ON SCHOOL BOARDS IN JAMAICA
(Merris Murray, Executive Director of the NCE)
The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth & Information (MoESYI), in collaboration with the National Council on Education (NCE), is appealing for passionate and committed individuals to volunteer their time and expertise to serve on school boards across the nation. This initiative aims to strengthen the educational landscape and to ensure that the voices of diverse communities are represented in decisions that will have an impact on our schools, students, and future generations. The call is made in recognition of the critical importance of effective governance in Jamaican schools.
Schools as Agents of Socialization
Schools play a vital role as agents of socialization for our nation’s children, and it is therefore reasonable to conclude that if they are governed effectively, students will receive greater support in becoming responsible and productive citizens.
A parenting assessment tool developed and tested by the National Parenting Support Commission (NPSC) in 2015 found that inadequate parenting is a major contributor to many of the behavioural issues seen among Jamaican children (Jamaica Information Service, 2015). Given the gap in effective parenting, schools —as key socialising agents—must help to bridge this gap by fostering positive values and attitudes in students. The role of schools as socialization agents must be emphasized as we work to lay a strong foundation for cultivating a caring and responsible citizenry.
In this context, the Ministry and the NCE are calling on civic-minded individuals to volunteer their time and expertise by serving as members of school boards. This is a meaningful opportunity to contribute to national development by shaping the future of education in Jamaica.
We encourage interested individuals to visit the NCE’s website, download the application form, complete it, and submit it as directed. Join us in advancing a shared mission to transform our schools and, by extension, our nation.
Volunteer Criteria
Board Chairmen (NCE Nominees)
- Post-secondary education (including NVQs, diplomas, associate degrees, etc.);
- A strong interest in education and national development;
- A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in supervisory management;
- Excellent negotiation, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills;
- A proven track record in leadership and management.
All NCE-Nominated Members (Including Chairmen):
- Must be fit and proper persons. This means no convictions under the Offences Against the Person Act, Child Care and Protection Act, or for any offence involving fraud or dishonesty;
- Must be willing and available to serve;
- Must reside in Jamaica for the duration of their tenure;
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