JPS Reading Drive Brings EV and Sustainability Lessons to Over 1,000 Primary Students

Jamaica Public Service Company Limited (JPS) said more than 1,000 students were exposed to energy and sustainability topics through storytelling during Read Across Jamaica Day activities in 16 primary schools across the island.

The programme took place in Clarendon, Manchester, Hanover, St James, St Catherine, St Elizabeth and Kingston, where JPS team members led interactive reading sessions aimed at strengthening literacy while introducing sustainability issues from early childhood.

The featured title was The New Car on the Block, a Jamaican-set children’s book about a girl named Zora learning about electric vehicles (EVs). The story presents EVs as environmentally friendly and encourages children, especially girls, to picture themselves in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

JPS said students were highly engaged in the readings and discussions, with many showing strong interest in EVs and how they could help the environment. The company also noted that for many students the EV idea was new, underscoring the value of explaining these subjects in ways children can connect with.

According to JPS, the effort supports its wider national development goals by building sustainability awareness through early education. “Read Across Jamaica Day provided an opportunity for us to connect with students in a meaningful way, using storytelling as a tool to introduce concepts that will shape the future of our country,” said Shenee Tabannah Anderson, brand experience and special projects officer at JPS. “As Jamaica continues its transition toward more sustainable energy solutions it is important that our young people are not only aware of these changes but inspired by them,” added Tabannah Anderson.

JPS Foundation also donated copies of the book to the participating schools and gave tokens of appreciation to students and teachers.