Speech HMOS Greeting e Learning Tablet Handover Ceremony Final

1 Greetings by The Minister of State, Ministry of National Security Honourable Juliet Cuthbert - Flynn at the Handover Ceremony for MNS, MOE and e - Learning Tablet Distribution Friday, November 3, 2023, at 2:30 PM Acknowledgements and Salutations: Minister of Education , Hon. Fayval Williams Minister of Local Government and Rural Development , Hon. Desmond McKenzie, Chief Executive Officer, E - Learning Jamaica Company Limited , Mr. Andrew Lee Chief Technical Director, Ministry of National Security , Ms . Shauna Trowers Principals and other senior representatives here and importantly, O ur students Good afternoon ! I am delighted to extend my warmest greetings to all those gathered here today for the handover ceremony of these devices. I must say that t his is a real victory in our ongoing efforts to support education and to promote positive outcomes for students under the Inter - Ministerial School Support Strategy (ISSS) . This is an important result in what has

2 been a collabora tive effort between the Mini stry of National Security and the Ministry of Education and Youth . In 2022, the Ministry of National Security embarked on a journey to explore ways to enhance the academic performance of students involved in the Support Strategy, which is one of the prima ry objectives of this initiative. The privilege is certainly mine to be part of this activity with e - Learning Jamaica through the Inter - Ministerial School Support Strategy. As part of our commitment to enhancing the educational journey of our young citize ns, we are proud to be providing students from a number of p rimary and h igh s chools with these tablets. These devices are not just tools, they are critical keys to unlocking a world of knowledge and opportunities. Students, w e encourage each of you to embrace this technology and to use it to become the guiding light within your schools. Let your tablets be instruments of curiosity, creativity, and learning. Dive deeper into the world of technology, explore its endless possibil ities and let it be a catalyst for self - improvement. Use these devices wisely, not only to do well academically , but also to foster innovation, communication, and personal growth. We want you to b e the change - makers and innovators within your schools, and to let technology be your ally , your helpmate on your educational journey. This initiative is just one example of the targeted approach that the Ministry of National Security has taken to support your growth and development. Much like the Music, Sports, a nd Technology initiative of the Ministry, we believe that these tablets will empower you to reach your full potential and become the leaders of tomorrow.

3 We are excited to see the incredible things you will achieve . Y our future is bright, and we are here to support you every step of the way. The Ministry of National Security and e - Learning Jamaica's collaborative efforts have opened the doors for providing further resources for the betterment of ninety (90) students. Our dedicated MNS case managers have wo rked with the respective schools to identify students in need of services that would improve their behaviour and academic performance. It was evident that a significant number of students lacked access to the necessary tools, including tablets, for their e ducational needs. Our case managers identified these students and provided the essential information to e - Learning Jamaica, who then approved the provision of tablets to address this urgent need. We are immensely grateful for their support and commitment t o this cause. In addition, with thirty - four (34) primary and high schools located in, or served by the seven ZOSO communities across Kingston, St. Andrew, St. James, and Westmoreland, the ISSS plays a cr itica l role in our mission to create safer and more p rosperous communities. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to e - Learning Jamaica for their partnership and generous contribution. I would also like to thank all our dedicated case managers, educators, parents and students for their unwavering commitment to this cause. Let us all continue to work together to build a brighter future for our youth and our communities. The success of the Inter - Ministerial School Support Strategy is a testament to what we can achie ve through collaboration and dedication. My hope is that these tablets will bring a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to the students under this programme. Thank you.