US educator urges integrated learning as foundation expands support for Kingston schools

American educator Elizabeth Bran says Jamaica could strengthen classroom learning by borrowing some teaching practices used in the United States, as she and her husband John continue education support work in several inner-city communities across the island.

Bran, who has been involved with schools and education stakeholders in Jamaica since 2017, said one practical reform would be to connect lessons across subjects instead of teaching them in isolation. She argued that reading classes, for example, can include non-fiction tied to social studies topics such as countries of the world, helping students make links between subjects while improving comprehension.

The couple also pointed to the financial strain many families face when preparing children for school. They said basic items including notebooks, pens and uniforms can become costly for parents. Bran added that the burden extends to high school examination fees, which some students and their families cannot manage. She said those costs can prevent students from sitting final exams, graduating and moving on to college or university.

To address that problem, Bran said they have sponsored high school students by paying their exam fees so they can complete school and pursue their chosen careers. John said the effort is supported by people in both the United States and Canada, even though he and his wife are the public face of the work in Jamaica.

He said the need remains high each year, especially for school supplies in downtown Kingston. According to him, barrels with supplies are shipped several times annually and the items are shared among different schools, although the demand is greater than what the group can fully meet.

The Academic Motivational Performance Foundation is already preparing for the new school year and has supplied St. Alburn's Primary School in Denim Town and other inner-city schools with books, bags and other materials. A representative from the school said the donation included individual packages for students, along with extra items for children in urgent need. The family's work was also recognised recently when Tivoli Gardens High School presented them with a citation at its graduation ceremony in Kingston.