Media Center

JPS has officially opened its first homework centre in Western Jamaica, the JPS Homework Centre for Farm and Rose Heights. The opening ceremony took place on Sunday May 27 and is a collaborative effort between JPS and the Social Development Commission. 

Addressing the audience, JPS President and CEO, Kelly Tomblin said "today is about partnership and community," adding, "but it's also about holding the hands of our children." She expressed the hope that the supervised homework centre, will see participation grow from less than 100 persons to 500 participants, including not only students but members of the community. 

Speaking from her personal experience, Kelly appealed to the youngsters to make the most of the opportunity, even as her own father had encouraged her to make the most of educational opportunities. Our investment in the homework centre, Kelly emphasized, is indicative of the fact that we are more than poles and wires, but an integral part of Jamaican life and community development.

The homework centre provides a quiet place for students to study, supervised assistance, as well as computer and internet access. Also addressing the audience, Member of Parliament for Central St. James, Mr. Lloyd B. Smith, told members of the Farm Heights and Rose Heights communities of St. James, that as an M.P. he intends to push for legislation against miscreants who vandalise school property and community centres. 

The Government minister noted that all too often, unscrupulous persons vandalise educational institutions such as schools, or community centres with computers and other teaching aids - thus working counter to the objective of empowering our children with a sound education. This act should be punished, he insisted.

JPS spends $30M annually, supporting educational initiatives including the Early Childhood Nutritional Support Programme, and grants to local universities to render financial aid to students.