In an impassioned address, Education Minister Dr. Dana Morris Dixon has boldly stated that the poor performance in last year’s Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) exams cannot be blamed on any single group. Rather, she asserts, it is a national issue that demands the collective effort of every Jamaican citizen.
At the recent Education Transformation Oversight Committee briefing, Dr. Dixon emphasized that education should not solely rest on the shoulders of the Ministry of Education but on every facet of Jamaican society. From private sector leaders to community groups, she stressed the importance of national collaboration to improve student outcomes and tackle the alarming trends in exam results.
For far too long, Jamaica has witnessed a cycle of poor academic performance in fundamental subjects like mathematics and English, subjects that are vital for the future of our children. According to Ministry statistics, the pass rate in mathematics for 2024 stood at just 38.9%, a minor improvement from 37.3% in 2022. In English, the pass rate slipped from 77.2% in 2022 to 76.4% in 2024. These statistics paint a grim picture of the state of education in Jamaica, with far too many students struggling to meet basic academic benchmarks.
Minister Dixon has set ambitious targets for this year—49% pass rate for mathematics and 80% for English. However, achieving these goals will require an urgent, coordinated response from all sectors of society.
The dismal results are a direct reflection of the broader issue facing Jamaica: the gap between education and the nation’s economic needs. A lack of proficiency in maths and English is not just an academic problem, it’s an economic one. Graduates are entering the workforce unprepared, unable to meet the demands of an increasingly competitive global market. This failure to provide a competent workforce places the country’s economic future in jeopardy.
To change this trajectory, Dr. Dixon calls for more than just awareness; she demands action. The failure of the education system is not only the result of inadequacies within schools but also a breakdown in support at home, in communities, and from the private sector. Teachers, despite their best efforts, cannot carry the burden alone, especially when they are met with underfunding and outdated resources. Parents, too, must step up to reinforce the importance of education at home, and the private sector must recognize the long-term benefits of investing in the education system.
The time for finger-pointing must end. Teachers blame parents, parents blame teachers, and the government blames society, while the private sector largely watches from the sidelines, making only token contributions. Meanwhile, it is the students who suffer, graduating without the essential skills needed for their future success.
The solution lies in systemic reform. The government must prioritize education, ensuring that schools receive the funding and resources necessary to support both students and teachers. This means investing in modern technology, training educators, and providing infrastructure that supports effective learning.
Parents must recognize that their role extends beyond simply sending children to school. The home environment must be one that fosters curiosity, learning, and growth.
The private sector also has a critical role to play. Businesses are quick to complain about unskilled graduates, yet few are willing to invest in the educational system that produces them. Corporations must partner with schools, provide resources for technology, and support educational initiatives that will cultivate a future workforce ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
Finally, the community at large must become active participants in the push for educational reform. This means advocating for better policies, holding leaders accountable, and understanding that education is a shared responsibility. The proverb “it takes a village to raise a child” should be the guiding principle in this effort, as all of Jamaica must unite in order to provide the best possible future for its children.
The fate of Jamaica’s children—and the nation itself—rests on the decisions made today. The time to act is now.
