Jamaica's Adult Learning programme gains international recognition

Education Minister Ronald Thwaites announced on Tuesday that the High School Diploma Equivalency Programme, now being offered by the Jamaica Foundation for Lifelong Learning (JFLL) has gained international recognition.

The Minister told the House of Representatives that two influential bodies - City Adult Learning Centre, in Canada, and the Office of Adult and Continuing Education, "which is the largest provider of adult education certification in the United States of America - had both agreed to recognize the JFLL's certification.

He disclosed that the programme has a current enrolment of  just over 3,800, with a plan to double that figure this year and increase it by 30 per cent for each year thereafter.

Mr. Thwaites also announced that the Ministry of Education will be recruiting more teachers and upgrading the skills of  those currently teaching in the High School Diploma Equivalency programme.

These goals will be pursued, in collaboration with teacher-training institutions, he said, with the drive set to commence in March.