The document discusses Catholic social thought and its application to Jamaica's educational system. It provides background on Jamaica's colonial education system and current reforms. Key points of Catholic social thought are examined in relation to Jamaica's education challenges, including dignity, common good, option for the poor, and stewardship. Areas needing improvement are greater citizen participation and focus on environmental stewardship through education.

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3. Catholic Social Thought on the Educational System in the Caribbean; Case Study: Jamaica Jenai Mapp-Watson

5. In the English speaking Caribbean, children are educated in primary school from ages 5-11 at which point they take the common entrance exam to enter the secondary school system. † Between the ages of 14-17, students are permitted to sit the CxC CSEC examinations, equivalent to Ordinary-level examinations. The University of the West Indies has campuses in Barbados, Trinidad, Jamaica and Antigua and Barbuda. ††

6. Education in the Caribbean has been heavily impacted by the Education for All agreement with UNESCO at Jomtien 1990 Reports at ten year intervals are gathered to assess this progress

8. As with most colonies, education was initially reserved for children of the plantocracy. Education of slaves was for the purpose of indoctrination and subjugation. After the abolition of slavery, the colonial power, Great Britain, educated the masses so as to avoid revolt.

9. Girls and boys were mostly educated without discrimination, but their education prepared them for different roles in society The biggest line of discrimination was and remains financial ability After independence, the church and private trusts have been funding secondary education on the island. Jamaica is home to one of the four UWI campuses.

10. 89.7% literacy rate based on persons above 15 years who ever attended school † 6.2 % GDP spent on education † 2003/2004 census revealed that there were 1004 public institution providing education at all levels for 701, 300 students. † † Currently undergoing major reform since Education for All utilizing ROSE I and II and White Paper † †

11. Headed by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture which is decentralized to allow easier access of government officials to the field Reform of Secondary Education Project 1 (ROSE 1) implemented between 1993 and 2000 to address inequity and inequality of access to secondary education ROSE II currently implemented to improve literacy, numeracy and the attack the anti-social culture from the root

12. Jamaica remains in debt to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) As of November 20 th , there has been a new agreement to revise the repayment plan due to the economic climate and the damage of Hurricane Nicole Many believe this crippling loan scheme to be the cause of misallocation of funds in Jamaica.

14. A doctrine of the Catholic Church Founded upon Biblical teaching and Catholic tradition A philosophical view of what is the “good” society Recommendations for how citizens of the good society should present themselves

15. Dignity of the Human Person Common Good and Community Option for the Poor Rights and Responsibilities Role of Government and Subsidiarity

16. Economic Justice Stewardship of God's Creation Promotion of Peace and Disarmament Participation Global Solidarity and Development

17. Dignity of the Human Person Only recently has become a consideration in the history of educating Jamaica’s children Education was a privilege and is only with in recent times being see as a right.

18. Common Good and Community and Promotion of Peace and Disarmament One of the reasons given for the promotion of education is that children in school are less idle and more productive Jamaica has seen many periods of unrest. Anti-society sentiments run deep in the culture and is manifested most overtly by the Rastafarian religion Jamaica is also understood to be a major port for the trafficking of both drugs and humans. Education is seen as means of reversing this trend.

19. Option for the Poor and Economic Justice Jamaica has been failed here and has in turn failed its people Traditionally, the poor have been sees as a nuisance and a hindrance to the progress of the nation, their education was a courtesy or a burden of the church Now, primary schools have been made free and more scholarships are being granted so that deserving children may attend secondary Since Jamaica is trapped in the repayment torment, it cannot focus on its own economy on its youth

20. Participation and Rights and Responsibility There is no outline for the participation of the affected in their own development. The right to education has been identified as well as the responsibility of a citizen to its country, but the right of the individual to his own development is not acknowledged

21. Role of Government and Subsidiarity and Global Solidarity and Development The government has taken the task up and has made many improvements and set infrastructure to build upon This was done in a global and regional accord at Jomtien to ensure that children around the world have access to quality education and that adults have the resources to pursue opportunities. By joining in the fight to promote Education for All, Jamaica agreed with CARICOM member states that children’s well being is paramount and key to the progress of the region.

22. Stewardship of God’s creation There has been no mention of care for the environment or physical earth Natural sciences are being promoted, but it is unclear how important issues of environmental health are being held Jamaica is a major Bauxite and Alumina exporter, most teaching on agriculture, environmental studies etc. will most likely be focused on the continued exploitation of these materials.

23. Main Points of CST Jamaica’s Checklist Dignity of the Human Person Common Good and Community Option for the Poor Rights and Responsibilities Role of Government Economic Justice Stewardship of God’s Creation Promotion of Peace Participation Global Solidarity and Development

24. The Ministry of Education needs to reach out to the public, children, parents, teachers etc. as sources of information and capable entities in their own development While fighting against the economic injustice of international lending bodies, the government must not in turn be unjust to its citizens While the Earth is ours to subdue, it is also ours to protect, education of our children today on caring for the Earth will result in a healthier world tomorrow