The Daryll Jordan Secondary School in St. Lucy has done more than educate students in the north of the island.
This assertion has come from Minister of Education, Technological and Vocational Training, Santia Bradshaw, who said the school has allowed students to hone their skills and talents over the years.
She was speaking on the occasion of the school’s 49th anniversary service held at its Trents, St. Lucy location yesterday.
“The skills programme here at the Daryll Jordan Secondary School must be commended. The education and training performed at this institution by highly trained teachers have provided the students with the skills and knowledge needed to raise their output and generate income. It would be remiss of me if I did not also mention at this point the excellent tutelage of the music department…,” she stated.
The Education Minister hinted that the Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (CVQ) programme at the school could be expanded in the next financial year.
Daryll Jordan Secondary already offers several CVQ subjects, including Carpentry and Furniture Making, Electrical Installation, Masonry, Commercial Food Preparation and Agricultural Science.
She lauded the work of immediate past principal, Stephen Jackman, who she said did an outstanding job during his tenure at the school.
“Permit me a minute to salute Mr. Stephen Jackman who on my coming to office certainly stood out as one of the outstanding principals who was very committed to the institution which he led, and I am happy that he has now moved on to the Frederick Smith Secondary School, which I believe that he will continue to do what he did here, and to demonstrate continued commitment and dedication to ensuring that we get the best out of our students,” she stated.
Ms. Bradshaw said she was also “excited” about the school’s recently launched mentorship programme, where old scholars will assist students through mentoring, providing scholarships and job attachments. She encouraged other schools to follow suit.
“I hope institutions across the island will take a leaf from the Daryll Jordan Secondary School and encourage old scholars and other persons across the community to reach out to our young people and to mentor them in every possible way. Sometimes we wonder how we are going to give back, but I think that this is an example of [how you can do so]” she underscored.
Minister Bradshaw also advised students of the school to be “northern stars” in all of their pursuits, and not to be deterred by “contrary winds”.
“I salute you the members of the Daryll Jordan Secondary School and I wish that your activities will be memorable and fruitful as you celebrate this year leading to your 50th anniversary,” Minister Bradshaw stated.