The Building Out Our STEM Teachers (BOOST) programme, dedicated to enhancing STEM education across Jamaica, recently hosted a Networking Luncheon on March 27, 2024, at the Regional Headquarters of The University of The West Indies, Mona. The event showcased the programme's achievements to date and provided networking opportunities among BOOST Fellows and partners from the public and private sectors.

With over 41 fellows impacting over 15,800 students from 33 schools across eight parishes, BOOST has been instrumental in driving positive changes in STEM education at the secondary level. At the luncheon, attendees had the opportunity to hear testimonials from Fellows and school representatives, shedding light on how the programme has contributed to their professional growth and positively impacted their respective institutions at all grade levels.

The event also celebrated the outstanding achievements of several Fellows, recognizing their dedication and contributions to education in Jamaica as follows: 1) Throne Maxam from Wolmer's Boys School was acknowledged as an Outstanding Form Teacher for the Easter Term, 1st Form - 2022/2023 and Christmas Term, 2nd Form 2023/2024; 2) Shanique Graham from Clan Carthy High School was honored as the Outstanding Teacher of the Science Department for December 2022 and 2023;  3). Clayton Mitchell from Irwin High was recognized as an Outstanding Form Teacher for the 2022/2023 academic year; 4). Roland Tate from Clarendon College was praised for teaching the top-ranked CAPE Chemistry student in Jamaica for the 2022/2023 examination sitting and 5). Romell Messam from Merl Grove High School received a Letter of Commendation for “Outstanding performance and dedication in representation your school during our interaction with the Ministry of Education and Youth for the pilot testing programme with our Grade 7 Gem.”  Additionally, Tavia Sutherland from Convent of Mercy Academy, Alpha was lauded for her exceptional work teaching Tourism at the CAPE Level, with eight of her students achieving merit status in 2023.

The event also featured the presentation of gifts from BOOST's title sponsor, the National Baking Company Foundation and the N.C.B Foundation in celebration of the Fellows' achievements.

The luncheon further included a keynote address by Dr. Adrian Stokes, Chairman of the Education Transformation Committee. Distinguished guests such as Professor Densil Williams, Pro Vice Chancellor and Principal of The UWI Mona, Prof. Marvin Reid, Deputy Principal of The UWI Mona, Ms. Sharon Williams, Director of N.C.B. Foundation, Mr. Miguel ‘Steppa’ Williams, Director of Strategic Planning and Community Development at Digicel Foundation, Ms. Lisa Hibbert from Chemical Medical Scientific Solutions, and Mrs. Joy Baker Gibson, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology at Mico University College, were also in attendance. The event was also supported by colleagues, friends, and family.

The event showcased the vital role of collaboration in education, emphasizing the substantial progress made by BOOST Fellows in shaping Jamaica's educational landscape.

The BOOST programme continues to receive invaluable support from its partners, the National Baking Company Foundation, The Ministry of Education and Youth, Mico University College, Digicel Foundation, Jamaica Teaching Council, National Education Inspectorate, American Friends of Jamaica and National Commercial Bank Foundation, Chemical Medical Science Solution and the Elisha and Winnifred Ebanks Fellowship.

Photo caption: BOOST Fellows and partners at the Networking Luncheon hosted on March 27, 2024.

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