The Intersection of Gender, Culture and Education: Jamaica: The Next 50 Years!

In general terms our students especially our boys are not reading. The current education system is skewed towards girls. Globally, boys often lag behind girls in reading and literacy. Globally, students show that boys reading levels have been declining in recent years, with international assessments, such as the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) and the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) reporting decline in literacy scores across many countries. The Report of the Jamaica Education Transformation Commission (JETC) chaired by Professor Orlando Patterson stated that most students at the primary level were barely literate. According to the JETC, the 2019 Primary Exit Profile (PEP) exam revealed that 33 per cent of students cannot read or can barely do so; 56 per cent of students cannot, or can barely, write; and 58 per cent of students cannot, or can barely find information on a topic. Reading is not about the pronunciation of words. Reading enc...

“Freedom of the press is not just important to democracy, it is democracy.’- Walter Cronkite. Globally, there is a retreat of press freedom. Journalists continue to be imprisoned and harassed and freedom of speech is more scrutinized. The policing of press freedom is problematic and speaks to a deeper issue. Free press is one of safeguards of a strong and engaging democracy. Wherever the rights of the press are curtailed the lives of the citizenry suffer. The 2026 index indicates that press freedom has fallen to its lowest level in 25 years globally, with many countries facing increased censorship and economic challenges. The World Press Freedom Index, compiled by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), assesses press freedom in 180 countries and territories. It defines press freedom as journalists’ ability to report independently without political, economic, legal, or social interference and threats to their safety. The Index evaluates five key indicators: political context, legal frame...

Do you feel safe at your place of work? The workplace is often a site of conflict and discrimination. For many employees, work is an ends to a need. The workplace can be a source of stress and anxiety. The work environment can also be a safe space where the human rights of all workers are upheld. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 60% of the global population is engaged in work. Therefore, the fundamental right of all workers to a safe and healthy environment is of great importance. A significant portion of our lives is spent in our own workplaces. It should therefore not come as a surprise that both workplace health and safety are now public health concerns. On April 28 of each year the global community observes World Day for Safety and Health at Work. The day is set aside to promote the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally. Occupational health encompasses the physical, mental, and social well-being of workers, while preventing workplace-re...

“The International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace highlights a fundamental truth: no country can solve today’s challenges alone.”- Secretary- General of the United Nations- António Guterres. The international order which has been in place since the Second World War is under threat. The world is at a critical juncture. Major global wars are dominating the international scene. From Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, to the wars in the Middle East, Sudan and beyond, the principles of the United Nations (UN) Charter are under direct assault. The international community is experiencing war fatigue from all these raging wars across the globe. Consumers are paying dearly for these wars as their grocery bills and petrol prices are increasing weekly. A global recession is looming. Disturbingly, in the midst of all these wars, a select number of connected groups are benefiting economically. The UN Charter requires that countries with disputes that could "endanger...

“Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations.”- U.N. What images are conjured when you hear the word heritage? The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) defines heritage as the cultural, historical and social legacies passed down through generations. UNESCO adds that from cherished historic monuments and museums to living heritage practices and contemporary art forms, culture enriches our lives in countless ways and helps build inclusive, innovative and resilient communities. The definition of heritage is rather wide-ranging. Passing down legacies is one part of the equation. The protection of these legacies for future generations is equally important. As a result, protecting and safeguarding the world’s cultural and natural heritage and supporting creativity and dynamic cultural sectors are fundamental to addressing the challenges of our time, from climate change to poverty, inequality, t...

“Every beauty which is seen here by persons of perception resembles more than anything else that celestial source from which we all are come.”- Michelangelo. Art is often misunderstood. It is debatable whether an aura of mysticism and obscurity is frequently associated with art. Art is an expression from the artist’s view point. What makes art so interesting is the fact that the consumer has the right to interpret the art form. As a result, art can be viewed as subjective at its base core. Art is intergenerational. Art has the ability to connect people from various ethnic and religious backgrounds. Some will argue that there is a culture of neutrality surrounding art. Art is contextual and should be viewed and interpreted with this in mind. The term “art” is related to the Latin word “ars” meaning, art, skill, or craft. The first known use of the word art is revealed in 13th-century manuscripts. However, the word and its many variants (artem, eart, etc.) have probably existed since the...

“Sports can serve as a powerful catalyst for peace, inclusion, and international development.”- United Nations. Sports serve as a powerful channel for social transformation. Even in the midst of war and hostilities sports has the ability and scope to connect communities across borders and generations, reducing isolation among marginalized groups, and create space for dialogue, solidarity, and mutual respect. Sports provide that invisible bridge that often translates to tangible and meaningful cooperation among nation states. In light of its holistic reach, unparalleled popularity and foundation of positive values, sport is ideally positioned to contribute towards the United Nations’ objectives for development and peace. As a result, 6 April is observed globally as the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) by the UN General Assembly. This year’s theme is “Sport: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers.” The adoption of this Day signifies the increasing recognition b...