Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, says Jamaica experienced a smooth start to the new school year, due mainly to an early disbursement of funds to schools.

In a move to reduce the suicide rate, the Government is putting in place an awareness programme for persons facing social challenges to have information on where they can receive help.

Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid says by the next school year, clear policy guidelines will be established to govern hair style and grooming for all schools.

With the country’s adult literacy rate at 87 per cent, the Government is encouraging more Jamaicans to engage in lifelong learning in order to boost the island’s competitiveness and productivity outputs.

Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, has cited the importance of technology in ensuring effective management and delivery of education services.