Twenty Cuban teachers have taken up positions in primary, secondary and junior high schools across the island in the new academic term, which commences today, September 5.

They will be providing instruction in Spanish, physics, mathematics, chemistry and physical education for three years and will be spread across the six education regions spanning the island’s 14 parishes. They are replacing their colleagues whose three-year tenure expired at the end of the 2015/16 academic year.

Minister of Education, Youth and Information Ruel Reid, who welcomed the teachers at an orientation session at Spanish Court Hotel in New Kingston last Wednesday, cited the excellence of the Cuban education system and noted that there is much that Jamaica can learn from the Spanish-speaking country.

“Your literacy rates are among the highest in the world. Jamaica is very grateful for the long and cordial relationship we have maintained with Cuba. Your (contributions) to Jamaica’s social development are well noted,” Senator Reid said.

Cuba’s Ambassador to Jamaica, Bernardo Guanche Hernandez, said his Government remains committed to increasing cooperation between the countries’ ministries of education.

“Cuba reiterates its willingness to further develop collaboration with Jamaica and its programmes on the basis that education should be a right for all,” he said.

The recruitment was facilitated under the bilateral agreement on education between the countries for the provision of professional and academic support, through their respective education ministries.

Cuban teachers have served in Jamaica since both countries signed the bilateral agreement in 1997.

Also on hand to welcome the teachers on Wednesday were Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Dr Maurice Smith; Chief Education Officer Dr Grace McLean; and Deputy Chief Education Officer, Schools Operation Unit, Dorrett Campbell.

Source: Jamaica Observer