(Jamaica Gleaner) The Jamaican Government has announced an ambitious J$1.6 billion programme which will see 1,200 scholarships being given to mathematics and science teachers by 2021.
Ronald Thwaites, the education minister, said in the House of Representatives today, said that it will cost J$412 million in the first year to execute the project.
The education ministry will this month embark on a recruitment drive for mathematics and science teachers.
Thwaites, in a statement to Parliament, said three batches of 200 mathematics and 200 science teachers will get the scholarships.
He told legislators that there is not enough quality science and mathematics teachers in the school system.
The scholarships will cover full tuition, boarding support and a stipend to cover books and other supplies.
At the same time, Thwaites said consideration must be given to the payment of higher salaries to mathematics and science teachers.
Thwaites also said successful candidates will be bonded for at least five years.
“We don’t want the repayment of the bond, we want the service,” Thwaites said.
