Anchovy Primary School has been hailed for excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, winning multiple awards at the recent STEM in Action School Challenge.
The St. James-based school took home the Legacy Award for Environmental Advocacy, Sustainability Award for Environmental Advocacy, Tech Award for Health Innovation, and the Young Engineer Award for Robotics and Automation.
The event, held at the Chinese Benevolent Association in St. Andrew, attracted hundreds of students from institutions across the island, who showcased innovation, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
“Anchovy Primary School’s STEM achievements highlight the growing role of science and technology in shaping young lives,” said Regional Director for the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information’s Region Four, Dr. Michelle Pinnock.
“The STEM in Action event showcased hands-on projects, problem-solving challenges and collaboration, which are key elements in developing the next generation of innovators,” she noted.
“STEM education develops critical thinking, creativity and resilience, equipping students to analyse problems, design solutions, and adapt to a rapidly changing world,” she noted further.
Dr. Pinnock, who was speaking at Digicel Foundation’s recent Hurricane Relief Grants handover ceremony at Anchovy High, said the achievement came just one month after the school’s reopening following extensive damage to classrooms and other infrastructure from Hurricane Melissa.
“Anchovy Primary is an example of resilience… an example of what can be achieved when there is a will,” she noted.
The Regional Director commended the Digicel Foundation for its support to education and hurricane recovery, ensuring that schools not only recover but continue to thrive.
Digicel Foundation is providing a hurricane-relief grant package totalling $2.5 million to benefit Anchovy Primary, Unity Primary in Westmoreland, and Esher Primary in Hanover. These are institutions that have benefited under the Foundation’s Smart Labs initiative.
“These funds will go directly towards restoring safe, functional learning spaces so your students can return to what they do best – learning, growing, and dreaming,” said Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Foundation, Charmaine Daniels.
She noted that the investment is part of a broader strategy to preserve continuity in education and keep technology-enabled learning accessible in the wake of disasters.
“As we look towards the next financial year, we are also allocating funds to repair or replace laptops, tablets, printers, smart boards, and other devices in any of our labs that may have been exposed to rain or sustained minor damage. Please know you will not be left behind,” Miss Daniels said.
Region Four comprises schools in St. James, Hanover and Westmoreland.
