The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information has introduced targeted intervention strategies to safeguard the mental health and well-being of students, staff, and parents, in response to the growing emotional demands on the education system.
According to a Ministry communiqué, schools have been directed to immediately implement structured, school-wide activities designed to address psycho-emotional conflicts and foster resilience.
These measures, requiring a minimum of 10 hours per week, should be led by the Behaviour Change Student Support (BCSS) Team, which includes Guidance Counsellors, Health and Family Life Education (HFLE) Teachers, Deans of Discipline, and School Nurses.
Among the required activities are daily prayer sessions, conducted via the public address system with the support of faith-based organisations, and empowerment sessions led by Guidance Counsellors under the theme ‘Peace and Love’.
Students should also engage in targeted lessons on emotional intelligence, problem-solving, tolerance, and conflict resolution, with a strong focus on de-escalation techniques, help-seeking behaviours, and respect for self and community.
The communiqué further outlined that mindfulness breaks, such as box breathing exercises and stretching between lessons, are to be incorporated into the school day.
Emotional self-expression should be encouraged through “Feelings Circles” and status checks for students, parents, and teachers, while positive self-talk will be promoted in dedicated sessions.
Whole-school engagement activities should include guest speakers from community organisations such as the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), non-governmental organisations, and pastors, who will address themes of empathy, citizenship, and peace.
Schools are also expected to enhance their visual environment with peaceful signage, well-being displays, and poster competitions, while continuing to deliver HFLE and Civics classes.
The Ministry remains committed to supporting schools as they work to build resilience and safeguard the mental health of its education community.
