The capacity of the Jamaica Society for the Blind (JSB) to deliver support to members of the visually impaired community has been significantly improved, following the renovation of the organisation’s facilities by the HEART/NSTA Trust.
The renovations were undertaken by volunteers from Region 1 of the Trust, as part of their annual National Development Project.
The renovated building was officially handed over by Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, during a ceremony at the Society’s location in Kingston, on Thursday (January 15).
She pointed out that the improved space will lead to better outcomes, experiences, and the JSB’s improved capacity to deliver the essential support that persons who are blind or visually impaired rely on.
Dr. Morris Dixon commended the HEART/NSTA Trust trainee volunteers for the work they undertook to improve the JSB building.
“Jamaica needs a generation of young people who understand that excellence is not just what you achieve for yourself; it is what you help to build for others… and so I commend you for what you have helped to build here at the Society for the Blind, and what you are building in yourselves,” she affirmed.
The Minister further commended the HEART/NSTA Trust team for marrying its skills training programme with character development, through the volunteer programme.
“This is the work that Jamaica wants our institutions to do – not just skills training but to develop good people… . It is the kind of thing that I would love to see more of across our education system… We want more programmes that build skills and build character at the same time,” Senator Morris Dixon stated.
In her remarks, Managing Director of the HEART/NSTA Trust, Dr. Taneisha Ingleton, noted that the handover represents the strengthening of a strategic partnership grounded in service, inclusion and national development.
She emphasised that persons who are blind or visually impaired, must have environments that support learning, mobility and full participation in society.
Dr. Ingleton said the initiative reflects the core mandate of the HEART/NSTA Trust, its commitment to people, opportunity and Jamaica’s sustainable development.
“Through the National Impact Project, we continue to position the trust not only as a training institution but as a catalyst for social transformation and community empowerment. The project was deliberately designed to strengthen public confidence in the Trust, to foster volunteerism among trainees and staff and to provide meaningful real-world experiences that build competency and employability,” she stated.
The Managing Director said the initiative also advances the national goals outlined in Vision 2030, particularly those related to equity, inclusion and human development.
Under the Project, the HEART/NSTA Trust implemented targeted upgrades to improve both functionality and comfort of the facility.
Deputy Managing Director for National Training and Programmes, Dr. Cheryl McLaughlin, noted that HEART trainees, instructors and volunteers worked side by side to repaint office spaces and workrooms.
“Trainees and staff from the Rockfort Vocational Training Centre contributed significantly to roof repairs and interior upgrades, including ceiling construction, bathroom renovations, tiling of training rooms, and improvements to storage areas,” she detailed.
Dr. McLaughlin noted, further, that electrical and exterior enhancements were delivered through collaboration with the Construction and Engineering campuses at Rockfort and the National Tool and Engineering Institute.
“These [enhancements] included redesigned electrical plugs and switches for improved safety and accessibility, the installation of ceiling lights, sensor lighting in the bathrooms, and solar-powered exterior lights to enhance security and energy efficiency. Outdoor benches were also installed to improve comfort and campus usability,” she explained.
Dr. McLaughlin said landscaping and beautification of the premises was led by a team from the Jamaican-German Automotive School (JAGAS), which introduced flowers, fruit trees, and palms that enhanced the aesthetics and ambience of the environment.
“We were intentional in embedding sustainability in this initiative through a dedicated greening component, and this aspect of the project introduced eco-friendly and aesthetic improvements designed to conserve energy, enhance environmental quality, and improve the overall functionality and appeal of the facility,” she shared.
The Deputy Managing Director added that Garmex Academy donated soft furnishings for the training room, while the Eastern TVET Institute contributed artwork.
“Each of these enhancements reflects a commitment to functional excellence, inclusive design, and dignity, ensuring that the services delivered by the Jamaica Society for the Blind continues to meet high standards of quality, accessibility, and sustainability,” she stated.
Dr. McLaughlin added that the upgrades strengthened a critical institution that advances inclusion and equal opportunity in keeping, of course, with our mission and Vision 2030’s commitment to leaving nobody behind.
The renovations were welcomed by Chairman of the JSB, Damion McLean, who noted that the partnership with the HEART/NSTA Trust has made the Society stronger.
He noted that the upgrades will be particularly impactful for the delivery of the Adjustment to Blindness programme, which rehabilitates persons who become blind in their early teens or midlife.
“These repairs to the training rooms allow us to facilitate on-site training… daily living skills. Having this room prepared and brought up to speed now allows us to do this even more effectively, and for that we are truly grateful,” Mr. McLean emphasised.
The HEART/NSTA Trust National Development Project responds directly to workforce and community needs, placing people at the centre of development by empowering individuals, strengthening communities, building economic resilience, and advancing sustainable nation-building.
