Executive Director of the National Education Trust (NET), Latoya Harris Ghartey, is urging students across Jamaica to move beyond rote learning and embrace the transformative power of critical thinking.
Speaking during the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) In Action Expo held Thursday (January 29) at the Chinese Benevolent Association in St. Andrew, Mrs. Harris Ghartey described the student exhibits as “blueprints for the nation’s development”.
“Every exhibit, every project, every interactive display is proof that our students are not just absorbing the knowledge but they are thinking critically. They’re innovating, and they’re boldly stepping into the world with solutions that have power to change our lives and our communities,” the Executive Director said.
The event, held in partnership with the British Council, provided students with the opportunity to showcase projects across diverse categories, including robotics and animation, health innovation, renewable energy solutions, agriculture and food technology, environmental advocacy through the arts, and climate solutions.
Mrs. Harris Ghartey highlighted the immense effort and dedication demonstrated by scores of students from schools across Jamaica in reaching the stage where they could present tangible solutions to real-world challenges.
“You’ve used your curiosity in finding a solution to a problem, and there is that belief that we can create solutions to make a difference,” she pointed out.
Mrs. Harris Ghartey also underscored the personal benefits of participating in STEAM, noting that it fosters collaboration among teammates, schools, government, and the private sector, thereby creating “an ecosystem of innovation”.
She further highlighted the financial benefits, explaining that the ideas behind the projects could serve as the foundation for future business ventures.
The Executive Director offered words of encouragement, reminding students of the importance of resilience in the face of setbacks.
“Remember, every invention, every breakthrough and every solution begins with curiosity and courage to try. You may not get it right the first time but if you continue to try and build on your ideas, you never know when you’ll have a breakthrough,” she stated.
Addressing the educators, Mrs. Harris Ghartey said: “You are the champions of this transformation. You guide, you challenge, you inspire our young minds to bring us together… and because of this, all students will be successful, and it reflects your dedication in their potential.”
Meanwhile, British Council Country Director, Damion Campbell, expressed his delight at collaborating with NET, noting that the organisation’s mandate is centred on helping young people understand their role in advancing Jamaica’s future.
The STEAM in Action Expo served as the culminating activity of National STEAM Education Week, observed from January 26 to 30, under the theme ‘Creating Solutions, Driving Change’.
In addition to showcasing their projects, students had access to skills labs in areas such as artificial intelligence and coding, art and technology integration (Art + Tech = Impact), engineering design bootcamp, renewable energy and solar innovation, as well as robotics and automation.
Training sessions were also provided for teachers, covering topics such as integrating STEAM into the curriculum, applying design thinking in the classroom, trauma‑informed practice in post‑disaster contexts, and the use of low‑cost, high‑impact STEAM tools.
NET is an agency of the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information.
