A transformative partnership between Digicel Foundation, Jamaica’s Ministry of Education, and The Mico University College CARE Centre is poised to revolutionize special needs education through significant technological enhancements. The collaboration, formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed at the ministry’s Kingston headquarters, will bring cutting-edge resources to support children with diverse learning requirements.
Digicel Foundation Jamaica CEO Charmaine Daniels announced a substantial investment of US$75,000 toward the initiative, emphasizing the foundation’s commitment to responsive partnership rather than presumed expertise. “We are here to work with you and to work for you,” Daniels stated, acknowledging the ministry and Mico’s pivotal roles in bringing the project to fruition.
The comprehensive upgrade plan, detailed by Ministry Permanent Secretary Dr. Kasan Troupe, involves converting five classrooms to Innovative Learning Environment (ILE) standards with advanced information and communications technology infrastructure. The renovation encompasses smart room technology, window replacements, floor improvements, and door upgrades—all designed to create optimally configured spaces for special needs students.
Concurrently, the ministry is addressing critical staffing shortages that have hampered assessment services. Dr. Troupe revealed expanded human resource allocations not only for Mico CARE but also for teacher’s colleges in Church, Sam Sharpe, and the College of Agriculture Science and Education. This strategic deployment aims to alleviate assessment backlogs across multiple regions, particularly serving Portland, St. Thomas, and St. Mary.
Dr. Sharon Anderson-Morgan, Director of The Mico CARE Centre, highlighted the lifelong impact of such interventions, stating, “We’re investing in the right places… a difference is being made that will affect generations.” Established in 1980 through Jamaican-Dutch government cooperation, the center specializes in assessing children aged 4-18 experiencing academic challenges, emotional/behavioral barriers, specific learning difficulties, or unrecognized giftedness. The institution additionally provides guidance for parents and professional development for educators working with exceptional learners.