A major educational outreach effort led by Jamaica Public Service Company Limited (JPS) has brought early sustainability and clean energy education to more than 1,000 primary school students across Jamaica, tied to the island’s annual Read Across Jamaica Day celebrations.
Over 16 primary schools spanning seven parishes – including Clarendon, Manchester, Hanover, St James, St Catherine, St Elizabeth, and Kingston – hosted JPS team members for interactive reading activities that blended literacy promotion with foundational lessons about clean energy and sustainable development. Unlike standard reading events, this initiative was designed to jumpstart national conversations about sustainability from childhood, framing complex energy transition concepts in age-appropriate, engaging formats.
The centerpiece of the program was the children’s book *The New Car on the Block*, a Jamaica-set story following a young protagonist named Zora as she discovers the world of electric vehicles (EVs). Beyond explaining the key environmental benefits of EV adoption for the island, the story also works to close the gender gap in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields by encouraging young girls to envision themselves pursuing careers in these growing sectors.
Participating students reacted to the activities with marked enthusiasm and curiosity. For most children, the concept of electric vehicles was entirely new, and the story-driven format made the emerging technology approachable and exciting. Many students left the sessions expressing keen interest in EVs and their potential to cut pollution and protect Jamaica’s natural environment.
Shenee Tabannah Anderson, JPS’ brand experience and special projects officer, explained that the event aligns with the utility’s long-standing commitment to advancing Jamaica’s national development. “Read Across Jamaica Day provided an opportunity for us to connect with students in a meaningful way, using storytelling as a tool to introduce concepts that will shape the future of our country,” she said.
Anderson emphasized that as Jamaica progresses toward its goal of transitioning to a more sustainable energy ecosystem, empowering young generations is critical. “It is important that our young people are not only aware of these changes but inspired by them,” she added.
To extend the impact of the one-day event, the JPS Foundation donated printed copies of *The New Car on the Block* to every participating school, alongside small tokens of appreciation for both participating students and their teachers.