Kingston, Jamaica – August 3, 2018: Rainforest Seafoods, the Caribbean’s largest seafood supplier, is building on its partnership with the Iris Gelly Primary School, with part-proceeds of its sponsorship to the EduFocal online social learning service going to support the school’s Grade 4 and Grade 6 Primary Exit Profile (PEP- formerly Grade Six Achievement Test – GSAT) cohorts. The announcement was made at the sixth staging of the EduFocal Excellence Awards held on Thursday, July 26 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston.
Launched in 2012, EduFocal has served as a catalyst for the transformation of education in Jamaica, focusing on using technology to enrich the learning experience inside and outside the classroom. “As [the country] transitions from GSAT to PEP, EduFocal will be ready,” said Gordon Swaby, Chief Executive Officer of EduFocal Limited. Swaby praised Rainforest for their support over the years. “It speaks to their commitment to the educational initiative and we couldn’t be more delighted.”
Thanks to Rainforest Seafoods, thirty-seven (37) students at the Kinloss Primary School in Clarks Town, Trelawny received complimentary access to the EduFocal online platform this past school year. Principal Jacqueline Shirley says, thanks to Rainforest’s assistance, Kinloss students did well in the recent GSAT, having averages in the high 80s and 90s and getting into their top school of choice.
Rainforest’s sponsorship of yearlong access for the 37 students last year is in line with the company’s commitment to contribute to Jamaica’s education system and national development. “Edufocal is an inspiring Jamaican Company that is aligned with Rainforest’s mandate to be technologically efficient and advanced,” said Marketing Manager Bethany Young. “They are paving the way forward through innovation – making education both affordable and accessible to young Jamaicans.”
Twenty students (10 GSAT and 10 CSEC) were awarded at the ceremony for being the top users of the website that allows students to access content from the GSAT and CSEC curricula and enhances the learning experience through games, quizzes and other engaging activities.
The top-performing high school student on the Edufocal platform was Shanoya Bisson from Holy Childhood High School. Shanoya, who was the Number 2 GSAT student last year from St. John’s Primary School, received a computer tablet from Courts, a gift certificate valued at $8,500 from local bag manufacturer Bresheh, and a $50,000 cheque from EduFocal.
The top-performing GSAT Awardee on the Edufocal platform was Jordano Page, who finished first out of over 2,000 students. The first male to win the prize in the platform’s six-year history, Jordano was the picture of confidence. “The win was important,” he said in his brief remarks, “as I was able to continue the 4-year winning streak for George Headley Primary.” He also received a tablet from Courts, a gift certificate from Bresheh, and a $50,000 cheque from EduFocal. “I came. I saw. I conquered,” he said to laughter from the audience, adding, “See you
in August for the high school edition.”
Veteran Broadcaster, Educator, and Host of Profile on TVJ, Fae Ellington, was the guest speaker at Thursday’s event. She urged the young awardees to observe some important Cs in life: “As you continue to compete in order to raise your bar of excellence,” she said, “show compassion, stop complaining, utilize creativity, avoid corruption, and watch your character.”
Rainforest will again come on board with sponsorship to the tune of $200,000, and their ongoing relationship with the Iris Gelly Primary School, which is close to Rainforest’s Slipe Road location, will be the major focus for the upcoming school year. “A young company itself, Edufocal has had fantastic results thus far in its Test Prep segment whereby the students who use the online platform consistently achieve fantastic results,” added Bethany Young. “It’s only the beginning for this flexible and scalable EdTech Sector game-changer.” The EduFocal Excellence Awards celebrates and rewards the top students on the EduFocal platform. The students get the opportunity to meet other students with whom they’ve interacted on the platform. The highlight of the afternoon was a lively performance by the Early Break Band from St. Richard’s Primary School.
Original article published in The Gleaner on Wednesday, August 3, 2018.
Jamaica Highlights 