Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) President Dr Mark Smith has announced the establishment of four state-of-the-art coding laboratories in schools across the island, which he expects to significantly boost the teaching-learning process.

The initiative, a joint venture between the JTA and e-Learning Jamaica, was unveiled during the recent JTA education conference, in Trelawny, which was attended by a wide cross section of public school teachers and other educational stakeholders. The initiative is expected to spearhead a significant push towards integrating digital literacy and innovation into the school curriculum.

“We must reimagine our schools as portals to transport us to a better future for our people. The JTA is proud to indicate that we are partnering this year with the e-learning Jamaica family to establish four coding labs in schools,” said Smith, who noted that the initiative will start with selected institutions in various regions, including western Jamaica.

“This is a proud moment for the Jamaica Teachers’ Association,” said Smith. “We are excited to be partnering with the e-Learning Jamaica family to launch four coding labs that will give or students the tools to succeed in a technology-driven world.”

While his announcement of the projects did not include a commencement timeline, Smith, whose tenure as president will end in August, said the coding laboratories, which are expected to be fully operational later this year, will offer training in programming, robotics, and foundational computer science, noting that the aim is to expose students from an early age to skills that are critical for thriving in a modern economy.

With approximately seven months remaining in the 2025 calendar year, Smith, the association’s 60th president, said the coding laboratories form part of a broader digital transformation effort, which is supported by the education ministry, which also includes the installation of smart boards in classrooms.

Smith was full of praise for the ministry and e-Learning Jamaica’s investment, calling it a “worthwhile first step” in modernising the learning environment.

“This is just the start. We envision a future where every Jamaican student is digitally fluent and equipped to create, not just consume, technology,” said Smith.

While being optimistic about the future, Smith nonetheless went on to underscore the need for improved teacher compensation and infrastructure, warning that without properly supported educators, the ambitious innovations may not achieve their full potential.

“If we are serious about building a knowledge-based economy, we must invest in our teachers, through better salaries and working conditions,” argued Smith “We are on the right path; with continued collaboration, investment, and vision, we will empower our students and transform Jamaica’s future.”