NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2025 6 FIFTY YEARS ago, on a hill in Granville, St James, a vision of empowerment through education took root when our institution opened its doors to 150 pioneering students. Today, this vision has blossomed into a legacy of excellence that has shaped Jamaica’s educational landscape. Within a month of opening in 1975, we were rechristened as Sam Sharpe Teachers’College, invoking the spirit of our National Hero, whose intellect and leadership continue to inspire our institutional ethos. In the early years, under Dr Simon Clarke’s visionary leadership, the college established a foundation of academic rigour that would define us for decades. We owe an immeasurable debt to our four Board Chairmen and four Principals, whose stewardship has guided us to where we stand today. From 150 students, we have grown to serve over 850 learners across 12 robust programmes spanning Early Childhood Education to specialised fields in Mathematics, Biology, and Business Education. Recent achievements reflect our commitment to excellence: • Establishing the diagnostic and early intervention centre, a pioneering facility in Western Jamaica • Launching our School of Continuing Education, with enrolment increasing by 110% in the past year • Forging partnerships with the Caribbean Maritime University and the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. • Developing international collaborations with the High Commission of India and the French Embassy • Introducing City & Guilds certification programmes • Securing the Teachers’ Colleges of Jamaica Quiz Competition Championship and multiple JCDC medals We have navigated unprecedented disruptions, from a global pandemic to Hurricane Beryl, demonstrating our community’s strength and adaptability. These challenges have strengthened our resolve, becoming opportunities to innovate and reimagine education. As we stand at this historic juncture, our vision for the next 50 years includes expanding our educational footprint, deepening international partnerships, pioneering educational research, enhancing digital transformation, and strengthening community impact. The achievements of the past 50 years could not be realised without our entire community, dedicated staff, students past and present, and our partners in government, industry, and civil society. Join us in this year-long celebration as we honour our past, celebrate our present, and shape our future. RICARDO BENNETT, EDD, PQP Principal SAM SHARPE TEACHERS’ COLLEGE 50TH ANNIVERSARY FEATURE 50 years of achievements with our entire community THE SAM Sharpe Teachers’ College Alumni Association proudly congratulates Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College on reaching the remarkable milestone of 50 years of excellence in teacher education. Since its founding in September 1975, the institution has played a pivotal role in shaping the minds of future educators, fostering a culture of dedication, discipline, and lifelong learning. For five decades, it has remained committed to producing highly skilled and passionate teachers who have We honour the unwavering commitment to excellence PLEASE SEE HONOUR, 7
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