Every student entering secondary school in September will receive a free geometry set, thanks to a partnership between Jada Group and the Ministry of Education.
The initiative, announced at a ceremony on Wednesday, is part of the construction group’s corporate social responsibility efforts and supports the government’s push to reform education, particularly in mathematics and science.
Douglas Roach, general manager of Jada subsidiary Infra Equipment Rental, said the donation reflects the company’s commitment to national development.
“We are donating a geometry set to every student beginning secondary school across Barbados,” Roach said. “We understand how critical access to basic educational tools is, and we want to ensure that no child is left behind at such an important transition in their academic life.”
He added that the gesture is both symbolic and strategic, as mathematics and technical skills are foundational to industries central to Jada’s operations.
Jada Group CEO Philip Tempro, speaking at the ministry’s headquarters, said the initiative was part of a company-wide focus on youth development.
He explained that the stars on Jada’s trucks signify “Kids are our stars”, and this ethos drives the company to support children, whether through school aid, assisting those with illnesses, or sponsoring sports.
Tempro called his company’s donation a “simple but effective way” to encourage technical education that they plan to continue on an annual basis.
Minister of Educational Transformation Chad Blackman urged more private-sector collaboration, calling Jada’s contribution “a commitment to national development”.
Blackman also stressed the importance of mathematics and science, linking them to national progress in GDP, infrastructure and innovation.
Chief Education Officer Dr Ramona Archer-Bradshaw highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance mathematics instruction, including teacher training, specialised strategies for students with learning needs and establishing mathematics learning communities across schools.
The ministry is also partnering with international organisations, including Make Math Moments and an Ivy League university, to further strengthen teaching methods.
Additionally, the ministry’s 2025 Summer School programme targeted 71 students who deferred the Common Entrance Exam.
(SZB)
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