The Women Building Jamaica's Next Generation of Readers

160 women educators equipped with science-based literacy training through United Way of Jamaica and its partners

Conroy Rose, UWJ Chair of Property Management of United Way of Jamaica, makes the presentation to Read Right from the Start 3.0 programme second top performer, Rosemarie Clark- Gray, during the recognition ceremony held at the UWI Regional Headquarters on June 16, 2026.

United Way of Jamaica (UWJ), in partnership with the CHASE Fund, the Early Childhood Commission, United Way of Greater Atlanta (UWGA), and the Rollins Center for Language and Literacy, today celebrated the achievements of 160 early childhood educators at the Read Right From The Start (RRFTS) 3.0 Educator Recognition Ceremony held at the University of the West Indies Regional Headquarters.

The educators successfully completed the third cohort of the Read Right From The Start programme, a six-month professional learning initiative designed to strengthen literacy instruction and improve learning outcomes among Jamaica's youngest learners.

Funded by the CHASE Fund, the programme equips early childhood practitioners with evidence-based language and literacy strategies rooted in the science of reading and communicating. Through professional learning communities, access to the Cox Campus online learning platform, and training delivered by three Master Trainers, and practical workshops facilitated by instructors at the Rollins Centre for Language and Literacy, educators gain practical tools to strengthen reading readiness, vocabulary development, comprehension and meaningful communication among children aged three to six years.

This year, 207 early childhood practitioners enrolled in the programme, with 160 successfully completing all required courses and training components.

Speaking at the recognition ceremony, Kerry-Lee Lynch, CEO of United Way of Jamaica, commended the graduates for their commitment to professional development and the future of Jamaica's children.

Kerry-Lee Lynch, CEO of United Way Jamaica, is joined by Karensa Quamina, representing Rollins  Centre for Language and Literacy, and Cori Cain, Associate Vice President of  United Way of Greater Atlanta, as the trio celebrates the recognition of 160 educators graduating from the Read Right from the Start 3.0 programme recognition ceremony held at the UWI Regional Headquarters on June 16, 2026.

"At United Way of Jamaica, we firmly believe that one of the most powerful ways to transform lives is by investing in those who shape young minds. Through partnerships with the CHASE Fund, the Early Childhood Commission, United Way of Greater Atlanta and the Rollins Centre, this programme has provided opportunities for educators to deepen their practice using evidence-based strategies that foster language development, meaningful interactions and a love for learning among our youngest citizens."

The programme's curriculum included professional learning in Oral Language: The Foundation of Literacy, Meaningful Conversations, and Transforming Storytime. Participants completed self-paced coursework and practical workshops designed to support the classroom application of literacy strategies and strengthen early childhood instruction.

The initiative continues to demonstrate the value of collaboration in addressing literacy challenges and supporting educator development. By strengthening the capacity of teachers, Read Right From The Start helps create stronger educational foundations for children while extending its impact through the sharing of best practices among educators and school communities.

The recognition ceremony formed part of the final week of activities focused on advancing evidence-based literacy instruction and celebrating the dedication of Jamaica's early childhood educators to improving learning outcomes across the island.

Cori Cain, Associate Vice President of Education of United Way of Greater Atlanta, spoke about the changes in the programme over the years.

“We had a really great turnout in year one and year 2 and an even better turnout here in year three. We are pleased to see the work sustained over those three years. The energy hasn’t changed despite the leadership changes over the years and it just shows the commitment of the Jamaican people to plant a seed in future of Jamaica and the children and we really haven’t seen that much of a difference, they came in with a lot of energy, excitement and dedication to the project and we see that sustained in year three, even amplified in the work we are doing now,” Cain said.

Participants in the programme complete a series of professional learning courses and engage in practical workshops that reinforce classroom application. A key feature of the initiative is its multiplier effect, with educators encouraged to share best practices and knowledge with colleagues within their schools and communities.

Kerry-Lee Lynch, CEO of United Way Jamaica, makes the presentation to Read Right from the Start 3.0 programme top performer, Alecia Smith, during the recognition ceremony held at the UWI Regional Headquarters on June 16, 2026.

Among those recognised were top achievers Alecia Smith and Rosemarie Clark-Gray, who completed the highest number of courses in their cohort, demonstrating commitment to professional development and exemplifying the dedication of educators participating in the programme.

For Alecia Smith, teacher at God’s Little Angel in Spanish Town, St. Catherine, the literacy training programme has sparked a greater desire for advanced education and impact.

“My biggest takeaway from this experience would be to pursue even more education. I’d like to go to college and advance myself by attaining an early childhood degree up to the master's level so I can make a difference not just in early childhood education but at other levels as well,” Smith shared.

Rosemarie Clark-Gray, Founder of Solid Beginnings in Spauldings, Clarendon, with over 30 years of progressive teaching experience as an early childhood educator, has found there is still more to learn and give to her students.

“One of the biggest lessons I'll be taking away from this experience is giving the children a voice. Helping them to be able to express themselves freely in a space that is safe for them. Also, ensuring that their first language is embraced and understanding that it is through embracing their first language that they will be able to express themselves in the language that you want them to use,” Clark-Gray mentioned.