FROM COUNTRY TO CLASSROOM: NATIONAL BUDGET SCHOOL TOUR EMPOWERS STUDENTS TO SHAPE JAMAICA’S FUTURE

Kingston, Jamaica: Wednesday, April 15, 2026

The Ministry of Finance and the Public Service (MOFPS) has officially launched the fourth staging of the National Budget Secondary School Tour, setting the tone for a series of dynamic and interactive workshops designed to sensitize students about the national budget and its impact on their lives.

The tour was launched at Ferncourt High School on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, with participation from students of Marcus Garvey Technical High School.

This initiative, which forms part of the Ministry’s National Budget Public Education Campaign, will deliver twelve workshops across schools in the parishes of St. Ann and St. Mary.

Hon. Zavia Mayne, MP, State Minister within the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, in his remarks, underscored the importance of youth engagement in national development. 

“The national budget is not just about Government policy. It is about people, it is about you, your families and your communities. It is about how prepared you are to seize the opportunities that are being created. It is about your willingness to stay informed, to ask questions and to take an active interest in the direction of your country,” said Minister Mayne.

He also highlighted the significance of budgetary allocations that support Jamaica’s educational infrastructure.

“When schools are impacted by natural disasters, like the recent hurricane, resources must be directed quickly to repair buildings and restore safe learning environments. So, when we talk about the national budget, we are not just talking about money. We are talking about choices. We are talking about priorities. We are talking about building a stronger Jamaica,” he added.

Meanwhile, Sheldon Thomas, Principal of Ferncourt High School, noted that the initiative aligns with the Institution’s vision of preparing students for global engagement.

“At Ferncourt High School, our vision is to ensure that our stakeholders are involved in acquiring knowledge, developing skills and building character to function globally. This initiative gives our students an opportunity to engage in a process of budgeting at the national level and its process. It also gives them an opportunity to see how the money is being spent and how it impacts them directly,” noted Thomas.

Melissa Maragh Palmer, Vice Principal of Marcus Garvey Technical High, commended the Ministry for the initiative, noting its role in strengthening students’ understanding of national decision-making.

“By bringing the national budget into our schools, you help students across St. Ann understand how national decisions are made and how these choices directly affect education, healthcare, infrastructure and community growth,” said Maragh Palmer.

In the meantime, Jamiel Woolery, Head Boy of Ferncourt High shared that the sessions were both relevant and impactful.

“The national budget is for everyone; it has an impact on all citizens, whether you are young or old, and the presentations done here today are indeed beneficial to my schoolmates and me, especially those of us planning to transition to tertiary institutions,” he said.

Chealsea Savoury, Head Girl, Marcus Garvey Technical High School, echoed similar sentiments.

“The key message ‘The National Budget is Everybody’s Business’ made us realise that we should pay attention as students, it is not just for adults, it impacts our everyday lives. We need textbooks, school repairs and even technology, and I will be watching the national budget presentation next year,” revealed Savoury.

The school tour is scheduled to conclude on Friday, May 1, 2026, and will make stops at several institutions, including Oracabessa High, York Castle High, Brown’s Town High, Aabuthnott Gallimore High, St. Hilda’s Diocesan High, St. Mary High, Marymount High, Annotto Bay High, Wycliffe Martin High and Ocho Rios High.

Throughout the tour, students will participate in structured presentations and interactive sessions led by teams from the Ministry’s Corporate Communication and Public Relations Branch, the Public Expenditure Division, and the Economic Management Division.

Topics will include a breakdown of the 2026/27 National Budget, key budgeting terms, sources of government revenue, and how public funds are allocated.

The National Budget Secondary School Tour continues to serve as a vital platform for engaging Jamaica’s youth in understanding the national budget and its role in shaping the Country’s future.

The National Budget Secondary School Tour has impacted over 5760 participants across 38 schools since its first staging in 2023.

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For further information contact:

Corporate Communication & Public Relations Branch

Ministry of Finance and the Public Service

30 National Heroes Circle

Kingston 4

Tel: (876) 932-4656/4660/4655

Email:  Shakiel.Rochester-Shorter@mof.gov.jm; Suzell.Wray@mof.gov.jm

Contact: Shakiel Rochester Shorter/Suzell Wray