JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation Forges Partnership with Mico University College to Transform Schools with CFG
The JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Mico University College, to embed its transformational programme, Conversations for Greatness (CFG), as part of the teacher training curriculum. This is expected to assist with the sustainability of a transformational mindset in the education sector, through one of the key stakeholders – teachers, which is the core aim of the CFG programme.
This as we bring our partnership with the Ministry for its Operation Turn Around Project to an end, where we have engaged just under 100 schools in the programme.
Dr. Asburn Pinnock, president of Mico University College lauded the partnership as an opportunity to enhance the school’s curriculum with practical tools that will equip educators to build their psycho-social skills, so that they can better shape the lives of children and make a positive impact while imparting subject matter expertise. “At Mico, we are known for training teachers to function in their society, as we recognize that education is more than academics, it has a lot to do with one’s social interactions, spiritual and other human needs and from my firsthand experience with the CFG programme, (it will) help to strengthen our teachers in these areas.”
In keeping with the holistic educational environment provided by the university to prepare students to take their place as change-makers in their school communities and beyond. Dr. Pinnock shared “(Conversations for Greatness will function) as a good support system for our teachers to build themselves, their self-confidence and their social interactions, but I also anticipate it will also have a ‘multiplier effect’.” Adding, “I anticipate that the students will respond positively to the programme and will see the impact that it can have in their classrooms and communities.”
In explaining the significance of this move, Patricia Sutherland, chairman of the Foundation noted, “The Conversations for Greatness programme in schools, which was launched in 2015, sought to deliberately address the need for mindset change and transformation in our schools, so that our children can realize their greatness, because it is only by starting with our young people and transforming our communities from the inside out that we will be able to create the kind of society that we want.” Adding, “As this programme comes to a close in the schools, we are happy to partner with Mico University, as one of the premier teacher training institutions, to replicate and sustain some of the positive outcomes achieved through the programme in our schools; by starting this work of mindset change and transformation, before teachers enter or re-enter the classroom.” Sutherland further shared, “We believe that through this MOU we will be able to better impact the teaching-learning environment and by extension, our communities, as these teachers will be equipped with the requisite tools to help their students to unearth their greatness, even as they unearth their own greatness.”
Positive Results of CFG Programme
Catherine Smith, CFG project manager at the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation outlined the results from the programme with over 5,400 teachers, administrators and other support staff, engaged in CFG since inception, was encouraging, while admitting that the programme did not hit all the targets set. The positive outcomes achieved include: improvement in school leadership; better conflict resolution skills among administrative and academic staff and the resulting unity; healthier interpersonal dynamics; increased parental engagement; and improved staff morale.
This programme has helped to transform the school environment, the project manager noted, and allowed the school staff to operate with greater efficiency and effectiveness. Donald Quarrie High School, demonstrates the commendable results with a mammoth decline in suspensions and reduction in absenteeism. Talbert Weir, principal of Donald Quarrie High, said that, although the journey of transformation has been challenging, "The overall interpersonal dynamics and trust level at the institution have improved significantly, which has afforded us the room to implement some of the changes that we see fit in steering the school in the right direction and improving the academic performance of the school." Adding, “Conversations for Greatness has left an indelible mark in the minds of the teachers who participated, in 2015, and has laid the foundation for the school’s progress.” This is evidenced by the solution-oriented approach and leadership shown by the teachers, in rolling out remote learning at the institution and ensuring student participation during the school year.
In addition to expected improvements in the classroom, the tools and underlying principles shared in CFG are designed to assist individuals on a personal level to enhance their interpersonal relationships, mindset change and can bolster their personal and professional development, shared the transformation coach and project coordinator.
Carlene Williams-Heath, principal of Park Mountain Primary, confided that through Conversations for Greatness, she has enhanced her leadership skills and has paid closer attention to her language, ensuring she uses positive language to spark positive outcomes, and focuses on being solution-oriented. “CFG is a mindset changer, it is a past healer; a paradigm shifter, a relationship builder and a heart healer; it is a promoter and a school builder. The conversation is a homemaker and a nation builder. We are able to go through COVID-19 with CFG - it has helped us to reach out more (to each other) and overcome the challenges associated with remote learning.” The school has found creative ways to ensure the students are engaged by providing paper-based packages weekly, access to Wi-Fi on the school compound for parents without internet access, visiting students to provide meals to those in need and being a constant reminder of the greatness in each other.
O’Neil Stevens had a similar testimony of the personal and professional impact of CFG, having been exposed to it while he was then Head of the Humanities Department at Donald Quarrie High school. He shared that the ‘conversations’ have allowed him to be more introspective and examine his leadership style; and, most importantly, tapped into his emotional intelligence. By applying the principles shared in CFG in everyday situations, his relationship with his colleagues was enhanced as he was able to better communicate and have a more open mind in examining differing viewpoints. Stevens is now principal of Jessie Ripoll Primary School and credits this career move in part to the tenets of the CFG programme, which he continues to live by.
Course Details
The course will be introduced to pre-service teachers at Mico, starting in the new school year. It is rooted in Ontological Philosophy, that is, the study of ways of being. It will entail introspection, theoretic underpinnings of the laws and tools for transformation and practical tools of mindset change and transformation, in addition to organizational transformation. Led by expert CFG facilitators, the 18-hour course will equip the cohort with the tools and skills needed to transform their limiting ways of thinking and being, into new possibilities.
Smith, in expressing optimism about the partnership forged with Mico to include this programme as part of their curriculum, stated, “We hope that this partnership will also spur other teacher training institutions to come on board, with Mico leading the way, so that a transformational mindset can be sustained in the Jamaican education system, starting with one of the key stakeholders - teachers.” The Foundation will continue to provide the CFG programme in the form of online conversations to community groups, voluntary and service organizations and the beneficiaries who have received support from the Foundation, as a way of extending the reach of the programme and building a network of change agents.