KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Government of Jamaica, in partnership with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), has allocated $153 million in the 2026/27 fiscal year to the “Capacity Building for Education and Livelihoods Development Project,” implemented by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF). The initiative focuses on reducing poverty in low-income, vulnerable communities through livelihood enhancement and human resource development services. Details of the project were outlined in the 2026/27 Estimates of Expenditure presented by Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Fayval Williams.
For the 2026/27 fiscal year, the project plans to continue the construction of a special education block at Frankfield Primary School, begin rehabilitation of the special education block at Lowe River Primary School, and complete safe passage works at Old Harbour and Grange Hill Primary Schools. The project will also facilitate an audit and prepare a completion report, including beneficiary satisfaction surveys to assess impact.
As of December 2025, the project had already achieved several milestones. Special Education Standards were developed, 20 youth received training in agricultural techniques under the small farmers capacity-building programme, and 27 teachers were trained in general special education.
Construction progress has been significant, with the special education block at Frankfield Primary reaching 40 percent completion. Safe passage works were advanced at Old Harbour Primary (85 percent complete) and Grange Hill Primary (40 percent complete). Additionally, 161 literacy and numeracy equipment items were supplied to the Early Simulation Programme, and rehabilitation works on Top Quarter Road had reached 90 percent completion.
The project aims to enhance educational infrastructure, strengthen livelihoods, and provide critical training, directly benefiting vulnerable communities while supporting long-term socio-economic development in Jamaica.
