President of the Jamaica Teachers' Association, Hopeton Henry. - Photo by Noel Thompson

Noel Thompson, Freelance Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

Jamaica Teachers' Association president Hopeton Henry says the organisation will be lobbying for a portion of the newly introduced Teachers' Revolving Loan scheme to be accessible to educators studying for their master's and doctoral degrees.

Henry made the call at the Helen Stills Professional Development Day Opening Ceremony at the Rose Hall Country Club in Montego Bay on Thursday evening. The event saw over 350 teachers in attendance.

"There are some needy teachers who are studying at the master's and Ph.D. levels who are not able to access the funds," he said."I have, therefore, given notice to the Education Ministry and Capital and Credit Merchant Bank to let them know that we are going to be opening up discussions with them as it relates to establishing a window to support this venture. The funds will not be absorbed instantly, so it should be available."

Henry also announced that the funds had been increased to $600 million, with Capital and Credit Merchant Bank injecting $100 million to the Government's $500 million contribution. The money became available effective May 1.

Explaining the conditions under which the funds would be made available, Henry said that for teachers to access the money, they would have to be serving in the system for at least two years and have to be permanently employed. If teachers study part time without taking leave, they will be able to access 90 per cent of the cost of the course and 50 per cent if study leave is approved.