A call is being made for the government to reform how it funds educational institutions, so that financial support is based on equity, not equality.

Registrar at the University of the West Indies Dr Maurice Smith made the call while speaking at a symposium hosted by the Jamaica Teacher‘s Association, on Thursday.

Dr Smith noted that, allocating funds equally among all schools, is commendable, but what’s needed is equity, so, schools that have greater challenges get more resources, and their students have a better chance of accessing opportunities, similar to what’s offered by sought after top schools.

He said in the past, the education ministry intended to fund schools equitably, but this did not happen.

Dr Smith also called for equity in the allocation of funds for different academic levels, with primary schools needing more support.