Last Updated on August 30, 2022, 7:06 AM AST by Anthony Morris
The Deputy PM and Minister of Education, Dr Geoffrey Hanley, outlined seven priority areas which will help in making sure that every child has equal access to quality education in a safe, child-friendly environment.
The Minister of Education shared the seven priority areas at the opening ceremony of the Annual Summer Workshop for teachers, which was held at the Rivers of Living Waters Christian Center on Monday, August 29, 2022. Some of the priorities are achievable in short to medium term, while others will undoubtedly require an extended period.
The first two agenda items mentioned involve construction. The rebuilding of a brand new Basseterre High School, which the Cabinet reaffirmed, will be done on the historic site on Victoria Road and the complete renovation of the Joshua Obadiah Williams Primary School in Molineux. The primary school was severely damaged by fire in March this year.
The third priority mentioned is the restart of the One-to-One Laptop Programme with prerequisite policies that guide technology integration in the classroom. Teachers will also have the necessary tools to “do their work.”
They are strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) with appropriate certification for successful students, increasing opportunities for teachers to access specialist training and introducing electronic prep work templates.
The Prime Minister has already announced the provision of free tuition for those accepted into C. F. Bryant College at the swearing-in ceremony of his Cabinet of ministers.
“Education is the core of every great society and is the vehicle by which citizens can elevate themselves,” Deputy Prime Minister Dr Hanley stated.
“It is imperative, therefore, that as educators, we begin to reimagine these opportunities to adequately prepare our students to manoeuvre the turbulent waters of life successfully. Our scope for education and the lens through which we view education must be wide enough to encompass pre-kindergarten to college and factor in both public and private institutions.”
“If we are to live by the motto of this great Federation honestly, then ‘Country Above Self’ in the context of education means that the environment must be one of inclusion and collaboration,” Dr Hanley added.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
