Government advancements in education lauded
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has praised his government’s advancements in education, pointing out critical investments in infrastructure, resources, and professional development.
Presenting the budget speech recently, Dr Wheatley described education as a key pillar for building a brighter future for the Virgin Islands.
“Our commitment to building a brighter future rests firmly on the foundation of education,” Dr Wheatley said while noting the Education Ministry’s 2024 focus on the theme “Moving Full STEAM Ahead”.
He outlined efforts to enhance learning environments and support educators.
Significant infrastructural developments
This year saw significant infrastructural developments, including the opening of the Jost Van Dyke Primary School. Construction of the Elsyn Henley Richez Learning Centre is progressing. At the same time, schools across the territory received upgrades such as electrical improvements, air conditioning installations, and restroom repairs. Specific attention was given to roof repairs and drainage at the Bregado Flax and Claudia Creque Educational Centres, with completion expected by year-end.
Additionally, five new playgrounds were installed at primary schools, funded by Unite BVI and the North Sound Foundation. These provide safe spaces for students to play and interact, with Dr Wheatley emphasising that such investments create environments that enhance learning experiences.
In response to resource losses from the 2017 hurricanes, the government has restocked schools with essential learning tools, particularly in science, mathematics, and languages. UNESCO contributed 120 science kits, complementing the Ministry’s STEAM education mandate.
Teacher development
Dr. Wheatley praised the “Let’s Teach VI” program, noting that teacher salaries are now among the highest in the region, with starting salaries at $55,146. Partnerships with local colleges have also led to professional development for 33 educators this year.
STEAM initiatives expanded to include robotics and coding, with students showcasing their skills at the First Global Robotics Challenge in Greece, reinforcing the government’s commitment to preparing students for the future.
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He must be living in a different BVI than me.
What are they really doing again? I see nothing that’s why I am asking. I see the kids playing with some robots and the government officials taking trips far far away with them to competitions. Apart from that which isn’t much I see nothing else. If you are doing STEAM, this is not the way that this should be done. What I see is a disjointed, ill thought out attempt. Sharie and her sidekick are moving Full STEAM ahead in the wrong direction. What were our CXC passes like this year?
“The government has restocked schools with essential learning tools, particularly in science, mathematics, and languages…”
But sadly, all aspects of the creative arts remain on the educational backburner.
Roger Burnett
and those were the words of our holy pastor CSC so don’t jump on me , that big CHILD is allowed vto run wild on the school grounds (aka) concentration camp , and the BIG youth , seems happy to give her a lollypop and let her continue doing her own *lil*thing in her fantasy world
Sir Burnett
Sadly, nothing new there to report.
Having observed and taught for three and a half decades, forty in total, I a very skeptical, having resigned due to covid llnesss.
If what is being printed or postulated is true, i say that’s a good start.
Unfortunately, both government, elected politicians, some principals, teachers and parents from the old school of thought have never had an accumulated appreciation for the Arts, and how significantly they respond to the entire human growth, but especially in cognitive, Arts, mechanical andmathematical development..
These truths have been a weak link in our society perpetrated by all for many decades. I doubt any thing has changed so quickly. I wish those tasked with such work every good wish.
What? Hah, Hah, Hah.
I just wished the same level of interest and support was given to technical vocational education programmes from the secondary to tertiary level. This includes properly outfitting workshop spaces; investing in modernized tools and equipments; being intentional about creating local industry partnerships; and offering meaningful apprenticeship opportunities that could lead to permanent employment for students. There is a huge demand for skilled labour in our territory and the education system has failed to capitalize on this gap. Merging TVET with modern technology will certainly create exciting learning and training opportunities for our young people. The last time I visited the ESHS campus 2 years ago, the TVET workshop looked the same as it did when I attended that school (then BVIHS) in the 1980s. The teachers were also complaining about lack of support. We must do better. All areas of the curriculum must receive equal attention and not just Science and Math.