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The contribution made by teachers to the educational system in Barbados will be recognised throughout October – the period designated as Education Month.
Under the theme Overcoming Educational Challenges in the 21st Century, the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development will host a series of activities that will not only target educators but the public as a whole.
Activities will begin this Saturday, October 1, with children reading on air in the Hott Reading Room of Hott 95.3 FM.?? This will be followed on Monday, October 3, with a church service at the Mount of Praise Weslyan Holiness Church, Tudor Bridge, St. Michael, from 9:30 a.m. where Minister of Education, Ronald Jones, will address the congregation.
Tuesday, October 4, is World Teacher’s Day and it is anticipated that individual schools will recognise the contribution of teachers and staff.?? ??A message from the Minister will also be read at all schools.??
On Thursday, October 6, the Association of Public Primary Schools Principals will host its Annual conference, at the Accra Beach Hotel, Rockley Christ Church, from 9:00 a.m. ??It will take place under the theme "Standards: The Key to Success – Violence in the School Environment, Understanding the Causes and Providing Solutions. Deputy Chief Education Officer (Ag), Joy Gittens, will deliver remarks at the start of the conference.
Associate Professor at the University at Vermont, and a former teacher in Barbados, Dr. Kenneth Williams will be the facilitator.??????
Saturday, October 8, will be a hike from Martin’s Bay to Bathsheba in St. John. It begins at 6:00 a.m. and will be guided by Captain DeLisle Bascombe. Bus transportation will be provided from the Ministry’s headquarters at Elsie Payne Complex, Constitution Road.?? Teachers interested in participating should call Joann Hall at 430-2806 for further details.
On Wednesday, October 12, the Ministry will launch its Caribbean Vocational Qualifications, at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Two Mile Hill, St. Michael, at 9:30 a.m. Minister of Education, Ronald Jones will address the launch.
Friday, October 14, is Teachers Professional Day. This will be marked by activities organised by schools for the development of their institutions. There will also be an After Work Lime and Karaoke session at the Ministry’s headquarters.?? Staff are invited to participate.
On Saturday, October 15, from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., there will be an Empowerment Fair in commemoration of International Day for the Eradication of Poverty in Queen’s Park. It will, among other things, provide information on accessing tertiary level education.
Visits to retired educators by Ministry officials have been planned for Wednesday, October 19 and again Thursday, October 20. During the visits, gift baskets and other cheer will be given to these elderly individuals.
On Saturday, October 22, teachers along with their families and friends can expect four hours of fun and excitement during a Safari tour of the island. Persons interested in the tour should meet at the Ministry, from 7:45 a.m. and may contact Nichole Hunte at 430-2747.
During Education Month, teachers are also urged to attend activities of the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT). These include a church service at Bethel Methodist Church on Sunday, October 23, from 9:00 a.m. and the BUT’s Presidents’ Reception on Monday, October 24, from 7:00 p.m., at the BUT’s headquarters, Merryhill, Welches, St. Michael.
The John Cumberbatch Memorial Lecture on Caribbean Teachers: Pillars of Caribbean Unity will be delivered on Wednesday, October 26, at the Almond Bay Conference Centre, from 7:00 p.m. ??It will be delivered by the Deputy General Secretary of the Barbados Workers’ Union and Historian, Robert "Bobby" Morris.
Friday, October 28, is the closing date of the Art Competition for secondary schools to design a flag for the Ministry of Education and an Awards Ceremony will be held for winners of this competition at the Ministry on this date.
Education Month will culminate on Saturday, October 29, with a cricket match at the Bridgefield Playing Field in St. Thomas. Members of the public are invited to come out and watch the cricketers from the Ministry as they battle a team of teachers.