Thirty special needs students who successfully completed the Barbados Secondary Schools’ Entrance Examination have been encouraged to persevere in their education journey even if they encounter challenges.
Minister of Education, Technological and Vocational Training, Kay McConney, speaking at their recent graduation ceremony at the Barbados Yacht Club, told the young students that the definition of perseverance is to ‘press on no matter what’, noting that their education journey had not been easy because they faced challenges other students didn’t have.
“You have had to face some things that some others did not, but you’re here. You’re here and I want you to understand that as you now transition to secondary school, you may not have the same teacher all the time like you did in primary school…sometimes, it’s going to be an up moment for you and sometimes it’s going to be a down moment,” Ms. McConney said.
The Education Minister, who spoke of the movement of a rollercoaster, told the students that even though a rollercoaster goes up and then down, it always stays on track.
“That’s what I want you to do. I want you to persevere through the ups and the downs, but stay on track. I want you to stay on track with your academics in terms of the work that you’re going to learn,” she urged.
Minister McConney also encouraged the children to participate in sports, music, and any other activities, despite any diagnosis, disability, or learning challenge.
“Being different does not mean that you are incapable, and I want you to never let anyone make you feel like less because you learn differently. I think we, as educators and as parents, we know that every child learns in its own way and on its own and at his or her own pace,” she said.
The Education Minister also encouraged the parents present to look for the strengths in their children, to show up at school events, parent teacher conferences, and PTA meetings.
Ms. McConney noted that although past learning challenges were identified, proper and relevant diagnoses were not conducted. She said the Ministry had determined that the earlier children are diagnosed, the greater the chances of challenges being identified, and the necessary intervention and treatment applied.
She also made mention of the collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MHW) to recommence vision screening for students. This initiative has resulted in the donation of Vision Acuity Boards from her Ministry to the MHW, and screening can now be done with students from as early as age three.
Meanwhile, in her remarks, Chief Education Officer, Dr. Ramona Archer-Bradshaw, told the graduates that she wants them to see themselves as being successful and to appreciate the hard work it took for them to reach this far.
“We know that in life, things that may seem simple are not always easy. A graduation for some may seem like a simple thing, but you had to work really hard to get here, didn’t you? You had to work really hard, and we, as the Ministry of Education, we understand that things that may seem simple to some, do not always come easy, and every day, we work really hard to make sure that things become more simple for you,” she stated.
The Education Chief said that the Ministry is constantly thinking of ways to improve the lives of students. She explained that its focus is on the well-being and training of teachers, development of strategies that will improve how teachers instruct students and make subjects more appealing and create ways to make exams and the other forms of assessments more engaging.
Dr. Archer-Bradshaw commended the teachers, the principals, and everyone who played an integral part in the lives of the graduates.
“Your contribution has not gone unnoticed, and I ask you to continue to take charge of all of these young people so that you can help them to realise their dreams and possibilities. Parents…it is important that you remain supportive…. This is not the time to ease off the accelerator; this is the time to apply firm pressure.
“I want you to know that the journey has not ended, this is just the beginning…I want you to stay focused at all times…to be always on your best behavior… I want you at all times to be your best selves”, she urged