Education

Boy Scouts Pivotal In Changing Lives Of Young Men

Minister of Educational Transformation, Senator Chad Blackman, says organizations like the Barbados Boy Scout Association are crucial in helping the country to keep young men nurtured and grounded in civics, working together, understanding conflict resolution, and problem solving.

Senator Blackman made this comment yesterday as he addressed Scouts of all ages at the opening ceremony of the Barbados Boy Scout Association’s National Camp 2025, under the theme ‘Boy Scouts Charting New Paths’, at the Blackman and Gollop Primary School, Staple Grove, Christ Church.

“This [camp] plays a very pivotal role in your life and development, fostering friendships, making new bonds, but equally it allows you to learn how to do things on the outside, outdoors, the camping, the hiking, the environment…. This is a time that you must remember for the rest of your life, and therefore I want to encourage all of you to have fun… but equally, to learn new things,” he told the eager Scouts.

The Minister referred to the Boy Scouts’ Motto of ‘Be Prepared’ and encouraged the campers to embrace this motto going forward.

“You must be prepared for everything in life. Sometimes, you don’t know what will come before you, but this allows for you to prepare yourself for any eventuality, so that whether you go into sport, business, language, football, whatever, you are prepared for life, and this is a moment where you can now learn new skills and new things.”

Mr. Blackman commended the Boy Scouts Association for hosting the camp, noting that the association plays a critical role in the country, and is needed now more than ever, to assist young boys who are facing many challenges.

“I just want to simply say to all of you and to the camp leaders and those who are heavily involved in this process, we have to ensure that our young people are prepared for the future.”

He added that as the world continues to change at a very rapid pace, civic organisations, like the Boy Scouts and other associations, must play a pivotal role in ensuring that our young people have a bright future, underscored by leadership and working together in a harmonious way.

The Barbados Boy Scouts Association’s National Camp will host all classifications of Scouts for the first time in over ten years – Beavers (5 – 7 years old), Cub (7 – 11 years old), Scouts (11 – 14 years), and Ventures (15 – 17 years). The camp started yesterday and ends on April 15.

Caption: Minister of Educational Transformation, Chad Blackman, chatting with Boy Scouts at the opening ceremony of the Barbados Boy Scout Association National Camp 2025 at the Blackman and Gollop Primary School.

Education

Applications Open For 2025 Errol Barrow Scholarships

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for the 2025 Errol Walton Barrow Scholarships at undergraduate and post graduate levels and for students at newer secondary schools (established after 1951).

Scholarships may be awarded in Marine Studies, Aeronautics, or Culinary Arts.

Applicants must be citizens of Barbados and have already been accepted at an accredited institution within the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom.

The scholarships cover airfare, full tuition fees, and a living allowance.

For application forms and further information, please visit the Ministry’s website at www.mes.gov.bb, or call the Tertiary Section at 535-0863. Completed forms must be submitted by Friday, May 9, 2025. (PR/GIS)

Education

Tertiary Education Necessary To Prepare Students For Global Stage

Minister of Training and Tertiary Education, Sandra Husbands, believes that through tertiary education, individuals are exposed to diverse perspectives, innovative ideas, and cutting edge research, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to their society and the world.

Ms. Husbands also notes that exposure to tertiary education will empower young people to become global citizens who are capable of making a lasting impact through their knowledge, expertise, and leadership abilities.

She expressed this view yesterday at a ceremony to announce the Rotary Club of Barbados West’s Scholarship winners 2024/2025, at the Ministry’s Elsie Payne Complex.

The Minister added that the Barbados Government is determined in the pursuit of its educational transformation goal to foster a culture of excellence. For this goal to be attained, she believes that it will require all stakeholders to collaborate in shaping an education system that is fair, inclusive, relevant, and modern.

“Our goal is to establish an education system that empowers students to reach their full potential, fostering a future where opportunities are limitless and comprehensive. We are mindful of the fact that our people are our greatest resource, and we must therefore endeavour to provide a bright future for every child towards the development of our global citizens.”

Ms. Husbands, while saying that organisations which offer support for initiatives to develop the country are often taken for granted, also expressed gratitude to the Rotary Club and others “whose hearts are filled with a fervour for service to others, who are unselfish in their attitude towards themselves, their time, and their resources”.

She referred to the scholarships as ‘successful fundraising’ and told the awardees that the tremendous sacrifice made by the Rotary’s members to offer financial support has “formed the foundation for you in pursuit of your dreams”.

“We not only just honour the recipients of this scholarship, but the values of hard work that brought you here – dedication, the pursuit of knowledge and excellence…. Seize this opportunity, excel in your studies, and go and secure that bright future,” she encouraged.

Ms. Husbands said her Ministry is moving towards relevant and inclusive education, which means actively working to create an educational system where all students, regardless of their background, can have access to learning experiences that are meaningful and directly connect to their lives and current world, addressing diverse needs and perspectives within the curriculum and teaching methods.

“What is being planned within the Ministry of Educational Transformation is really an exciting change that will make learning and engaging adventure for our children that will excite them to want to learn, that will teach them a broad range of skills that will help them to be very effective Barbadians,” she shared.

Minister Husbands reaffirmed her Ministry’s commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders and scholars. She explained: “Part of the reason why this Ministry of Training and Tertiary Education was created was for us to intensify transformation at the tertiary level, to ensure that all of our students could pursue a tertiary education. I’m so pleased that you’re having the opportunity to get yours now…. Continue on your journey, continue to be an example for all Barbadians and continue to do your country proud.” (PR/GIS)

Caption: Minister of Training and Tertiary Education, Sandra Husbands, offering advice to Rotary Club of Barbados West’s Scholarship winners (from left to right) Emilee Wharton, Shaniah Graham, Scott Wharton, and Rakaya Goodridge, following a ceremony at the Ministry’s Elsie Payne Complex

Education

Public Schools To Close For Easter Break

Public school students and teachers will proceed on Easter Break at the end of next week, as the Hilary School Term comes to a close. On Thursday, April 3, classes will end for students, and for teachers on Friday, April 4.

Schools will break for two weeks and will resume on Tuesday, April 22, for teachers, and Wednesday, April 23, for students.

The third term, also known as the Trinity Term, will include the Barbados Secondary Schools’ Entrance Examination on Tuesday, May 6. (PR/GIS)