Education

Dining Etiquette Session Equip Students for Professional Success

The Sandals Foundation in partnership with The University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus has successfully hosted its Dining Etiquette Session, equipping 302secondary school students with essential skills for professional and social success. As part of the Preparing Today for Tomorrow’s Challenges (PTFTC) programme, the session provided hands-on training in formal dining, professional decorum, and social graces. Students from schools twelve schools in Barbados including Alleyne School, Coleridge and Parry, Christ Church Foundation School, Frederick Smith Secondary, Graydon Sealy Secondary, Lester Vaughan, Parkinson Memorial, Princess Margaret Secondary, St. George Secondary, Springer Memorial, The Ellerslie School and The St. Michael School, took part in the initiative, benefiting from expert guidance in key codes of conduct in a business and social setting.

*Applying theory to a practical setting. The students enjoyed lunch following the classroom session, where their application of the lessons taught was observed by facilitators*

“The session reaches beyond social graces at the table,” said Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation. “It’s about building confidence and teaching young people how to carry themselves in any setting. At the Sandals Foundation, we believe education isn’t just about books and exams, it’s also about giving students the real-world skills they need to succeed. Whether it’s in a job interview, a business meeting, or even a social gathering, knowing how to present yourself can open doors and create opportunities.”

The training, facilitated in partnership with The UWI Global Campus, refined students’ communication and interpersonal skills, reinforcing their ability to navigate formal and business environments. The workshops culminated in a practical dining experience, where students applied their newly acquired etiquette knowledge in a real-world setting.

*Programme Coordinator at UWI Global Campus, Sandra Griffith-Carrington leading the Dining Etiquette session*

“Dining etiquette is just one element of professional readiness,” said Sandra Griffith-Carrington, Coordinator, PTFTC Programme. “The session teaches students the value of respect, attention to detail, and the importance of making a positive impression, skills that will serve them well beyond the dining table. In the 21st century, business etiquette remains crucial for fostering positive relationships, building trust, and promoting a professional environment. Etiquette embraces emotional intelligence and showing respect and understanding for different cultures; thus this session not only teaches the students the rudiment of fine dining but is geared to equipping the students with the relevant employability/“soft” skills needed for them to succeed. The session teaches students the importance of paying attention to detail, making a positive impression, effective communication – knowing what topics are suitable at the dining table and what are not, the protocol when meeting with dignitaries – all skills that will serve them well beyond the dining table.”

With a strong track record of fostering educational and personal development across the Caribbean, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International remains committed to nurturing key transferable skills amongst young people – preparing them for the various roles they will play in the world ahead. (PR)

Education

Immigration Webinar For Students Wishing To Study In Canada

Barbadians interested in pursuing studies in Canada are invited to participate in the online Immigration Seminar of the Consulate General of Barbados, in Toronto.

The Consulate, as part of its annual activities to observe National Heroes Day, is hosting a week of activities, and the key event will be the Immigration Seminar tomorrow Thursday, April 24, at 6:00 p.m.

Over the past 12 months, there have been significant changes to the requirements and processes for obtaining an international student visa. As a result, the seminar will focus on the recent changes to the entry requirements for international students coming to Canada to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies.

Prospective students, as well as parents, guardians, guidance counsellors, school teachers and principals, who have a vested interest in obtaining the most up-to-date and accurate information to make the most informed choice from the available study options, are encouraged to participate in the online seminar.

Alana Alleyne, a barrister and solicitor, will cover areas such as the latest changes to international student visas, eligibility criteria for student visas, requirements for postgraduate work permits, and changes to eligibility for spousal work permits. (PR/GIS)

Education

Information Session For Teachers Keen On Working In USA

Primary school teachers interested in working in the United States of America (USA) are invited to an upcoming Information Session, tomorrow Thursday, April 24.

The session will be hosted in the Main Conference Room of the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector, Warrens Office Complex, Warrens, St. Michael, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

The initiative is being facilitated by the Ministry, in partnership with the Barbados Employment and Career Counselling Service, the Barbados Union of Teachers, and Participate Learning, a USA recruitment firm.

During the event, Participate Learning will share important information on the application and recruitment processes, as well as on working in the USA. (PR/GIS)

Education

Ellerslie Students Welcomed At Barbados’ Embassy In Panama

The Embassy of Barbados in the Republic of Panama was pleased to welcome The Ellerslie School students and staff to its Chancery in Panama City, recently.

Chargé d’Affaires, Sandra Gittens, in her welcome to the group, which included Principal, Andrea Baptiste and Deputy Principal, Carl Applewhaite, shared the history of the mission, noting that the Embassy was established in 2020.

Mrs. Gittens said this was “in line with the Barbados Government’s desire to strengthen its relations and cooperation with Panama across a number of areas, including trade, investment, tourism and education”.

She expressed the hope that the visit would signal the start of a new relationship with The Ellerslie School in pursuit of future student-to-student and teacher-to-teacher exchanges, in collaboration with the Ministries of Educational Transformation and Training and Tertiary Education and its Panamanian counterpart, within the framework of the memorandum of understanding signed between the two countries.

Speaking on the value of learning a foreign language, First Secretary, Shireifa Joseph, spoke of her experience as a foreign language student and the positive impact that it has had on her career.

She encouraged the students to continue their foreign language journey, signalling that they were well on their way to becoming “bridge builders” in their future careers with the capacity to connect Barbados to other countries across the globe.

Counsellor at the Embassy, Michelle Carter, also noted the value of language learning, especially for those studying tourism, stating that developing a strong proficiency in a foreign language will serve as a critical tool in opening doors to their success in this sector, whether in Barbados or abroad. (PR/GIS)

Caption: Students, teachers and parents of the Ellerslie secondary school to the Embassy of Barbados in the Republic of Panama