Education

Minister Cummins Tours Inaugural Energy Camp

Energy matters took centre stage last week when approximately 75 children were exposed to the inaugural one-week Energy Science Camp.

The Division of Energy in the Ministry of Energy and Business, in partnership with the Ministry of Innovation, Industry, Science and Technology (MIST) the interactive camp for children six to 11 years old. The camp was integrated into the annual MIST Science Camp as a new element for the campers.

Minister of Energy and Business, Senator Lisa Cummins, visited the camp, at The St. Michael School, and underscored the importance of the initiative. She called on corporate Barbados involved in that sector, to support a bigger camp next year.

“We want…to scale up this camp and make it something that is even bigger in the years to come. So, we’re welcoming the support of corporate Barbados and those, particularly who are invested in the energy space, and I am inviting them to come on board so that we can continue to build this…,” Senator Cummins stated.

In giving the rationale for the camp, the Minister said it was necessary to ensure that the children were a part of Barbados’ energy future.

“We’re using a national energy plan…from 2019, and in many ways that needs to be updated now. It needs to now take us into the next phase of our energy transition, and to solve some of the problems that we have encountered as we have implemented that plan. So that’s what we’re navigating now.

So, for that reason, we…wanted to make sure that the young people can see, feel and touch what the energy future for them can look like, and so the camp really was birthed out of that process,” she explained.

During the camp, the children learnt about wind energy, wind turbines, solar energy, energy conservation and energy efficiency, among other areas. They also engaged in various challenges, toured the Barbados National Oil Company Limited, and saw solar and wind farms as they travelled across the island.

Senator Cummins noted that the campers were exposed to various career opportunities available in the energy sector, to allow them to become familiar with potential careers.

“I think that exposing young people to what their options are, by getting them immersed in what is happening in these sectors, is critical for young people…. Energy and energy transition is about bringing people, and in this case young people, along for the journey, and we’re very happy to have been able to do that,” she stated.

The Ministry’s team was assisted by facilitators from Robot Adventures and Relay Education, with sponsorship from Blue Circle Energy; the Barbados National Oil Company Limited; the National Petroleum Corporation; and the Transport Board.

On Monday, August 19, the Ministry of Energy and Business will replicate the week-long Energy Science Camp at the National Summer Camp, at the Hilda Skeene Primary School, Ruby, St. Philip. (PR/GIS)

Caption: Minister of Energy and Business, Senator Lisa Cummins, speaking to camper Max Gill as he designs a solar car

Education

Three Schools Honoured For Championing Health Initiatives

Three schools have been recognised for their efforts in promoting healthy lifestyles through the implementation of the Barbados School Nutrition Policy (BSNP).

George Lamming Primary, St. Giles Primary, and The Rock Christian School were honoured by the BSNP Implementation Committee during a special ceremony on Wednesday at the George Lamming Primary School, in Welches, St. Michael.

The overall winner, George Lamming Primary, and the two other schools, each received $4,000 in vouchers to support their health-focused initiatives.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Davidson Ishmael, commended the schools for their leadership, highlighting the significance of turning policy into action.

“This is one of those moments where we must reward, appreciate, and acknowledge progress…. We are moving in the right direction. It’s one thing for policymakers to develop ideas on paper, but it’s in moments like these that we see policy come alive and truly transform lives…. You’re proving that good health begins with each of us,” Mr. Ishmael said.

Chief Education Officer, Dr. Ramona Archer-Bradshaw, also praised the students and school communities for their dedication.

“Winning isn’t just about trophies or prizes, it’s about the teamwork, the creativity, and the commitment you’ve shown in reshaping your school environment. Your participation sets an example that will inspire not just your classmates, but your families and communities to live healthier lives. This is just the beginning of your journey – keep making smart, healthy choices,” Dr. Archer-Bradshaw stated.

The event was also attended by PAHO/WHO Representative, Dr. Amalia Del Riego, other officials and stakeholders involved in the policy’s rollout, principals, teachers, and students.

The BSNP Committee applauded the schools for fostering healthier environments, underscoring the importance of early intervention in addressing the rise of non-communicable diseases. The initiative forms part of a national effort to promote wellness and improve long-term health outcomes for Barbadian youth. (PR/GIS)

Caption: Minister of State in Ministry of Health and Wellness, Davidson Ishmael; Chief Education Officer, Dr. Ramona Archer-Bradshaw; PAHO/WHO Representative, Dr. Amalia Del Reigo, as well as officials and stakeholders involved in the School Nutrition Policy, pose with students and principals of the George Lamming Primary; St. Giles Primary; and The Rock Christian School, at the ceremony

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)