Education

Minister of Educational Transformation Launches Emotional Intelligence Initiative

The Honourable Chad Blackman, Minister of Educational Transformation, delivered an inspiring speech at the launch of the groundbreaking initiative, Raising a More Emotionally Intelligent Generation, in Barbados. The Minister emphasized the crucial role of emotional intelligence in shaping the future of the nation’s youth and the broader educational system.

Addressing an audience of educators, policymakers, and community leaders, Minister Blackman highlighted the urgency of transforming Barbados’ education system to better equip young people for the challenges of the 21st century. “Our country has long placed a premium on education, but we must now shift our focus to creating globally competitive citizens who possess not only academic excellence but also emotional intelligence,” said Blackman.

He lauded the initiative, noting that it will play a pivotal role in reshaping the educational landscape, ensuring that young people are not only well-versed in subjects like Mathematics, English, and languages but also skilled in managing emotions, resolving conflicts, and engaging in constructive dialogue. Blackman stressed that these traits are essential for navigating the complex global society, whether in the classroom, the workplace, or the community.

As part of the broader educational transformation agenda, the Ministry of Educational Transformation will work to integrate emotional intelligence into the curriculum, from primary schools to tertiary education. “This is not just about tweaking existing systems,” the Minister explained. “It’s about rethinking education as a whole, ensuring that emotional intelligence is woven into every corner of the system, from the classroom to the community.”

Minister Blackman also praised the work of local organizations like those responsible for the Raising a More Emotionally Intelligent Generation initiative, which aims to promote emotional awareness and empathy among young people, recognizing its alignment with the Ministry’s vision for the future. The initiative is particularly timely in addressing critical social issues such as crime, which the Minister noted often stem from a lack of emotional awareness and interpersonal skills.

“We must move beyond seeing education as merely about grades,” said Blackman. “True education nurtures emotional and social growth. It prepares young people to face challenges, resolve conflicts, and build a more compassionate society.”

Minister Blackman concluded his speech by reinforcing the importance of inclusivity in the educational system. He called for an educational environment that values diversity, respects emotional well-being, and fosters the growth of each child, regardless of their abilities or background.

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