Education

Ministry Of Home Affairs Hosted 13 Interns During The Summer

The Ministry of Home Affairs and Information, hosted 13 interns during the period July 24 to September 1, 2023.

The six-week internship saw the participants, aged 18 to 22, receive on-the-job training in administration, accounting, public affairs and clerical work.

They consisted of students from sixth-forms, The University of The West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Barbados Community College, and the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology. They worked in all departments of the Ministry except the Government Printery, the Barbados Fire Service and the National Council on Substance Abuse.

Minister of Home Affairs and Information, Wilfred Abrahams, explained that the experience was “critical” as it afforded young persons the ability to understand the “world of work” as they developed their skills.

“I believe the internship programme of government is a critical part of the development of our young people. It allows them to pause in their studies, get real work experiences, and if they were studying in a particular field it allows them to put a practical application to what they are studying theoretically at school,” Minister Abrahams stated.

Speaking about the interns, the Minister said they were “amazing” and based on the reports received from the various departments, the “programme was a fantastic success”.

Having interacted with them, Mr. Abrahams noted they were a very interesting and diverse bunch of people with different personalities, outlooks and backgrounds. “But they all had one thing in common, they were all very, very positive. And I believe they benefitted from the programme,” he stressed.

Keoni Williams, who interned at the Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS), thanked Minister Abrahams, the Ministry, Director Sabu Best and the entire staff at the BMS for the opportunity. He said: “During my time at the Meteorological Services, I’ve been exposed to many things within the field of meteorology. As an aspiring Meteorologist, I did a lot of research on climate with elevated heat indices and high temperatures and its effect on society and contributed to the Climate Outlook Newsletter.”

Khloe Nandwani interned at the Department of Emergency Management (DEM). In expressing thanks to the Department for the stint, she noted that she learnt a lot in her experience. “I definitely gained a better knowledge of how to prepare in an emergency and also a better understanding of work experience,’ she said.

The other interns were: Janique Greene, Olujimi-Chumachienda Layne, Malik Mehter, Cherina Nurse, Kaliyah Boxill, Zara Owen, Ajani Bishop, Tashawana Williams, Natalia Brathwaite, Javonn Alleyne and Samuel Clarke. (PR/GIS)

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)