Education

Ministry Of Youth Celebrates Young Digital Content Creators

The Ministry of Youth celebrated the achievements of a new group of young digital content creators who recently completed a digital media programme.

A graduation ceremony held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Haggatt Hall, St. Michael, which was also the location for the five-week programme entitled “Video 246 Project”, was facilitated by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, and UNICEF.

The event saw participants showcasing their talents with one-minute videos they produced during the programme.

Addressing the participants at the ceremony, Minister Charles Griffith highlighted the importance of forming lasting friendships among the youth. He also recognised the outstanding participants and facilitators, and lauded the partnership with UNICEF that made the programme possible.

Minister Griffith expressed gratitude towards UNICEF for its invaluable partnership, highlighting how it had enabled the Ministry to empower young individuals with digital skills. Alluding to work done by the Caribbean Broadcast Corporation that he recognised as high quality, he stressed: “Digital is the next frontier.”

Mr. Griffith urged the programme graduates to not only hone their skills but also make a meaningful impact on society. Encouraging them to use their new-found abilities to share stories, particularly those of individuals who often go unheard, he stated: “I refer to them as human interest stories, and I need for you to look for them and be able to share the stories of those persons who don’t have a voice because then you could become the voice for those persons. Shine some light where there is darkness with your videos.”

Aiden Rawlins one of the twenty-three participants who completed the project, noted, “Over the past few weeks we’ve embarked on a creative adventure that challenged us to condense our thoughts, ideas and emotions into just one minute of captivating video content. Each of us took a small but significant step towards expressing our unique perspectives and story-telling abilities.”

Participants were awarded for their efforts in the following categories: Most Punctual, Deandra Harewood; Most Improved, Azari Jones; Most Creative Female, Kibibi Lee; Most Creative Male, Demarcus Morris; Best Video, Khalyka Catwell and the Facilitators Award, Best Script, Demarcus Morris.

All videos will be entered into the UNICEF one-minute video challenge. (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)