Education

NAB & NTI Sign MOU To Train 600 Workers

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been initialled between the National Assistance Board (NAB) and the National Transformation Initiative (NTI) that will see some 600 persons trained over the next 10 weeks.

The signing, which took place yesterday at the Warrens Office Complex between the Director of NTI, Allyson Leacock and NAB’s Director, Colleen Walcott, aims to help the latter organisation achieve its goal of improving its human resources and provide training for workers to better enhance the delivery and quality of its services.

This was pointed out by Ms. Walcott as she spoke to media representatives. “Workers were asking for training not necessarily [in terms of] technical training but in terms of communication and engaging with diverse clients. And, our beneficiaries were asking for an improvement in service in terms of how our workers engaged with them. So, the focus was not necessarily on the technical skills but more so on the relational skills,” she disclosed.

Adding that the training methodology would see persons immersing themselves in the care aspects, she said this would follow the guiding principles of empathy and compassion and not just be about “doing a task” or providing a need. “But really caring for lives – putting persons back at the centre of care,” she stated.

The NTI training, which started today with 60 persons, makes use of the face-to-face format as, according to Ms. Walcott, the NAB wants its workers to “to be really, really, really engaged”.

Meanwhile, NTI’s Dr. Leacock, describing the partnership as a significant one, said it represents a collaboration that NTI considers an “unprecedented step” in its commitment to enhancing the quality of care provided by Home Help Employees and the Companions in the Community of Elder Care.

The NAB, she revealed, was now joining the Grantley Adams International Airport, which piloted this initiative of the Art and Heart of Service. Adding that, to date, NTI had trained over 800 workers at the airport, through this programme, she remarked: “So, as we embark on this journey, as Director Walcott said, it is an exciting partnership but also a very meaningful one based on the data that we are becoming an older population and therefore this work is pivotal to who we are, as a country and as a people.”

Dr. Leacock noted that a key aim is to realise a shift from a culture of servitude to one of service. Elaborating Dr. Leacock said: “It’s more than a change of mindset and we place a lot of emphasis on that. It is also a fundamental reimagining of what it means to serve. It’s about infusing dignity, respect, and excellence…. ensuring that our most vulnerable citizens receive the care and the consideration they deserve.

*Director of NTI, Allyson Leacock described the partnership with the National Assistance Board as a significant one.*

She also stated that one of the key components of the training for NAB staffers will be about understanding and practising disability etiquette.

“We emphasise that service culture must be rooted in a culture of consideration. And, at its core this means recognising that we all have abilities and disabilities, and our approach must be one of empathy and respect for individual differences.”

Dr. Leacock stressed by adopting this perspective would not only enhance the quality of care but also promote a far more inclusive Barbados.

The NTI training will also focus on ethics, integrity, deportment, personal branding, communication, and teamwork. Noting these are elements of personal excellence, she added: “So our training will equip our home help workers as well as our community elder care companions with the skills to present themselves with confidence and professionalism, communicating effectively and most importantly working cohesively as a team, based on the Ministry’s plans for amalgamation.

“This holistic approach, we hope, will ensure that they are not only prepared to meet the physical needs of those they are caring for but also to uplift their own spirits and enhance their overall wellbeing. (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)