PAREDOS Graduates Showcase Future Of Education Transformation

The confidence, creativity, and promise demonstrated by the newest graduates of the PAREDOS Early Childhood Education Programme have reflected the very outcomes at the heart of Barbados’ education transformation agenda, according to Minister of Education Transformation, Chad Blackman.

Addressing parents, educators, and graduates at Saturday’s graduation ceremony, Mr. Blackman congratulated the young learners on successfully completing the programme and praised the level of confidence displayed by the children, describing their achievements as an encouraging sign of what is possible when young minds are nurtured from the earliest stages of development.

The Minister noted that the graduates represented a powerful reminder that the time has come for a renewed focus on the country’s education system—one which has served Barbados well, but which is now being refocused to prepare students for the demands of the future.

“Education has carried us to where we are today, but we must continue to evolve. We must ensure that our system prepares our children not only to succeed academically, but to become creative thinkers, problem-solvers, innovators, and responsible citizens. This is what we have begun to implement,” he said.

He highlighted the importance of early childhood education in building the foundation for lifelong learning, announcing the Ministry’s commitment to universal access to Early Childhood Education (ECE) for all children from September 2026.

Anchored in a play-based curriculum, young learners will be given the opportunity to explore, discover, and develop the skills needed to master their world while building confidence and readiness for active learning once they enter the formal school system.

Mr. Blackman encouraged parents to continue nurturing the skills their children have developed, emphasising that the confidence and creativity displayed by the graduates must be reinforced at home. He continued: “We were already born great, but greatness must also be tempered with manners, discipline, and respect.”

He reassured parents that they remain essential partners in achieving the best outcomes for their children. He stressed that education transformation requires families to have the tools needed to complement what happens within schools.

In this regard, the Minister announced that the Ministry of Education Transformation has partnered with the Inter-American Development Bank to establish a comprehensive Parent Education Programme. The initiative empowers parents with knowledge and strategies to support their children’s development, while also allowing those trained to become future trainers within their communities.

Also highlighted was the importance of developing critical thinking skills from an early age. He pointed to initiatives such as the intentional introduction of chess to the school curriculum as one of the more powerful tools for helping children learn strategic thinking, decision-making, and planning.

“Children who learn to think through scenarios, anticipate consequences, and make informed decisions are better equipped to navigate life’s challenges,” Mr. Blackman noted, adding that strengthening these skills contributes to positive behaviours and helps reduce social challenges.

He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to creating pathways for students interested in the arts and creative industries.

The Minister reaffirmed plans for the development of state-of-the-art recording studios within the education system, providing students with hands-on opportunities to explore music production, sound engineering, and creative entrepreneurship. “These spaces will allow our young people to transform their creativity into skills, and their skills into real-life opportunities,” he said.

Mr. Blackmanr rounded out his address by emphasising that education transformation is about creating an ecosystem where every child can discover their strengths and receive the support needed to reach their full potential beyond standardised testing.

The graduates of PAREDOS, he said, are evidence that when children are given the right foundation, the results are confidence, creativity, and a belief in what they can achieve. (PR/GIS)