Education

Whole-Of-Country Approach Needed To Address Violence In Schools

There are many layers to the challenge of violence in schools, and it will take the efforts of everyone working together in a ‘whole-of-country’ approach to overcome.

Minister of Education, Technological and Vocational Training, Kay McConney, stated this in a recorded address to the nation, over the weekend.

Noting that ‘it takes a village to raise a child’, she said her Ministry recognises that partnership with the village is crucial, and more support is needed to provide children, teachers, and parents with the support they need.

“There is concern about violent acts which have happened in some of our schools recently. Members of the public are feeling worried for the safety of our children and worried about violent behaviour in the wider society that is making its way into the school environment,” she stated.

According to Minister McConney, children live what they learn and they bring to school some of what they learn even outside of school – the good and the bad.

She added that while school must first and foremost focus on delivering quality education that caters to all, the Ministry cannot get away in these times from being increasingly vigilant, and placing greater emphasis on safety and security.

She said weapons do not belong in the hands of children, but revealed that there are instances where children admitted that they were encouraged by an adult to carry a knife or a scissors to school for protection.

The Education Minister further stated that fighting must not be the first option for resolving conflict, simply because some of children have not yet learnt how to cope when they get angry. As a result, a boiling point has been reached, where bad behaviour is bubbling over into learning time, creating far too many disruptions at the primary and secondary levels.

She disclosed that the Ministry of Education had partnered with others over the last four to five years to ‘ramp up’ the number of qualified persons in the Ministry’s Student Services Unit, which deals with psychological and social support to students, parents, teachers, and guardians.

“What we did is, we have recognised it is not just about dealing with violent behaviour at the beginning, but it is also about us giving the necessary support as our students seek to cope… The many layers that education touches means that we must continue to work collaboratively with each other in what I call an ‘all-as-one’ effort,” she said.

Ms. McConney mentioned that some strong school leaders/principals have taken a firm stance on discipline and have been able to rein in bad behaviour and successfully manage the level of disruptive incidents at their schools. She added that the same effort needs to be replicated across the [school] system.

In reference to numbers received from within the Ministry, she said less than one per cent of the total school population, approximately 300 plus children, in a school system that has just below 40,000, nearly 37,000, are the ones giving trouble. Minister McConney added that while this percentage may seem relatively small, it is still too much.

She pointed out that while every secondary school has some form of security, it needs to be strengthened not only in the numbers of the security personnel, but in proper planning, risk management, training in best practices, and in the use of appropriate equipment suited for school environments.

Similarly, in primary, nursery and special education schools, a security audit conducted by the Ministry showed that just over half have an appropriate level of security in personnel, cameras, systems of practice and equipment.

While admitting that there is much work that needs to be done regarding the physical security of schools, Ms. McConney said the Ministry had conducted security audits of schools and a draft National School Security and Safety Policy had been prepared and was now being finalised, thanks to the support of a wide-ranging coalition of partners.

This coalition comprises representatives from the Barbados Defence Force, The Barbados Police Service, the Defence and Security Division, the Barbados Fire Service, the unions associated with the school system, the National Student Council, the National Council of Parent Teacher Associations, and the Ministry of Education. (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)