Education

Youth Development Programme Launches ‘The Best Man I Can Be’ Initiative

In a climate where the challenges facing young men seem ever more daunting, the Youth Development Programme in the Division of Youth Affairs is taking proactive steps to counteract negative societal impacts.

At the forefront of its efforts is the “Best Man I Can Be” initiative.

Launched on March 15 at the Ellerton Wesleyan Holiness Church, St. George, the initiative represents a concerted effort by the Youth Development Programme to provide young men with the tools, resources and support needed to navigate the challenges of today’s society.

Through a series of tailored programmes and activities, the programme seeks to empower participants to realise their full potential and become positive contributors to their communities.

The project is coordinated by Youth Commissioner, Alicia Catwell, with assistance from Community Development Aide in the Community Development Department, Shavor Braithwaite.

Ms. Catwell emphasised the importance of providing young men with opportunities for growth and development.

“In a world filled with numerous distractions and negative influences, it’s imperative that we equip our young men with the skills and support they need to thrive. …The “Best Man I Can Be” initiative is more than just a programme; it’s a commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders, role models, and changemakers,” she maintained.

The launch saw enthusiastic participation from both attendees and organisers alike, setting the stage for what promises to be a transformative journey for all involved.

As the initiative progresses, the Youth Development Programme remains dedicated to its mission of empowering young men and fostering a brighter future for all. (PR/GIS)

Caption: Participants in the Youth Development Programme’s “Best Man I Can Be” initiative at at the Ellerton Wesleyan Holiness Church

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)

Education

Ellerslie Students Welcomed At Barbados’ Embassy In Panama

The Embassy of Barbados in the Republic of Panama was pleased to welcome The Ellerslie School students and staff to its Chancery in Panama City, recently.

Chargé d’Affaires, Sandra Gittens, in her welcome to the group, which included Principal, Andrea Baptiste and Deputy Principal, Carl Applewhaite, shared the history of the mission, noting that the Embassy was established in 2020.

Mrs. Gittens said this was “in line with the Barbados Government’s desire to strengthen its relations and cooperation with Panama across a number of areas, including trade, investment, tourism and education”.

She expressed the hope that the visit would signal the start of a new relationship with The Ellerslie School in pursuit of future student-to-student and teacher-to-teacher exchanges, in collaboration with the Ministries of Educational Transformation and Training and Tertiary Education and its Panamanian counterpart, within the framework of the memorandum of understanding signed between the two countries.

Speaking on the value of learning a foreign language, First Secretary, Shireifa Joseph, spoke of her experience as a foreign language student and the positive impact that it has had on her career.

She encouraged the students to continue their foreign language journey, signalling that they were well on their way to becoming “bridge builders” in their future careers with the capacity to connect Barbados to other countries across the globe.

Counsellor at the Embassy, Michelle Carter, also noted the value of language learning, especially for those studying tourism, stating that developing a strong proficiency in a foreign language will serve as a critical tool in opening doors to their success in this sector, whether in Barbados or abroad. (PR/GIS)

Caption: Students, teachers and parents of the Ellerslie secondary school to the Embassy of Barbados in the Republic of Panama