Monday, September 22, 2014 - Parents and guardians of children at educational institutions in the Territory have been urged to become actively involved in their education.
Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron Walwyn made the plea yesterday while he was addressing stakeholders in education at a Church Service to welcome the new school year.
“Forge a stronger relationship with your child’s teacher and by your cooperation with our educators,” Minister Walywn told the parents, adding, “By doing this, you show our students that your love for them also means ensuring that they make the best of their education.” He also noted that parents must be present in school before school administrations have to call them in.
The Education Minister also called on students to seek God first before going after worldly ambitions.
“The Virgin Islands has changed significantly from the days when our ancestors were freed men and women, but our constant belief in our source of strength that is greater than we can comprehend has brought prosperity and cohesion in our little island,” he said.
Minister Walwyn also wished all students a prosperous school year and reminded them that they are never too young to pattern their hearts after God’s will.
“No matter the grade you are in students, you’ll find that you will be faced with choices that will lead you to good works and rewards or those that will lead you in the wrong direction. It is during those times that I encourage you to seek God in your prayers and in your daily lives. Choose good always and take decisions that will make your parents and your teachers proud of you. Be an example to your classmates and friends in the manner by which you conduct yourselves in the classroom and on the playground,” he said.
Meanwhile, Premier of the Virgin Islands Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE also addressed the church service, and noted that he was delighted to be present at the opening of another school year and prayed for continued blessings on the Territory’s youth as they embark on this new chapter in their academic journey.
Dr. Smith urged the students to take their education seriously and to pursue studies in all areas available to them. He told the students that the tourism and financial services industries were ripe with seeds of employment for the people in this Territory years ago but that times have changed. “Our world has changed to technological advancements and other forms of industrial growth, so we must constantly find new ways to diversify our economy and give you, our young people the opportunities to live your dreams. Be your own managers and turn your passions, your dreams into successful business ventures," he explained.
Vice District Overseer for the Eastern Caribbean Church of God of Holiness, Rev. Calvin Mills, challenged all present in his sermon to first and foremost recommit themselves to God. “If God will remain in the schools of the Virgin Islands, you must stand up and be counted as true representatives of the living God. You must never be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and if you stand for him and represent him, he will do the same for you.”
As a special selection, Principals from the Territory’s primary and secondary schools, both private and public rendered a selection as the first Principals Mass Choir. They sang, “I Need You to Survive” and penned two additional verses to the arrangement which were written by the Acting Principal of the Elmore Stoutt High School Mrs. Sandy Underhill and Assistant Principal of the Althea Scatliffe Primary School Ms. Ronda Smith.
The Ministry of Education and Culture’s Annual Back to School Church Service seeks to instill the moral and spiritual fiber, core to the essence of a Virgin Islander, at the start of each school year.
*************************
DISCLAIMER
This article was posted in its entirety as received by SKNVibes.com. This media house does not correct any spelling or grammatical error within press releases and commentaries. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of SKNVibes.com, its sponsors or advertisers
British Virgin Islands News