ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, April 16th, 2012 – The broad vision for the Ministry of Education and Culture and its departments was outlined today, April 16 when Education Minister Honourable Myron V. Walwyn met with senior officers to reveal the strategic plan for the Ministry at its annual Planning Day.
Held at Maria’s by the Sea, the Minister, under the Ministry’s new motto, “Creating a Culture of Excellence” highlighted the important role of his Ministry within Government and the development of the Territory.He said, “Before a citizen has the opportunity to ascend to the highest office in the business sector of our Territory, they first pass through the hands of educators, they partake in youth activities, and the culture of the community in which they live plays a major role in determining who that individual will eventually be, and what sort of contribution they will make to society.”
He continued, “We are charged with facilitating that process. This sense of responsibility should bolster us to be courageous and do the necessary hard work and perhaps, make even unpopular decisions that will be necessary to give our young people a fighting chance of success.”
Areas outlined by the Minister to be addressed include, the merging of the Ministry and Department of Education and Culture to form a cohesive unit to guide the Territory’s Education System; a six-week National Citizen Service programme to be completed by high school seniors during their last school term to challenge them to participate in civic projects and the recognition of top primary and secondary schools in addition to the top students.
Other areas include but are not limited to a properly structured technical and vocational programme to cater to different learning styles in students; the implementation of a Territorial Examination Board, the use of CXC as the benchmark for awarding secondary school leaving certificates; the exploration of creative and new methods in special needs education; the relocation of the student services department; the need for academic competitions including business fairs, debates, spelling and general knowledge competitions; the hiring of a School Maintenance Manager, reactivating the Library Board; the re-introduction of the National Youth Council; better management plans to streamline maintenance and management of sporting facilities and recreational areas; and the need to balance penal responsibility with the rehabilitation process.
Following the address by the Minister, the officers were divided into groups and given work plans with specific actionable items to improve the education system as well as develop a stronger cultural identity and address issues of youth development including social issues, sports and recreational facilities.
The broad strategies outlined by the Minister encompassed plans for the Ministry’s departments which are the BVI Library Services, Her Majesty’s Prison, the National Commission for UNESCO and the departments of Education, Culture and Youth Affairs and Sports.
Other speakers at today’s planning day were the Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Culture Dr. Marcia Potter, Assistant Secretary Ms. Lorna Stevens and the Acting Finance and Planning Officer Mrs. Jovita Scatliffe.
The Ministry of Education and Culture’s annual planning day forecasts the Ministry’s strategic direction and allows senior officers to work collectively on plans to build a Territory with strong citizens as we educate a nation and “Create a Culture of Excellence”.
*************************
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