BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - AS the twin-island Federation moves forward with the celebration of its 30th year of Independence, the Ministry of Education is taking one week out to focus on improving itself for the betterment of the nation's youth.
From September 7 to 14 the Ministry is celebrating Education Week under the theme "Commitment to Excellence".
Education Officer Lisa Pistana, in a recent interview with the St. Kitts-Nevis Information Service, gave details of the events that are taking place this week with regards to education.
In explaining the theme, Pistana said the Ministry believes that in everything an individual does, he/she should always give his/her best in order to excel and be the best that he/she could.
Education Week officially kicked off on September 7 with the official opening by way of a fitness walk at 7:00 p.m. from the Independence Square to Frigate Bay.
On Sunday (Sept. 8) there was a Church Service at the Zion Moravian Church, while on the following day there was a closed round table discussion at NEMA on "Commitment to Excellence - Building leaders for the future advancement of the Federation".
Yesterday (Sept. 10) members of the public were given an opportunity to weigh in on the topic, "Pros and cons of creating a testing society", via a panel discussion on ZIZ Television at 8:30 p.m.
Pistana said that the Ministry would like to stimulate discussion on the testing and over testing of the nation's children.
Making reference to parents comparing their children with others and pushing them to do more subjects, Pistana said, "We know you want your kids to do well, and we totally agree. At the same time, we want persons to sit down and talk about what does this mean for our children."
"Is it that we are just building our children to take a test or are we really filling them with the essentials that they are going to need; those soft skills that they are going to need so that they can apply the information that they would have been taught," she explained.
Today is dubbed Education Pride Day and Pistana said that each school, along with the Ministry, would be having an Open House where the public would be able to visit.
Pistana said that persons could visit the schools and observe the children being taught and mingling with their classmates, and "get involved with the students".
Persons are also welcomed to visit the Ministry and learn of the services they offer and other information.
Tomorrow, there would be a Ministry of Education Olympics at the Warner Park Football Stadium from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Admission is free and it is in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports.
Pistana said there would be four teams using the national colours - White Knights, Red Flames, Yellow Birds and Green Giants. She is encouraging everyone to go out and support the event.
Friday (Sept. 13) is dubbed National Pride Day and the Ministry would be having an exhibition from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Independence Square.
"We have a lot of things going on because it our 30th year and we decided that we are going to join them [Independence celebration] in the Square. You can come in, talk to us, we'll have brochures. We're hoping to have some of our education partners buy into it too and come in and be with us in solidarity in the Square, and they can talk to you a little bit about some of the services they provide."
The Ministry would be bringing the curtains down on Saturday (Sept. 14) with an Award Ceremony.
Pistana said the Ministry would be "highlighting those persons in education who, over the years, do an excellent job. Tirelessly, without being asked, they give of themselves, whether it's their time, and in many cases of their financial resources, to ensure that our students and our Ministry as a whole move forward".
She said that night has been dubbed an All Black Event and there are four award categories - Long Service, Minister's Certificate of Appreciation, Minister's Recognition of Excellence and Education Partners Appreciation Award.
Pistana said that Education Week is an opportunity for the public to learn more about the educators, noting that when persons think about education they only think about teacher and school, and that it is important for them to understand that there is "so much more".
She stated that Education Week would also give the Ministry, along with its partners and stakeholders, "an opportunity to talk about some of those real issues within education and to help us plan for the way forward", noting that the events would be catering to such.
Education Week is in its third year and Pistana noted that it would be a bi-annual event from here on.
