Education
Ministry of Education Champions Access and Equity in Special Education Week 2023
The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports is steadfast in its dedication to creating an inclusive educational environment that promotes the success of every student.
With a keen focus on access and equity, the ministry is gearing up for Special Education Week 2023, where the theme will be “Accessibility and Equity: A spectrum of possibilities.”
Dr. Marcia Potter, the Permanent Secretary, emphasized the ministry’s goal to enhance its human capital through professional development opportunities while concurrently expanding access and ensuring equitable support for all students. The commitment to strengthening special education is evident in the recent completion of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commonwealth of Learning Assistive Technology course by seven Special Education Teachers in July. This course is designed to identify and implement low-cost, low-tech devices to aid the learning process for students with special needs, commonly referred to as the Introduction to Assistive Technology.
Acting Chief Education Officer Mrs. Orlandette Crabbe highlighted the ministry’s ongoing dedication to special education needs, aiming to raise public awareness during the upcoming week while offering support to the community of individuals with special needs.
The schedule of activities for the week is as follows:
- Monday, November 27: Special Education Week Commences
- Monday, November 27 – Friday, December 1: Special Education Myth and Fact Special on the Government of the Virgin Islands Facebook page.
- Tuesday, November 28: Schools engage in activities; Panel discussion
- Wednesday, November 29: Special Education Word Recognition and General Knowledge Contest.
- Thursday, November 30: Special Education Video Highlights on the Government of the Virgin Islands Facebook page.
- Friday, December 1: Fun Night: Equity for all events at Cedar International School from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Former Speaker of the House of Assembly and Third District resident, Mr. Julian Willock, delivered on his annual promise of giving back to the community with his 2024 Back to School initiative. Under the theme “3 hours, 3 schools, District 3,” Willock and his team made donations to three schools in Sea Cows Bay, reinforcing the importance of education for the youth.
The event kicked off at the Seventh-day Adventist School, continued at St. George’s Secondary School and concluded at Ebenezer Thomas Primary School. During each stop, Willock and his District Three Committee handed over books, bags and essential school supplies to help students in the upcoming academic year.
Accompanying Willock were two prominent members of his 30-member committee: businessman Ricky E. Conner, owner of the local band OMG, and former firefighter Joseph A. Fahie, both from the Sea Cows Bay community. Speaking to the students, Conner emphasised the critical role education plays in shaping the future, urging them to stay in school and work toward becoming the next generation of legislators, entrepreneurs, and professionals. “You are the future leaders, and your education is the key to those dreams,” Conner told the students.
Fahie shared personal reflections, recalling his school days when supplies were scarce. He expressed his pride in being part of a committee that ensures today’s students have the resources needed to succeed. “I didn’t always have books or bags growing up, so I’m honored to help make a difference for students now,” Fahie remarked.
Willock explained that the donations were made directly to the schools, allowing teachers and administrators to distribute supplies to students facing challenges throughout the 2024/2025 academic year. The goal, he said, was to make sure no child is left behind due to lack of resources.
The principals and representatives of the participating schools were on hand to receive the donations. Representing the Seventh-day Adventist School was High School Supervisor Mr. Ron E. Hemerding, while St. George’s Principal Ms. Odalys Gonzalez accepted on behalf of her school. Ebenezer Thomas Primary School was represented by Zubida K. O’Neal, Instructional Leader of Mathematics, on behalf of Principal Ms. Ashkisha N. Maduro.
The event was made possible through sponsorship from local businesses, including Nanny Cay Resort, BDO Limited, Northam Construction, IAM Jet Centre, Gumption’s Experience BVI, and Nagico Insurance, with additional support from Willock’s Third District Committee and Ms. Kishma P. Forbes of Virgin Islands School and Office Supplies.
The BVIEC had initially anticipated that the issue could be resolved within three hours but later described the situation as more severe than expected. “The BVI Electricity Corporation wishes to inform our customers on Anegada that the power station is experiencing a major malfunction on one of our generating sets. This malfunction will continue to affect our customers on the entire island,” the corporation said in a statement.
Residents were updated this morning with news that there would be no immediate resolution to the problem. “There is no immediate relief to the repairs. We have a team that will travel up to Anegada today, but as it stands, it’s likely that we will face power losses for most of the morning,” the BVIEC announced.
Without electricity, which also means no water supply, local authorities made the decision to suspend classes at the Claudia Creque Educational Center for the day, leaving parents scrambling to make alternative plans. As efforts to restore power continue, Anegada remains in a state of uncertainty.
The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) has officially opened applications for the prestigious Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Level 3 Diploma in Principles of Management and Leadership.
This globally recognised certification, equivalent to an associate degree or A Level, presents a prime opportunity for individuals aiming to refine their management skills or pursue higher education abroad in the UK or the US.
The CMI Level 3 Diploma offers a distinctive advantage to learners looking to study in the UK, as it eliminates the need for a foundation year—saving both time and additional expenses. It also provides advanced standing for those seeking to enroll in US-based institutions. Tailored for supervisors or team leaders, the course is accessible even to individuals new to management roles.
Marva Wheatley, Dean of the Workforce Training Division at HLSCC, underscored the program’s practical focus. “This training is built around real-world application. Participants reflect on their work experiences, receive personalised support from an advisor, and gain skills that make a tangible impact,” she said.
Open to anyone with a high school diploma or equivalent, the program is especially attractive for mature professionals. The flexible, one-year course structure allows students from the Caribbean region and beyond to participate through virtual learning, with in-person presentations scheduled every six weeks.
HLSCC has been an accredited CMI provider since 2005, offering diplomas at Levels 3, 5, and 7 in Management and Leadership. With an impressive 84% pass rate for initial assignments in the 2024 annual audit, the program continues to demonstrate excellence.
Applications will remain open until October 4, and classes will commence on October 31. Interested individuals can attend a virtual information session hosted by Dean Wheatley on September 18 at 5:30 p.m. (Zoom Meeting ID: 892 1843 8568, Passcode: 900264) for further details.
For additional information, contact Dean Marva Wheatley at (284) 852-7033 or via email at mdawson@hlscc.edu.vg. You may also reach out to Jaheim Maduro at (284) 852-7176 or jmaduro@hlscc.edu.vg.
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