TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS KEY TO EDUCATION PROCESS; MORE INVESTMENT PLACED IN SKILLS TRAINING FOR STUDENTS – MINISTER POWELL

Basseterre, St. Kitts, August 31, 2021 (SKNIS): As schools across the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis prepare to welcome students back for the 2021-2022 academic year, Minister of Education, the Hon. Jonel Powell, during the virtual opening ceremony, stated that the Ministry of Education continues its confidence in teachers and administrators in the education process.  He also outlined a number of new projects that will come on stream for the 2021-2022 school year.
 
“It has become the responsibility of the State to make provisions for our children to receive a quality education and training that would prepare and equip our children for nation-building.  This sacred responsibility is entrusted to our teachers.  Hence, the Ministry of Education continues to place its confidence in our teachers and administrators as they make many personal sacrifices in the process of educating, training, molding, inspiring those young impressionable minds committed to their charge. As Minister of Education, I place on record my utmost respect for and admiration of teachers who day after day selflessly, creatively, cheerfully and courageously discharge this sacred responsibility entrusted to them,” said Minister Powell.
 
Teachers and administrators have worked tirelessly during the pandemic to educate and provide support for their students and colleagues, ensuring that a high standard of learning has always been available to students whether in-person or virtually. Minister Powell further outlined a number of new initiatives that will be coming on stream to bolster the delivery of education and to better equip students for the 21st-century workforce.
 
“I am pleased to recognize and applaud the place of prominence that must be given to Technical Vocational Education and Training in our education system in the Federation. All students in our schools regardless of their intellectual abilities must be given the opportunity to pursue technical and vocational skills… This project was carried out under the TVET Enhancement Project funded by the Caribbean Development Bank, and the Federal Government. The full scope of work done in secondary schools included the renovation of Home Economic Centers and Woodwork Shops in all secondary schools; Electrical Labs at Cayon High and the Washington Archibald High Schools; the Clothing and Textile Centres at Verchild’s High, Washington Archibald High, Saddlers Secondary, and Charles E. Mills Secondary; the Home Management Flat at Cayon High and a new Technical Drawing Room equipped for CAD Drafting at Charles E. Mills,” said Minister Powell.
 
Minister Powell also announced that persons from across the Education Sector in St. Kitts and Nevis have formed a core committee charged with the responsibility of developing the concept and framework for the establishment of a National Training Institute in the Federation.  This initiative will culminate in the amalgamation of TVET spaces in St. Kitts and Nevis.