The Minister of Education, Science and Technology, The Hon. Jerome K. Fitzgerald, speaking on Vocational Awareness at the Rotary Club of South East Nassau’s weekly luncheon at East Villa Restaurant (Photo by Dorlan Curtis).

Nassau, Bahamas - The Minister of Education, Science and Technology, the Honorable Jerome K. Fitzgerald, was the keynote speaker at the Rotary Club of South East Nassau’s luncheon last week Wednesday, where he spoke on the importance of vocational awareness and training.

The Minister noted that the month of October called for a focus on vocational matters for both the Rotary Club and the Ministry of Education, as both institutions celebrated Vocational Awareness Month and National Careers Awareness Month, respectively. He stated that he “looked forward to continuing the partnership with Rotary to promote vocational development through activities that enhance knowledge and by guiding and training our young people to find gainful and fulfilling employment.” He further stated that, “nothing can be accomplished at the Ministry of Education without the support of outside partners like the Rotary Clubs of Nassau,” and he fully supported and encouraged the club in their continued efforts.

The National Careers Awareness Month (NCAM) vision is similar to that of Rotary’s in that its purpose has been to create a culture that fosters courteous, proficient, and productive employees; motivating persons to train and retrain in order to meet the needs of an evolving, technical, competitive and global workforce. NCAM's mission has been to provide students across The Bahamas with an opportunity to receive necessary information that will reflect the type of attitude and exposure to the skills required for work and life in a democratic society.

Minister Fitzgerald outlined how the Ministry has sought to “link the educational system with the world of work” during the past few years. He stated that the Ministry has done so firstly by providing a number of vocational subjects in the public school curriculum and by “fine tuning them to meet the needs of our evolving country.”

Acknowledging that technical/ vocational training cannot develop adequately without making sure that basic educational requirements are met, the Minister discussed how the recent introduction of the National High School Diploma Program will help to ensure that students leave secondary school with a proper foundation.

Going forward, students will have to obtain the following in order to graduate with a National High School Diploma:

* Four B.J.C’ in specific subject areas.

* Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 from grades 10 – 12.

* Complete a minimum of 28 subject hours in the last three years of high school.

* Complete at least 30 hours of community service during the 10th and 11th grade.

* Complete 20 hours of job readiness training.

* Maintain 90% or higher attendance and 90% punctuality from grades 10 through 12.

Again, by focusing on English and mathematics along with the growing list of vocational subjects and the recent addition of the National High School Diploma Program, the Ministry is doing all that it can to make sure that the current system of education is relevant to 21st century Bahamians.

Minister Fitzgerald emphasized that he would like to see “a paradigm shift in the nation,” in that, he would ‘like for us to celebrate the country’s excellence in vocational education, just like we celebrate its academic achievements.” He went further by stating that, “Placement in a respected apprenticeship should be just as respected as acceptance to College or University.” Fitzgerald stated that he “encouraged this shift in thinking not only in our educational system, but in society at large” and that he “wants to begin to celebrate more, those students who continue to work hard and excel more than ever before.” Work and a fulfilling and sustainable career, according to the Minister, “provides people with a livelihood, along with dignity and self-respect.” “Society also benefits from having all of its members employed in a manner that maximizes their talents and ambitions.” Fitzgerald closed his remarks by stating that, “closing the divide between vocational and academic education and focusing on sustainable career paths in education will ensure that all young people get the best start in life; this will in turn ensure the success of our country.”

The Minister of Education, Science and Technology, pictured receiving an award for his participation in the Rotary Club of South East Nassau’s luncheon. Pictured (L-R) are President of the Rotary Club of South East Nassau, Sean Blyden, The Hon. Jerome K. Fitzgerald and Director of Public Relations, Afton Moxey (Photo by Dorlan Curtis).