Nassau, Bahamas -  Under the theme, “P.R.E.P.A.R.E. Passion, Respect, Exploration, Persistence, Attitude, Responsibility, Ethics”, the Guidance Counselling Unit of the Special Services Section of the Department of Education in conjunction with National Career Awareness Month (NCAM) partners hosted a Guidance Counselors’ Workshop to begin National Career Awareness Month on Wednesday, 1st October, 2014. The workshop was held at the Culinary & Hospitality Management Institute at The College of The Bahamas, Thompson Boulevard. Approximately one hundred Guidance Counselors from both public and private schools in New Providence and the Family Islands attended the one-day workshop.

The Guidance Counselors heard from presenters on the topic, “Modeling Excellence Towards Nation Building”. The objective of the workshop was to prepare the Counselors to carry out the mandate for the month of activities, which are designed to sensitize students to careers that are readily available in The Bahamas and to access resources that will support our students through the career search process. Much attention will be given to the advancement of soft skills in students from kindergarten through grade twelve. Guest Speakers for the event were Mr. Ian Ferguson, Director of Training & Education from the Ministry of Tourism (MOT); Ms. Simone Bowe, Transformation & Transition Strategist from the Horizons Development Group; Ms. Phyllis Woodside, Head of the Guidance Department at the Doris Johnson Senior High School and Mr. Travis Robinson a freshman at The College of The Bahamas pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Tourism Management and former Junior Minister of Tourism.

Mr. Ian Ferguson spoke to the attendees about “Workplace Standards”. He explained that standards are a level of quality and attainment that must be measured, adjusted, upheld in the workplace, and should be articulated, documented and communicated to staff. Mr. Ferguson told the Guidance Counselors that standards pull us together in team cohesion as they provide consistency, ensure quality of work and track and measure progress. In his closing comments, the Director of Training and Education stated that Guidance Counselors must recognize that they have the responsibility for the social and emotional well-being of the children of the nation.

Transformation and Transition Strategist, Ms. Simone Bowe addressed “Embracing Cultural and Ethnic Diversity in the Workplace”. Ms. Bowe sourced US Economy Expert, Kimberley Amadeo’s definition of cultural diversity, which is when differences in race, ethnicity, language, nationality, religion and sexual orientation are represented within a community. Ms. Bowe spoke of the benefits and challenges of diversity and offered the following as strategies for success:

* establish company policy on diversity;

* practice inclusion and fair play;

* operate by company standards not cultural standards;

* take a firm stand against discrimination;

* conduct diversity training and

* offer cultural exchanges and events.

Ms. Phyllis Woodside, Head of the Guidance Department at the Doris Johnson Senior High School reminded her colleagues that Guidance Counselors are an integral part of the school system and help students to navigate personal success and well-being. In her presentation, “Model Excellence”, Ms. Woodside outlined some excellent practices for Counselors inclusive of knowing your function and responsibilities, practicing good organizational skills and record keeping, staying current, taking advantage of networking opportunities, taking time for yourself and implementing spiritual balance in your life.

Former Junior Minister of Tourism and COB freshman, Travis Robinson noticeably impressed his audience when he told his life story and shared about “My Guidance Counselor’s Influence on My Life”. He recounted how his primary school Guidance Counselor, Mr. Ryan Barnett intercepted his journey on a path leading to a negative outcome. Mr. Robinson told the Counselors that students need them to be a friend. He asked them to be effective, influential and do whatever it takes to help their students succeed.

Other education stakeholders present at the workshop were Mrs. Keyshan Bastian, Assistant Director of Education – Career and Technical Education, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology; Dr. Eslyn Jones, Vice President – Student Affairs, The College of The Bahamas; Dr. Sophia Rolle, Acting Executive Director – Culinary & Hospitality Management Institute, The College of The Bahamas and Ms. Suzanne Pattusch, Executive Vice President – Bahamas Hotel & Tourism Association.