thebahamasweekly.com - The Prime Minister Re-affirms the Government’s Commitment to Pre-School Education in the Family Islands

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The Prime Minister Re-affirms the Government’s Commitment to Pre-School Education in the Family Islands
By Llonella Gilbert
Nov 23, 2020 - 5:05:08 PM

Nassau, The Bahamas – Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis re-affirmed the Government’s commitment that any educator with pre-school knowledge and who is qualified and wants to open a preschool on a Family Island will be given the same benefits as those in New Providence.

“I want to remind the Family Islands that they are a part of The Bahamas and they too should be given the same benefits and the same advantages as here in New Providence,” the Prime Minister said at the Access Accelerator Small Business Development Centre’s (SBDC) Presentation of Grants for Pre-School Owners at the SMDC Gladstone Road Freight Terminal, Monday, November 23, 2020.

“We have made a commitment to the Family Islands so that their pre-schoolers will also able to take advantage of this educational grant and that pre-school education is provided.”

He explained that the Government will provide free of charge the land for any pre-school being constructed on a Family Island.

The Prime Minister also stated that the Government will remove all forms of duty and provide all of the concessions to ensure that the school is built and that Family Islanders take advantage.

He said the Government will ensure that the SBDC will have sufficient funds to provide the grants to those individuals, so that they can get started.

The Prime Minister also briefly noted four other major objectives to improve learning outcomes for children and young people living in The Bahamas.

He explained that the Government is strengthening literacy by improving student learning outcomes in English at the third grade level.

“We are increasing the high school graduation rate by improving student learning outcomes for the Bahamas High School criteria.”

The Prime Minister said the Government began a digital transformation programme for the government-operated school system by upgrading the internet infrastructure and Wi-Fi connectivity in all schools and by providing digital devices for students and teachers.

He stated that the Government also launched a school modernization programme through the construction, renovation and expansion of existing schools to accommodate additional classrooms.

In addition, the Prime Minister noted the Government’s historic and major accomplishments in education.

“Since 2018, we have expanded access to tertiary level education in both the academic and technical levels.

He said, “Qualifying students can now attend the University of The Bahamas and the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) with tuition paid for by the Government of The Bahamas.”