Basseterre: St. Kitts: The annual back-to-school Opening Ceremony for the upcoming Academic Year 2023-3024 was held under the theme Transforming Education through Self Renewal; Holistic Partnerships Digital solutions. This auspicious event was held Monday, August 28, at the Rivers of Living Water Christian Centre.
“This theme is not accidental, but it reflects my general philosophy that self-care, stakeholder engagement and technological advancement are key components of a transformative process capable of advancing our education system to meet 21st century skills and competencies,” said Minister of Education Hon Dr. Geoffrey Hanley. “Teachers, your transformation through self-renewal must take into consideration your professional needs as well as your personal needs. The ministry is cognizant of the need to improve the status and profile of teaching.”
Acknowledging the need for teachers to practice self-care, Minister Dr. Hanley revealed one of the initiatives undertaken by the Ministry which aims to support teachers on their self-renewal journey
“Similarly, for you to carry out your mandate in the classroom, you must practice self-care. You must intentionally set aside time to rest, relax and pamper yourself,” he said. “Last year, you asked for a new deal. Part of the new deal is the investment that my ministry has made in the OneLern programme offered by FortunaPIX. This programme offers comprehensive support for teachers and students alike through its use of interactive eBooks. Teachers will have access to textbooks which closely align with the curriculum as well as the CSEC syllabuses.”
Providing deeper insights into the digital solution, Minister Hanley stated, “The platform offers a library of textbooks and resources, assessments tools, notebook functions, analytics, attendance, student grouping and assignments. Lesson plans, worksheets, formative assessments, and embedded differentiated strategies are all part of the features offered. These resources will dramatically reduce the time you spend after school researching, writing work prep and generally preparing for the next day.
Recognizing the positive impact of technology on the teaching-learning process, Dr. Hanley informed teachers of the re-introduction of the one-to-one laptop program.
“We must provide digital solutions that will propel our education system into the 21st century.
The reintroduction of the one-to-one laptop programme for students is a comprehensive project that will equip students at the primary and secondary level with a device to enhance their learning experience,” said the education minister.
“I am pleased to inform you that laptops will be provided for teachers who did not receive one before. You too will be provided with the digital solution to the age-old talk and chalk. This is a new opportunity to excite your students towards learning and simplify and reduce your lesson preparation time. We have already made provision for training in the integration of ICT into lessons so that you will have the digital tools within your grasp to create student-centered classrooms and student-centered learning.”
The new Academic Year begins Monday, September 04 at 8:30 am.