87 Adults Graduate from General Equivalency Diploma Programme

#Bahamas, October 27, 2017 – Nassau – Eighty-seven adults from inner-city communities in New Providence were recognized for successfully completing the General Equivalency Diploma (GED), a series of tests designed to measure proficiency which allows students to earn their high school equivalency credentials.   The graduates received their diplomas during a special service at Salem Union Baptist Church, Taylor Street, on Sunday, October 22, 2017.

The GED programme is a jointly sponsored venture by the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development along with corporate sponsors including Atlantic College and various churches.  The theme for the service was ‘Global Competence for an Inter-Connected World’.

In her remarks, the Hon. Lanisha Rolle, Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, said the Government has made a decision to marry the work of Social Services and Urban Renewal to produce an “holistic” empowerment programme designed to achieve the socio-economic development of its people.

“This marriage, designed in paradise, has a built-in preventative measure and self-help component.   While Social Services ensures those in need maintain an acceptable standard of living Urban Renewal executes on one end of its spectrum, programmes that will ensure needed citizens receive skills and competencies necessary to prevent our people from relying solely on the government for assistance, and on the other end of the spectrum, for our clients to be given opportunities to achieve or return to a state of independence.”

Minister Rolle said the redefined mission of Urban Renewal is to “Transform the physical environment of our heritage and over-the-hill communities through the delivery of empowerment programmes and social initiatives designed to develop urban environs and revitalize inner-city spaces across the length and breadth of The Bahamas.”

She reminded the graduates that the benefit of education has and will always outweigh the burden, and challenged them to go a little further, take their studies a little higher, extend themselves a little longer and make their life a journey of good choices.

“You have attained some of the knowledge and skills needed to enter the competitive world of work and beyond.   You have been certified to function as an effective part of the workforce on a national level and, of course, you can choose to continue your studies with the University of the Bahamas, Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute and other private institutions all designed to equip you to excel in your endeavours.”

The subjects covered were Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, Reading and Writing.   The students honed in on topics including life skills, personal development, entrepreneurial studies and effective oral communication.   The students were presented with plaques, trophies and certificates for their achievements.

By: Kathryn Campbell (BIS)

Photo Captions:  Scenes from the General Equivalency Diploma Graduation Ceremony.  (BIS Photos/Raymond A. Bethel Sr.)