Education

Education Defence mounted by Minister Rachel Taylor

Published

2 years ago

May 18, 2022

Deandrea Hamilton

By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, May 18, 2022 – “Education is undeniably critical to our success as we continue or march towards nation building. Budgets are not merely arithmetic…but in a thousand ways go to the root of prosperity of individuals nation building begins with ensuring that there is a capable competent workforce to steer our country’s economic development,” said Rachel Taylor, TCI Minister of Education as she explained how the new Budget would benefit education and youth.

Taylor’s Ministry had come under fire from the Leader of the Opposition for not having enough support to students including textbooks and online resources.

The Education Minister revealed that $4.5 million has been budgeted to help with broken down infrastructure which includes the decades long flooding issue at H.J. Robinson High School (Grand Turk) which has been left neglected over several administrations. Taylor also talked up a new six classroom block for Louise Garland Thomas High (Long Bay) and a three classroom block for Clement Howell High school (Blue Hills).

An additional $1 million, she said has been budgeted to further upgrade infrastructure across schools. Additionally Taylor informed that schools are to receive upwards of $130, for specifically for 18 and other miscellaneous items.

For the upgrading of equipment and furniture $800,000, has been allotted to schools, beneficiaries include Raymond Gardiner High in North Caicos; Marjorie Basden High in South Caicos; Doris Robinson Primary in Middle Caicos and Enid Capron School in Five Cays.

Security in the primary schools and high schools has been issue and Government will finally address it. Minister Taylor, a former primary school principal announced $600,000 is earmarked for proper security contracts, bringing priority to safety of students in the public school sector.

In reply to the Leader of the Opposition, Edwin Astwood, Minister Taylor revealed that teachers in the Turks and Caicos government schools were being trained in several online areas including Kahoot Minecraft learning and others.

Taylor mentioned that the budget was an investment in the use of the Turks and Caicos’s and I’ll just see you but older persons who wish to better themselves as well.

Related Topics:#educationdefence #magneticmedianews #racheltaylor

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Senior Teacher Endorses Robot to Assist in Educating Infant and Primary School Students

Published

1 day ago

April 18, 2024

Shanieka

KINGSTON, April 17 (JIS):

Senior Teacher at Alpha Infant School, Sabrina Raymond-Hunter, has endorsed the ‘ICHEETAH’ robot, a smart educational AI-powered tool that will advance the way young children learn and interact with technology.

The robot, developed by CHEETAH Toys and More, LLC, is designed to engage and educate children at the infant and early-primary levels of education in a fun and interactive manner, supporting their cognitive development and preparing them for future academic success.

Speaking at a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank on April 16, Mrs. Raymond-Hunter recognised the potential of this cutting-edge technology and its ability to enhance the learning experience for young children.

“I am really excited about this product. I was able to get this into my classroom of 23 students and they are super excited about this. We have had it for three weeks and this is a game changer,” she said.

The Senior Teacher, who also serves as the school’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Designate, added that the students’ learning has been enhanced since incorporating the technology into her teaching.

“It has enhanced it a lot because you know the boys, especially, once they are happy and find something that is fun, they will want to do it. My boys started off a little bit rocky, but since they got this robot, they are spelling, identifying words and reading,” she noted.

Having yielded positive results from utilising the technology, Mrs. Raymond-Hunter is encouraging other schools who are not yet on board to do so.

“I’m encouraging all the other schools to get on board, and if for any reason you need a demonstration, come to Alpha. I’ll show you exactly how we use it to get our students on board and on level with everyone else. Learning should be fun, and with iCHEETAH it definitely is,” she shared.

The robot is outfitted with several interactive features, including voice recognition, games, and educational content, making learning engaging and exciting for young learners.

CONTACT: SHERIKA HALL

Caribbean News

HACKATHON TO EMPOWER CARIBBEAN GIRLS TO BECOME LEADERS IN STEM SECTOR

Published

4 days ago

April 16, 2024

Shanieka

KINGSTON, April 12 (JIS):

eLearning Jamaica Company Limited (e-LJAM) has partnered with local educational technology company, STEAMHouse, in hosting this year’s Crea+her Girls in ICT Hackathon, which began on April 11 and will end on April 16.

The virtual hackathon seeks to empower Caribbean girls aged 13 to 18 years to become leaders and accomplished professionals in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) industry.

Chief Executive Officer of e-LJAM, Andrew Lee, said the initiative allows participants to acquire skills through a hands-on approach.

“It is imperative that we actively engage girls to participate in STEM. Historically, girls have been under-represented in this field and, of course, this deprives us of diversity. Our females are extremely talented and when we include them, we get a broader perspective,” Mr. Lee told JIS News.

e-LJAM is the State agency with responsibility for promoting integration and infusion of technology in the public education system.

Founder of STEAMHouse, Godiva Golding, told JIS News that approximately 15 teams representing groups of three to five students signed up for the hackathon.

The participants are being guided to develop innovative solutions combining themes such as telecommunications, cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence, focusing on areas like education, environmental sustainability and preserving cultural heritage.

(more)

Hackathon to empower…2

Their prototypes will be evaluated on April 18 and the top-10 creations will be presented on April 25, which is being recognised as International Girls in ICT Day under the theme ‘Leadership’.

Ms. Golding is pleased to have e-LJAM as the title sponsor for the hackathon and other events around International Girls in ICT Day.

“We could not think of a better partner than e-LJAM. They have been at the forefront and have done great work over the years. Having a partner with the leadership of Mr. Lee on board is just the icing on top to ensure that this is a successful series of events,” Ms. Golding said.

A special school tour will also be conducted. At least 500 girls are expected to benefit from this programme, which will offer interactive sessions and networking opportunities with accomplished women leaders in the technology field.

Additionally, the participants will have the chance to develop vital skills, such as public speaking, strategic thinking, and confidence-building.

CONTACT: ROCHEDA BARTLEY

Caribbean News

Efforts to deliver education to Children in Haiti – Schools still closed

Published

5 days ago

April 14, 2024

Shanieka

Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

#Haiti#Education, April 9, 2024 – With schools across Haiti still shut down due to intense gang violence, UNICEF is making efforts to deliver education to students, working with the Ministry of Education. They are trying to deliver distance learning through radio, television and e-learning platforms and right now, solutions are being explored through Haiti’s national radio station. Announced in a press release by UN News on April 7, this comes as UN agencies warned that Haitian children are suffering from not just a lack of education but also primary exposure to violence.