MEDIA RELEASE

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – As the new school year gets underway, the Sandals Foundation is reinforcing its commitment to education across the Caribbean with an investment of approximately USD $110,000. This significant contribution supports scholarships, infrastructure improvements, teacher training, and the distribution of essential school supplies, ensuring that students across the region have the resources they need to succeed.

Through its Care for Kids Scholarship Programme, the foundation has awarded nearly USD $70,000 this year, benefiting 42 secondary and tertiary students as they pursue their academic dreams in 2024. The programme not only provides financial assistance but also offers a holistic support system, covering medical expenses and housing, while connecting students with mentors who guide and support them throughout their educational journey. This comprehensive approach ensures that students are equipped with the tools they need to succeed.

“We believe that education is more than just a gateway to knowledge—it’s a lifeline to hope and opportunity,” said Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation. “Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of watching these scholarships change lives in ways that are truly inspiring. I’ve seen students grow into successful professionals, and I’ve witnessed how our infrastructure upgrades, teacher training, and school supplies have created environments where children can flourish.”

“The recent installation of a water filtration system, an artificial surface for the play area in our early childhood division and the construction of multiple benches around the school are a few of the investments that the Sandals Foundation has made for us. The expansion of our farming project remains one of the major focus areas for our children to receive training in composting and food security,” Garland noted.

Grade six student of the institution, Khyrie Lewis shared, “for all my years I have seen the Sandals Foundation team showing support for the school and us as students. This has become personal for me as the supplies of educational material has provided for me learning material that my parents would not necessarily have been able to afford.”

For Sandals Foundation ambassador, Entertainment playmaker Shanice Maxwell “I have travelled to different islands here in the Turks and Caicos with the Sandals Foundation to give back to our communities. Being able to experience the gratitude from the students and the administrators help to make volunteering a way of life for me and many other ambassadors. The back to school initiative in North Caicos has been the most impacting for me with more than 300 students from every school on the island receiving back packs and school supplies.”

The foundation’s academic efforts are aligned with the philanthropic organization’s investment in the region’s education sector – providing resources and creating holistic learning environments for students young and old.

Turks and Caicos, September 21, 2024 – The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture wishes to alert the public to fraudulent advertisements currently circulating on Facebook, falsely claiming that the Ministry is offering free courses, certificates and scholarships. We urge all citizens to disregard these advertisements, as they are not authorised by the Ministry.

Please be advised that all legitimate communications from the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture will always be presented on official Ministry letterhead, dated, and will contain clear and accurate contact information. If you come across any such advertisements on social media, we strongly advise that you do not click on them or engage with their content.

To verify any information or to report suspicious activity, please contact the Ministry directly at (649) 338-3134.

We would also like to remind the public that the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College already offers free tuition for all courses to citizens of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Your vigilance in this matter is appreciated as we work together to prevent the spread of misinformation.

For more information, please contact:

Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Culture
Telephone: (649) 338-3134
Email: bharvey@gov.tc

PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – September 2024: As the school year begins, the Ministry of Health and Services is dedicated to ensuring students stay healthy and active throughout the academic year. The return to school is an exciting time, and we are encouraging parents to help their children build healthy habits that will support their physical and mental well-being. Here are some essential general health tips to keep in mind:

1. Eat a Balanced Diet: Encourage your child to consume a variety of nutrient-rich foods that support growth and energy.
   • Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein in their daily meals.
   • Limit sugary snacks and junk food, which can affect concentration and energy levels.

2. Stay Hydrated: Hydration is crucial for mental clarity and physical performance.
   • Ensure your child drinks plenty of water throughout the day, especially during school hours.
   • Equip them with a reusable water bottle to make hydration easy and accessible.
3. Stay Active: Physical activity promotes not just fitness, but also mental alertness.
   • Encourage participation in school sports or active play during recess.
   • Aim for at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day, whether through organised sports or free play

4. Manage Stress: School can sometimes be stressful for students, especially as they balance academic and extracurricular activities.
   • Teach your child to take regular breaks to relax and recharge.
   • Encourage open conversations if they feel overwhelmed. Let them know it’s okay to ask for help.

Maintaining proper hygiene and practising illness prevention is essential for keeping students healthy, especially during the school year when they interact closely with others in classrooms and playgrounds. Here are some hygiene-related tips:

1. Wash Hands Regularly: Good hand hygiene is a key defense against illness.
   1. Teach children to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before meals and after using the restroom

2. Practice Good Hygiene: Promoting cleanliness reduces the spread of illness.
   1. Remind your child to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow when coughing or sneezing.
   2. Encourage them to avoid touching their face with unwashed hands to reduce the risk of infections.

3. Stay Home if You’re Sick:One of the best ways to prevent the spread of illness in schools is staying home when unwell.
   1. Keep your child home if they are showing signs of illness to protect classmates and teachers.
   2. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.

4. Get Vaccinated: Immunisations are critical for preventing diseases.
   1. Ensure your child is up to date with their required vaccinations.
   2. Consider the flu shot to protect against seasonal flu, especially before flu season begins.

The Minister of Health and Human Services, Shaun D. Malcolm remarked, “The Ministry of Health and Services is committed to supporting the health and safety of our students as they return to school. By following these simple tips, parents can help their children have a healthy, productive, and enjoyable school year”.

For additional information, please visit the Ministry of Health and Human Services Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.