By KATHRYN CAMPBELL
Bahamas Information Services (BIS)
NASSAU, Bahamas, Nov. 16, 2022 (BIS) — Special education, marine mechanics, technical and vocational trades, horticulture and fisheries, speech therapy and actuarial science are some of the areas listed by the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin, Minister of Education and Technical & Vocational Training that high school students are being advised to consider careers in.
“We are encouraging our students to consider careers that will assist them to meet the needs that are critical to The Bahamas. As a developing country we are in need of greater focus on certain fields that are underrepresented. These are the kinds of subjects that the government will be looking for to incentivize,” Mr. Hanna-Martin said.
She also urged students to break new ground, pursue innovation and new thought for future advancement not just of The Bahamas, but mankind.
Minister Hanna-Martin gave special remarks at Public School Scholars Programme “College Night” hosted by the Scholarship Division of the Ministry of Education and Technical & Vocational Training Monday, November 14, 2022 at C.V. Bethel Senior High School.
During the event high school students and their parents met and interacted with admission officers from 11 of the Ministry’s college and university partners.
Minister Hanna-Martin reported that over $12 million has been disbursed by the Ministry during the 2021-2022 budgetary period to assist 1,350 Bahamian students from public and private schools in a range of areas. She said 119 students from public schools were awarded scholarships and since the program’s inception in 2015, more than 800 scholars have benefited from the program.
She spoke of the “exciting” opportunity that attending university offers.
“It’s more than just building an academic or creating a qualification, it’s about expanding your mindset, meeting new people and getting a new viewpoint in the world,” she said. “Whether you enter the employment market or the entrepreneurial field, an international experience will enhance your outlook. There is a wealth of opportunities laid out for you tonight. Young people this is your season. Go and grab the opportunities, access the opportunities, think outside of the box. We are here to support your efforts.”
Harcourt McCoy, C.V. Bethel Senior High School Principal, welcomed the students, partners, parents and other guests to the event, and Dr. Monique Hinsey, Administrator of Public School Scholars Programme (PSSP), gave an overview of PSSP.
C.V. Bethel High School Band provided entertainment. The deadline for 2023 scholarship applications is March 31, 2023. For more information go to www.scholarshipsbahamas.com/scholarship/the-public-school-scholars-programme/
