NASSAU, Bahamas — Prime Minister Philip E. Davis and Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training Glenys Hanna-Martin visited the S.C. McPherson Junior High School on Friday, March 17, to meet with students and educators and acknowledge the successful progress made in getting the children back to school.
As a byproduct of the COVID-19 pandemic just a year ago, a staggering percentage of students were absent. Since then, it has been a major priority of the Prime Minister to reduce the absenteeism rate and return every child to the classroom.
The Find Every Child Programme spans multiple ministries, a collaboration championed by educators determined to help these students see the hope and opportunity within school walls. S.C. McPherson is just one of the many success stories across the country. Last year the school had 365 students who missed more than 50 percent of the school year and this year there are less than a handful of students in that same situation.
The Prime Minister recognizes the leadership and passion of Minister Hanna-Martin, the teachers, the administration, and community members who are involved in the Find Every Child initiative. He also is incredibly proud of the students for their perseverance and wants each one to know he believes in them.
Meanwhile, the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) noted in a post of Facebook that the PLP Administration “is focused on ensuring that our teachers have everything they need to succeed.”
“This includes a new industrial agreement, salary increase, expanded medical insurance, and additional housing and responsibility allowances funding,” the PLP statement declared, adding: “We are also offering a retention bonus to keep our teachers in our classrooms. Philip Davis, the Leader of the PLP, is committed to advocating for the support and resources that our teachers deserve.”
