On Monday, March 27th, 2023, the Department of Education Agricultural Science Unit held its 10th Annual Agriculture Science Exhibition at the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training’s headquarters in the Ivy Dumont Building on University Drive. Education Officer for Agricultural Science Patrice Green informed that the Department has been observing the month of March 2023 as Agricultural Science Month under the theme “Progressing Towards Food Security”.

The Hon. Glenys Hanna Martin, Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training, visited each of the schools exhibits, carefully inspecting what they had produced. Minister Hanna Martin was notably impressed with the students’ agricultural abilities as she took in the luxuriant vegetation that filled the lobby. 

Minister Hanna Martin has been a vocal advocate for students pursuing their passions outside of the traditional curriculum, and agriculture is no exception. She understands that not all students thrive in a traditional classroom setting and that many have interests and skills that are best developed through hands-on experiences.This is exemplified through the implementation of policies that place great emphasis on students obtaining technical certification, as well as the expansion of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) and its Smart Start Initiative.

Minister Hanna Martin praised the Agricultural Science Programme for instilling in students a profound sense of reverence for our planet, imparting knowledge about cultivation methods, and enabling them to put food on the table.Emphasizing the added benefit of selling their products and fundraising, she noted that the programme provides invaluable exposure to the nuances of entrepreneurship. The Minister asserted that the practical know-how and expertise acquired through this programme could empower students to pursue a lucrative career in agriculture, further augmenting the country's employment opportunities and driving economic growth.

The Hon. Zane Lightbourne, State Minister for Education and Technical and Vocational Training, also toured the Agriculture Science Exhibition and was impressed by what he saw. He noted that the exhibition showcased the potential for growth and development in the agricultural sector, which is a key national development goal for the nation's food security. He spoke about how technology has revolutionized agriculture and how it is no longer the labor-intensive industry it used to be. Hon. Lightbourne emphasized the profitability of agriculture and the opportunity it provides for children to use their passion for technology to produce food. He stated, "Our children have an amazing opportunity to use something that they like - technology, to produce something that they need - food."

Several schools participated in the exhibition, including H.O. Nash Junior High School led by Agricultural Science teachers Somatie Inderdeo and Shomekhan Cargill, L.W. Young Junior High School led by Agricultural Science teacher Margot Fountain, The Stapledon School led by Agricultural Science Teacher Maidelis Martinez Lao, T.A. Thompson Junior High School led by Agricultural Science Teacher Carla Melbourne, D.W. Davis Junior High School led by Agricultural Science Teacher Michael Davis,C.I. Gibson Senior High School led by Agricultural Science Teacher Shenik Chandler, Anatol Rodgers High School led by Agricultural Science Teacher Ms. Bess and C.V. Bethel Senior High School.

The schools participating in the exhibition presented a wide range of agricultural products, produced in a variety of ways including horticulture, dairy and poultry farming, and livestock farming.

Agriculture by its definition encompasses crop and livestock production, aquaculture, fisheries and forestry for food and non-food products. Different practices of agriculture include aquaculture, also known as aquafarming, which is the controlled cultivation of aquatic organisms such as fish, crustaceans, mollusks, algae, and other organisms of value such as aquatic plants. Horticulture & hydroponics is a type of horticulture that involves growing plants, usually crops or medicinal plants, without soil, by using water-based mineral nutrient solutions in aqueous solvents. Dairy and poultry farming are two types of livestock farming, with the key difference being the type of livestock raised and the purpose for which it is raised. With poultry farming, birds are raised as food sources, such as eggs or meat, while dairy farming involves raising animals, usually cattle, for milk production.

The students participating in this hugely successful exhibition were able to reap the fruits of their labor, and it showed in the lush and healthy plants on display. H.O. Nash Junior High School featured fresh lamb and goat meat that appeared to meet the highest of standards. Other fresh fruits and vegetables on display included pineapple, cherries, thyme, bib lettuce, kale, tomatoes, goat pepper, bell pepper, carrots, buck choy, eggplant, Swiss chard and arugula.

It is truly impressive to see the vast array of agricultural successes across schools in The Bahamas. From traditional crops like tomatoes and corn, to more specialized endeavors such as livestock farming, these schools have shown incredible innovation and dedication to their craft. It is inspiring to see such a diverse range of agricultural practices being taught and implemented, as it not only fosters a sense of self-sufficiency, but also promotes sustainable development and environmental stewardship. 

The hard work and determination of these students and educators are a testament to the potential for growth and success in agriculture in The Bahamas, and serves as a model for anyone looking to invest in their own agricultural programmes.The Department of Education Agricultural Science Unit hopes to continue to promote the importance of agriculture in ensuring food security and sustainable development in The Bahamas.

 

On Monday, March 27th, 2023, the Department of Education Agricultural Science Unit held its 10th Annual Agriculture Science Exhibition at the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training’s headquarters in the Ivy Dumont Building on University Drive. Education Officer for Agricultural Science Patrice Green informed that the Department has been observing the month of March 2023 as Agricultural Science Month under the theme “Progressing Towards Food Security”. The Hon. Glenys Hanna Martin, Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training, visited each of the schools exhibits, carefully inspecting what they had produced. Minister Hanna Martin was notably impressed with the students’ agricultural abilities as she took in the luxuriant vegetation that filled the lobby.  Minister Hanna Martin has been a vocal advocate for students pursuing their passions outside of the traditional curriculum, and agriculture is no exception. She understands that not all students thrive in a traditional classroom setting and that many have interests and skills that are best developed through hands-on experiences.This is exemplified through the implementation of policies that place great emphasis on students obtaining technical certification, as well as the expansion of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) and its Smart Start Initiative. Minister Hanna Martin praised the Agricultural Science Programme for instilling in students a profound sense of reverence for our planet, imparting knowledge about cultivation methods, and enabling them to put food on the table.Emphasizing the added benefit of selling their products and fundraising, she noted that the programme provides invaluable exposure to the nuances of entrepreneurship. The Minister asserted that the practical know-how and expertise acquired through this programme could empower students to pursue a lucrative career in agriculture, further augmenting the country's employment opportunities and driving economic growth. The Hon. Zane Lightbourne, State Minister for Education and Technical and Vocational Training, also toured the Agriculture Science Exhibition and was impressed by what he saw. He noted that the exhibition showcased the potential for growth and development in the agricultural sector, which is a key national development goal for the nation's food security. He spoke about how technology has revolutionized agriculture and how it is no longer the labor-intensive industry it used to be. Hon. Lightbourne emphasized the profitability of agriculture and the opportunity it provides for children to use their passion for technology to produce food. He stated, "Our children have an amazing opportunity to use something that they like - technology, to produce something that they need - food." Several schools participated in the exhibition, including H.O. Nash Junior High School led by Agricultural Science teachers Somatie Inderdeo and Shomekhan Cargill, L.W. Young Junior High School led by Agricultural Science teacher Margot Fountain, The Stapledon School led by Agricultural Science Teacher Maidelis Martinez Lao, T.A. Thompson Junior High School led by Agricultural Science Teacher Carla Melbourne, D.W. Davis Junior High School led by Agricultural Science Teacher Michael Davis,C.I. Gibson Senior High School led by Agricultural Science Teacher Shenik Chandler, Anatol Rodgers High School led by Agricultural Science Teacher Ms. Bess and C.V. Bethel Senior High School. The schools participating in the exhibition presented a wide range of agricultural products, produced in a variety of ways including horticulture, dairy and poultry farming, and livestock farming. Agriculture by its definition encompasses crop and livestock production, aquaculture, fisheries and forestry for food and non-food products. Different practices of agriculture include aquaculture, also known as aquafarming, which is the controlled cultivation of aquatic organisms such as fish, crustaceans, mollusks, algae, and other organisms of value such as aquatic plants. Horticulture & hydroponics is a type of horticulture that involves growing plants, usually crops or medicinal plants, without soil, by using water-based mineral nutrient solutions in aqueous solvents. Dairy and poultry farming are two types of livestock farming, with the key difference being the type of livestock raised and the purpose for which it is raised. With poultry farming, birds are raised as food sources, such as eggs or meat, while dairy farming involves raising animals, usually cattle, for milk production. The students participating in this hugely successful exhibition were able to reap the fruits of their labor, and it showed in the lush and healthy plants on display. H.O. Nash Junior High School featured fresh lamb and goat meat that appeared to meet the highest of standards. Other fresh fruits and vegetables on display included pineapple, cherries, thyme, bib lettuce, kale, tomatoes, goat pepper, bell pepper, carrots, buck choy, eggplant, Swiss chard and arugula. It is truly impressive to see the vast array of agricultural successes across schools in The Bahamas. From traditional crops like tomatoes and corn, to more specialized endeavors such as livestock farming, these schools have shown incredible innovation and dedication to their craft. It is inspiring to see such a diverse range of agricultural practices being taught and implemented, as it not only fosters a sense of self-sufficiency, but also promotes sustainable development and environmental stewardship.  The hard work and determination of these students and educators are a testament to the potential for growth and success in agriculture in The Bahamas, and serves as a model for anyone looking to invest in their own agricultural programmes.The Department of Education Agricultural Science Unit hopes to continue to promote the importance of agriculture in ensuring food security and sustainable development in The Bahamas.

A Sts. Francis & Joseph (SFJ) teacher tells the story of realizing a student was bringing slime to school and selling it to her schoolmates. She made the student return the money to her peers as selling personal products on school grounds is against the institution's policy. She then reported the incident to administration, as she had to. This is an all too frequent occurrence. Rather than punishing the children and telling them not to do it again, the school administration decided to make a listen out of the incidences and take a more effective, innovative route that would also be educational. They came up with the idea of hosting "Everyone has a dream... What's yours?" Pop-Up Shops on Friday, March 17.

Tiffany Glass, SFJ principal, and Deidre Cooper, SFJ vice principal, decided on a school-sanctioned pop-up shop to which 25 student entrepreneurs across grades three through six would be allowed to showcase handmade products in St. Joseph's Church, which they were then "legally" allowed to sell to their peers on school grounds.

Glass said she came to realize punishing students sometimes does not get to the root of a problem, or correct negative behavior. With that in mind, the students who were caught selling items on campus were questioned to find out why they were breaking a school rule. In most instances, she said she learned the student was saving money for an item they wanted to purchase or just wanted extra money to spend. Based on their responses, Glass said she understood that the students knew the value of working for the things that are needed in life.

"As a Catholic School, we not only emphasize academic, social, and spiritual development, but we try to build our students' financial skills, so that when they become adults, they will be able to function effectively in society. One of the expectations from the profile of the Catholic School graduate is that each student should be financially adept. In other words, we help our students to become aware of the importance of work and its relation to finance."

The idea of the pop-up shop was the result of further discussion with staff members.

"It was essential to have all stakeholders involved in order to make the initiative not only successful but meaningful for the young entrepreneurs.

The criteria for the students were that the items had to be made by the child and the participating students had to be in grades three to six. All participants were taught how to determine their selling price and taught lessons on breaking even.

Students took advantage of the opportunity to sell everything from handmade bracelets, slime, comic books, painting, hair accessories and stickers to fellow students, teachers, parents and friends during the pop-up shop.

In the business partnership with the school, 25 students were allowed to retain 90 percent of their profits and had turn over 10 percent to the school. In insisting in the 90/10 split, school officials sought to teach students the importance of giving back.

In total, the students made $2,228.10.

The school's 10 percent cut totaled $313.30.

The school will use its cut to assist with general development projects. Students each also paid $10 to register for the opportunity. Registration was on a first come, first served basis.

Amelia Francis, eight, a fourth-grade student, who sold scrunchies and slime, made the most money. She walked away with a $196.20 profit after the 90/10 split with the school.

"I was really surprised that I made so much [money] because there were so many other people selling the same thing - slime and scrunchies," said Amelia.

Kerene Fielding-Calvin, an SFJ sixth-grade teacher, said it was her hope that the pop-up shop participating students saw themselves as young entrepreneurs.

"Students who will dream about the things that they want to achieve, and when they get older, they are not afraid to go after it. They should have higher self-esteem to put their dreams into action, plan how to achieve their desires, and implement their ideas effectively to make a positive impact on society.

"It is also my hope that they enhance their social skills. They were able to communicate with the customers in a very polite and respectful manner. They were able to encourage people to purchase the items that they were selling and to advertise their products well. Most importantly, it is my hope they are more innovative, creative, critical thinkers, risk-takers, and are able to turn ideas into actions," said Fielding-Calvin.

Catalaya Scantlebury, a 10-year-old fifth-grade student, who has been making beaded bracelets since she was eight years old, took the opportunity to sell her bracelets at the pop-up shop. She aspires to one day owning her own business.

"I think working for someone else, you do not have as much time to spend with your family and there is a bit of control. Working for myself, I would get to create my own schedule and have my own time," said Catalaya.

For Malia Basden, a third-grade student who makes bows, the pop-up market was her first experience.

"This is my first time going to market. My friends bought some of my bows and that encouraged me to start making and selling more bows. Being a young entrepreneur is very exciting. Sometimes people come back, sometimes they don't. But it is very fun."

Mitzi Jones, math specialist at SFJ, said she hoped the students learned important business skills which she said would benefit them in the future.

"These skills will teach the students that they don't necessarily have to work for someone to be successful or make a living," said Jones. "They can be successful through spending time on their own business. I hope they were also able to learn about personal responsibility and the value of a dollar."

Jones said in the lead-up to the pop-up shop, the students also learned math skills and were able to calculate their earnings. She said they were also able to calculate their profit to put toward their future business deals.

Khaleb Taylor, a sixth-grade student, sold handmade bracelets which she began making approximately seven months ago. Before the market at her school, Khaleb said she sold her bracelets roadside on weekends.

Fifth-grade student Abhigail Smith brought paintings, recycled keychains, and cell phone and eyeglass holders to the market.

"I have just been making my products and giving them away for free; this is the first time I am selling them," said Abhigail. "Being an entrepreneur is fun, it is fun to make stuff. Sometimes it is hard to sell, you may have to change the prices up or down sometimes."

Glass said she found the pop-up shop overwhelmingly successful.

"The students and parents not only embraced the opportunity to show their child's talents but saw it as an opportunity to get friends and family members involved. The students had the opportunity to learn about budgeting, marketing, and the value of money. They now understand that when they get older and join the workforce, it is wise to have a business of their own."

Glass said they are looking forward to the pop-up shop becoming an annual event.

School pride is at an all-time high at Temple Christian High School following their historic third-place finish at the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools (BAISS) Track and Field Championships. The achievement is a remarkable one that reflects positively on the school and its athletics program.

According to Perry R. Cunningham, the high school's principal, finishing third in the BAISS championships is no small feat, and is something that should be celebrated and recognized by the entire school community.

"This accomplishment is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the student-athletes, coaches, and staff who have worked tirelessly to prepare and compete at the highest level," said Cunningham. "Our high school's achievement sets a new standard of excellence for future athletic teams to strive for. It demonstrates that with hard work, dedication, and commitment, anything is possible. The school community is proud of the student-athletes, coaches, and staff who have brought honor to the institution."

Reflecting on the journey to this point, he said, "The team faced several challenges leading up to the BAISS Track and Field Championships, including COVID-19, injuries, lack of equipment and staff, limited financial support, and balancing academic work with athletic training. However, they were able to overcome those obstacles through hard work, dedication, and the support of their coaches, parents, staff, and community."

Looking to the future, the principal said, "To maintain and build on this success, the school's athletics program has several goals, including identifying new talent, improving facilities, implementing a physical conditioning program, inviting accomplished athletes to motivate student-athletes, implementing a mentorship program, participating in more competitions, increasing athletic scholarship awards, and gaining more parental support."

Coach Kenya Culmer is the head of physical education and head of the track and field program at Temple Christian. She has been with the school for six years and has a background in track and field as a former athlete. She attended Temple Christian Elementary and was introduced to high jump by Coach Nekeno Demeritte.

After high school, Culmer was awarded a full track scholarship at Southern Illinois University (SIU), where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management. In 2012, Culmer made history as the first Bahamian woman to jump over six feet, becoming the national high jump record holder. She originally came to Temple Christian to help out on a short-term basis, but six years later, she is still with the school, making a significant impact on its athletics program.

Coach Culmer credits the team's success to a rigorous six-month training program that focused on endurance, strength, and technical aspects of each event.

"Our students and coaches sacrificed much time into the preparation for the BAISS competition," she said. "We took the time to test each athlete and identify their strengths, which allowed us to put them into events where they could excel. The athletes themselves deserve much of the credit for their consistency and dedication, leaving everything on the track and in the field in each event. The athletes handled the pressure exceptionally well, with not one expressing fear of competing against larger, more dominant schools. We taught them how to be confident and most importantly to believe that they can do all things through Christ who strengthens them."

Coach Culmer leads a team alongside coaches Marvin Darville and Kevin Armbrister. An experienced coach, Armbrister was instrumental in the development of C.H. Reeves' track and field program for over 20 years. C.H. Reeves was dominant in the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA) Junior Track and Field Championships.

Darville has been the head coach of the SunBlazers Track and Field Club for 19 years, specializing in the sprints and hurdling events. Culmer credited Darville's experience in this area as a strong factor for the Suns' success in the hurdles events at the BAISS championships.

"As a team, we were able to achieve this success through strong collaboration between the coaches and athletes. In addition, we were fortunate to have the support of dedicated parents and volunteer coaches, all of whom worked together to make this achievement possible. As we always say, 'teamwork makes the dream work'."

Principal Cunningham added, "By recognizing and celebrating these achievements, we can inspire and motivate future generations of athletes to strive for greatness and continue to build a strong athletics program at Temple Christian High School. This historic achievement shows that with the right resources, support, and guidance, even a relatively small student population can achieve great things. It is a reminder that hard work, dedication, and teamwork are the keys to success, and that anything is possible when we set our minds to it.

"This achievement is a testament to our school's commitment to excellence and the development of well-rounded students. This accomplishment is not only a victory for the athletics program, but for the entire school community, and it should serve as inspiration for all students to strive for greatness in all aspects of their lives."

Now that they have cracked the top three, the Suns are looking to continue to improve and achieve even better results in the future.

With nearly a full complement of players and schools registered, the 3rd Annual Interschool Golf Championships is in its final stages of preparation, set for April 17-21 at nine-hole golf course at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.

There are eight divisions being contested – lower primary boys and girls, upper primary boys and girls, junior boys and girls and senior boys and girls. About 30 teams are registered so far, and each team could consist of three to five players, but just the three lowest scorers will count toward the team's total. Last year, a total of 282 players took part in the school golf nationals – 15 schools fielded full teams.

"Over the past few years, we have seen so many lives changed, so many dreams become a reality, and this is just the beginning," said Gina Gonzalez-Rolle, chairperson of the Bahamas Golf Federation's (BGF) Junior

Division. "We cater to the whole child. The Bahamas has been put on the map through track and field, swimming, baseball and basketball, but give us three years. Through hard work and dedication we will continue to make golf our national sport. We turn dreams into reality. Come and watch our students play."

Hundreds of school children are expected to take part in the championships and will compete in the individual and team competitions. Tournament organizers have set a maximum capacity of 144 players per day, or 576 over the course of the four days of competition.

The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and the Ministry of Education & Technical & Vocational Training are partnering with the BGF Junior Division and Fourteen Clubs Golf Academy in the staging of the school golf nationals.

"The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture is indeed happy to partner with the Ministry of Education. We want to congratulate the Bahamas Golf Federation as well as Fourteen Clubs Golf Academy for hosting such a prestigious event where our young kids can be exposed to another sport," said Kelsie Johnson-Sills, director of sports in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. "The sport of golf teaches discipline and how to be truthful and honest as a player. Every shot counts. I want to congratulate all of our junior players and also the organizers for making sure that the sport continues to grow. We want to introduce more sports into the schools and we want to see more professionals in golf so I implore you young golfers to not give up on your dreams."

The Ministry of Education & Technical & Vocational Training is introducing the sport of golf into the school curriculum in The Bahamas. It allows all school students to be introduced to golf in Physical Education (PE) classes, and gives them the opportunity to represent their schools in the national school golf championships.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Education & Technical & Vocational Training Zane Lightbourne said they realize that there are many opportunities available in the sport of golf and it is their duty to develop the whole child.

"We know that golf is identified as an individual sport but it teaches a person so much," said Lightbourne. "We know that our country is filled with young talented people in so many different areas. On the world stage, in almost every international competition, in all sports, a Bahamian is representing this beautiful country. There is amazing talent that is in the bodies and minds of young Bahamian children. I commend the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture for driving this event forward and getting it done, and for partnering with the Ministry of Education in bringing golf in as a part of the curriculum in schools. Our PE teachers now have to learn golf so that they could teach it as a part of the curriculum.

"The championships are here, they are well watched and they are competitive. We have this on the calendar now as something to look forward to. The sport of golf teaches you discipline, how to be self driven and how to compete against others. I encourage our children to continue to get involved and take it as far as it could take you and I encourage Corporate Bahamas to continue to partner with the Government of The Bahamas in staging events such as this in bringing children together. We could show that we have much to be proud of than some of the negative aspects that you see in the news. This is more than just sports. To all the organizers, parents and the children themselves, I am so proud of what you are doing, and you have a partner always in the Ministry of Education."

The school golf program has four main goals – to deliver the instructions where the children are – at school; provide a high quality, consistent program led by Fourteen Clubs Golf Academy; transition the children from the school to the golf facility based on competency with the curriculum; and give students an opportunity to represent their schools in the primary school league, high school league, and the Bahamas National Primary and High School Golf Championships.

The objective is to deliver a consistent golf learning experience where they will learn the game through a series of group lessons and transition to the BGF's junior program administered by Fourteen Clubs Golf Academy.

The program started in 2020 with its addition to the school curriculum.

At the school golf nationals, the lower and upper primary school children compete from 50 yards, the juniors compete from 100 yards and the seniors compete from 150 yards.

At last year's school golf nationals, Windsor School won five of the eight divisions – lower primary girls, upper primary boys, junior boys and girls and senior boys. Lyford Cay International School won the lower primary boys division, Eva Hilton Primary School won the upper primary girls division and Queen's College prevailed in the senior girls division.