The Ministry of Education has outlined new initiatives to better support students and teachers, improve learning opportunities and offer more options for young people as the new school year begins.
In his back-to-school address on Monday night, Education Minister Kenson Casimir said the Ministry is starting the year with more focus and purpose.
It is placing special focus on teachers’ mental health and well-being. Casimir highlighted the challenges teachers face and explained that a midterm break has been added to the school calendar so both teachers and students can “rest, reset, and return to school refreshed”.
He stressed that teachers’ well-being is directly connected to the quality of teaching and learning, reminding educators: “Your mental health matters, your well-being matters, and you matter.”
The Ministry is also increasing psychosocial support in schools by hiring eight more counsellors and two social workers.
Two new truancy officers have been recruited to address ongoing student absenteeism. Casimir said these officers will do more than just record absences; they will work with students and families to help bring students back to school.
“We cannot simply record these absences,” Casimir said, noting that the officers are expected to reach out to children and families and work towards reconnecting learners with education.
A new programme called Educational and Skills Pathways for At-Risk Youth will be launched. It will help both in-school and out-of-school youth gain knowledge and practical skills to continue their education, get training, or find jobs.
According to Casimir, the programme recognises that young people may require different routes to reach their potential but this does not mean that “he or she has less potential”.
The initiative forms part of a wider effort to ensure that fewer young people become disconnected from the education system.
The Ministry also wants to boost extra and co-curricular activities, aiming for every school to have at least one enrichment club.
Casimir said education must extend beyond traditional classroom learning and provide students with opportunities to discover and develop their talents.
“Education must develop the whole child,” he said.
The MInister mentioned that schools are full of potential musicians, entrepreneurs, athletes, debaters and scientists. He said schools should create spaces and opportunities for these talents to develop.
The Ministry also plans to establish the National Parent-Teacher Community Association to strengthen cooperation between homes, schools and communities.
Casimir said closer collaboration among parents, teachers and communities ultimately benefits students.
The Ministry also wants to boost extra and co-curricular activities, aiming for every school to have at least one enrichment club.
