Establishing a global presence in the field of education, bahamaseducation.com was officially launched by the Minister of Education Alfred Sears at the Learning Resources Unit on Thursday.
It was a historic day for the Ministry as the website will allow Bahamian students to also contribute to the development of the educational system.
“Some schools may have 40 students, whereas others may have 1500 students and bahamaseducation.com enables us to allow and facilitate the equal participation of all of our various district constituencies in the national educational process,” Mr. Sears said.
The website features links to current events, articles on educational issues, a student section, a Family Island section which highlights the achievements of schools, the Safe Schools Manual, the Education Act and the Ministry of Education’s Strategic Plan.
Persons accessing the website would be able to complete business transactions such as applications for employment, medical forms and requests for transfers with the Ministry from the comfort of their own homes.
Bahamaseducation.com has improved the processing of forms, particularly with persons from abroad who wish to join the staff of schools, and it goes a long way in addressing the teacher shortage he said.
The website, said Mr. Sears,” is particularly significant for us given our composition as a country. As an archipelago, we are challenged, the public education system which comprises almost 160 schools is spread over 22 islands and cays, how do we ensure that there is a common standard,” he said.
Mr. Sears further noted the implication of the website to the country’s global development.
“Persons from China, can connect with bahamaseducation.com and dialogue with people in The Bahamas. Do you now how long it takes to travel by conventional means from Nassau to China,” he said.
Minister Sears said in this era of rapid technological growth, every child deserves a quality education and he is committed to providing resources to create opportunities for our citizens to develop into creative thinkers and workers with the attitudes, skills and knowledge to be controllers of their environment.
He also vowed to continue to make education and training an averring priority and said that the website is a very potent force in enhancing learning.
By Vanessa C. Rolle, The Nassau Guardian
