Nassau, The Bahamas – Minister of Education Science and Technology Jerome K. Fitzgerald urged students of Claridge Primary School “to pay attention to their teachers, to study hard and to do their homework,” during a presentation of five computers, five laptops and two printers by the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China Hu Shan, September 5 at the school.
Held under the theme Education is Key, the presentation was the fifth of its kind made by the Ambassador in his first year in the office.
Ambassador Hu said being at the school reminded him of his days as a youngster in primary, junior, senior high and university.
Minister Fitzgerald told the students “One of the things the ministry has done to ensure that you can have a strong primary school education is to reduce the number of subjects on your timetable. We have allocated more periods for reading and mathematics, which are the basis of all other subjects.”
He said we want all of you to become strong readers so that you can understand what you learn in any subject including Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and Religious Knowledge.
“We believe that if you are a good reader in primary school you will do well in your GLAT exams and do well in Junior High then later in Senior High School.”
The People’s Republic of China has been very good to us, Minister Fitzgerald said, by offering scholarships for Bahamian citizens to study in various disciplines. Two of our administrators have just returned from China with Masters degrees in Educational Leadership and are prepared to lead in the transformation of education.
“We are most proud of the support the Government of China has given to the Magnet Music programme at the Government High School, which continues to enable Performing Arts students to realise their dreams in the artistic arena” said Minister Fitzgerald.
“I am certain that the school’s principal is delighted to receive this gift of technology, which will enhance the teaching skills of the teachers at the school. We know that students learn better when they are engaged, particularly through technology.
“I am aware” he said, “that there is a need for your computer lab to be updated so these computers are greatly appreciated and will complement other computer hardware and software that will come your way soon.”
By Stirlin Strachan
Bahamas Information Services
Caption: Claridge Primary students show happy faces as they are presented with equipment for their computer lab by His Excellency Hu Shan, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China on September 5. Pictured from left: Zhai Xingfu, Counsellor Embassy of the People’s Republic of China; Jerome Fitzgerald, Minister of Education, Science and Technology; Ambassador Hu Shan; Lionel Sands, Director of Education and Earthel Thompson-Smith, computer teacher at Claridge Primary. (BIS Photo / Letisha Henderson)
