TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL INSTITUTE LAUNCHED

The BVI Technical Vocational Institute was officially launched at a press conference on September 2 in keeping with Government’s commitment to provide increased educational opportunities in the Territory.

At the launching, Minister of Education and Culture Hon. Lloyd Black said the Pre-Vocational Centre was restructured and upgraded to meet the continuing educational needs of students.

He explained that the programme was developed in keeping with the National Integrated Development Strategy (2002-2006), as well as in fulfillment of the requirements of the 2004 Education Act.

“Government has ultimate responsibility for educating our students to the point of functionality. To neglect this responsibility would be to open the doors for societal problems of a grave nature,” Minister Black stated.

Chief Education Officer Mr. Angel Smith noted that the Department of Education fully supports the initiative, adding, “It is our philosophy that any child can learn anything at any age provided that we find the right approach.”

Principal of the Institute Mrs. Cynthia Brannigan pointed out that the Institute is geared to meeting the needs of each student and that, to achieve this, an integrated approach to the curriculum will be used.

The overall aim of the programme is to provide training for persons in the school system who demonstrate interest and aptitude for work in technical areas. In addition, the Institute will help students build competence in vocational areas; provide them with access to secondary education through an alternative medium; prepare them for national, regional and international certification; and train them for entry into the job market.

The programme, which will be conducted over three years, will include subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, Social Science and Personal Enrichment. Students will also be able to choose from a wide range of vocational areas including garment construction, cosmetology, air conditioning and refrigeration, plumbing, computer troubleshooting and small engine repair.

At the moment, enrollment is more than 100 students ranging from Primary Five to Form Four, with classes scheduled to commence on October 1. The Institute is located at the Old Cedar School Building, Baughers Bay.

Each year since 1992, alternate educational programs were created for a growing number of students who were unable to cope with the rigors of an academic program at the secondary level. The Technical and Vocational Institute is expected to provide a much better solution to the old problems.