Rooted in Bajan pride, ‘ready for the world’, as govt launches I’z a Bajan

The Ministry of Education is reinforcing the importance of cultural pride with a newly launched programme aimed at grounding students in their Barbadian heritage while preparing them to excel globally, according to Senior Education Officer, Curriculum, Dr Denise Charles.

She highlighted the importance of preparing young people for the world as the ministry embarks on its education reform initiative.

“Our journey towards education transformation is grounded in that love for our country and our need to be more relevant. We really want to build on the foundation of what we’ve had in the past and evolve further into the 21st century towards an emerging educational system that is truly transformative in nature, changing the lives of our students and, by extension, impacting our nation’s development and growth,” Charles said.

She stressed that students must embrace Bajan values before stepping onto the global stage. “That means being grounded in our heritage and culture. We can’t say we want to see this in schools if we are not also doing it as a Ministry of Education.”

Charles explained this was the inspiration behind the I’z a Bajan programme, launched on Friday at the Ministry of Education’s headquarters.

The special celebration, organised by the Change Management Unit led by Dr Paul Murphy, was part of a broader initiative to introduce innovative approaches within the education sector.

Charles noted that Friday’s programme reflected the ministry’s commitment to meaningful change in education while fostering cultural pride.

“We are on a journey towards educational transformation and change. Certainly, doing things differently at the ministry is part of that journey. We also wanted to lead by example, celebrating all that is good about our nation—its strength, history, culture, and heritage. As educators, professionals, and administrators working in education, we also love this country, Barbados,” she said.

The programme brought together ministry officials who enjoyed traditional Bajan dishes and participated in cultural performances.

Chief Education Officer Dr Ramona Archer-Bradshaw showcased her talent by performing two pieces on the steel pan, one accompanied by Education Officer for Music, Randy Eastmond, on the saxophone. The celebration also featured dramatic improvisations, poetry, singing, and Bajan music singalongs.

(LG)