BHTA’s Adopt-A-School Programme to fund tech and upgrades in schools

The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) announced on Monday its launch of an Adopt-A-School Programme that blends sporting and educational support.

The BHTA described it as a community investment aimed at uplifting schools across the island, by using tourism dollars to modernise schools and mentor the next generation of hospitality workers.

Officials, speaking at the BHTA’s Belleville, St Michael, headquarters, explained that the programme’s two key pillars—education and sport—will be supported with funds raised from a post-Crop Over futsal tournament; those funds will go directly into school improvement projects. Participating companies, particularly BHTA members, are being encouraged to register teams for the competition via the association’s social media platforms by June 16.

BHTA Chairman Javon Griffith explained that the association’s Tourism Fund, which has long supported national development efforts, will help with the project.

“The Tourism Fund has been in existence for over ten years,” Griffith stated. “It was designed by a former chairman to fund tourism development projects, but we’ve also supported the Barbados Police Service, the National Conservation Commission, and the Coastal Zone Management Unit. Now, we’re expanding our focus to education.”

Past projects financed by the fund include beach clean-ups, installation of security cameras in tourist hotspots like St Lawrence Gap, and the purchase of segways for the police.

Griffith added, “The fund has also helped us market the destination at international trade shows such as the World Travel Market in London, Berlin and Dubai. But today marks a new chapter—we’re inviting more of our members to help us give back to schools across Barbados.”

The sporting component of the Adopt-A-School Programme will see teams compete over four weekends in August at Oasis, Kendall Hill, in partnership with the Barbados Football Association and private sector sponsors. The proceeds will be allocated to four or five schools selected in collaboration with the Ministry of Education to address targeted needs like WiFi access, new computers, water tanks, landscaping and recreational space improvements.

BHTA Chief Executive Officer Ryan Forde said the effort builds on the long-standing tradition of hotels adopting nearby schools, but with a broader, more collective approach.

“You’d have had The Crane working with Hilda Skeene Primary, Sandals with St Lawrence Primary, Hilton with Garrison Secondary (Graydon Sealy). Now, through this centralised effort, we can widen the reach,” Forde explained. “It might be beautification, technology, or even sporting gear—a school might need cricket or football equipment. But the Ministry of Education will guide us on those specific needs.”

He added that the tournament also aims to boost employee wellness and camaraderie in the industry after the intense Crop Over season.

“There’ll be four groups of four. They’ll play group games and go into knockouts. It’s about team spirit, health and getting everyone in the right frame of mind before the winter season,” he said.

On the educational side, the BHTA is also collaborating with the ministry to create structured pathways for students—from primary to secondary—to gain hands-on experience in the tourism sector. These could take the form of internships, job attachments and in-school workshops in areas like kitchen operations, administration and management.

Griffith reflected personally on the importance of such opportunities.

“I always like to say I’m a perfect example of it,” he noted. “I did my internship with my current employers almost 20 years ago. Look how that’s turned out.”

Forde echoed that sentiment: “We welcome students from the hospitality institute and sixth form schools every year during the summer and Christmas holidays. Whether it’s accounting, front desk or culinary arts, they leave with viable work experience that can shape their futures.”

Chief Education Officer Dr Ramona Archer-Bradshaw welcomed the partnership, noting that it directly supports the Ministry’s broader education transformation goals.

“Just over a year ago, we began discussions with the BHTA on how they could support our schools. Today, they’re putting their money where their mouth is,” she declared. “We’re

transforming education to be fair, inclusive and modern. This programme hits at least two of our core targets—enhancing infrastructure and providing practical experiences.”

She added, “Beautification is big for us. We want schools to be places students are excited to attend. Whether it’s a refurbished recreational area or digital upgrades, these efforts go a long way.”

Dr Archer-Bradshaw also outlined the importance of exposing students to real-world applications of their studies.

“We need to stop treating subjects like silos. Culinary arts, business, entrepreneurship—they all come together in real life. This initiative allows our children to see that and better prepare for the world they will enter.”

She described the feedback from stakeholders as “overwhelmingly supportive,” noting that many are eager for more hands-on opportunities for students to apply their learning beyond the classroom.

“We’ve traditionally focused on exams—Common Entrance, CXC, CAPE. But in today’s world, students must be problem solvers, collaborators, global citizens with strong values. Programmes like this are crucial for achieving that.”

Looking ahead, the BHTA hopes the Adopt-A-School Programme will become an annual fixture, with rotating school beneficiaries each year and wider participation from across the private sector.

“This is just the beginning,” said Forde. “With support from our members and guidance from the ministry, we can expand this initiative and help schools across the island thrive.”

(SZB)