Substantial Investments in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in Education.
It is my belief that every Bahamian is entitled to live in a safe and diverse community, with easy and affordable access to transport, schools, and other quality amenities. The next Member of Parliament for MICAL should seek to achieve the following:
MICAL’s Path forward>>
Initiate an implement ‘Safe Routes to School’ schemes. Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs will be sustained by parents, schools, community leaders, local and central government to improve the health and well-being of children. Examining the condition around schools, projects, and activities that work that will be conducted to improve safety and accessibility, eradicating the potentially illegal activities near schools.
Initiate a public-private partnership (PPP) to increase cooperate investments in education. In addition, assisting with securing scholarship funding, with a view to ensuring equality and accessibility for all students who meet the minimum requirements for college/Universities.
Lobby government to make substantial Investments in (ICT) Information and Communications Technology in Education. Utilizing modern broadband services and cloud computing technology to deliver greater access to all students in a more cost-effective manner.
Implement Smart Cloud-Classrooms in all schools throughout MICAL. “Cloud-Classrooms” allow students to utilize a device (iPads, laptops, handhelds, etc.) in any classroom to connect with other students in another classroom from a different locality to communicate well without difficulties. It also allows students to complete classwork, homework, course-work, projects, share files, and different ideas having direct access to files on school networks and cloud storage online.
Introduction of a Teachers Training and Supports Centre (TTSC) for educators in MICAL at all levels to ensure a productive, successive, and a more comprehensive module.
Petition for the Review of salaries and teaching training modules every two years to ensure that best international practice is the norm at every level.
Petition for the reform of the Education Curriculum to ensure that it reflects the soul and culture of the Bahamas in all subjects. Making key subjects mandatory for all students at all levels.
"As a persistent but vocal nationalist, I will lobby government to radically overhaul the Financial Services, Social Welfare, Education, Immigration, Manufacturing and the Local Government systems to make it a more flexible and equitable system". - Andy Hanna
Petition for the Ministry of Education to address the learning needs of every student prior to sitting the National Examinations at the 9th and 12th-grade levels, analyzing the results to make informed decisions for academic success.
Lobby for the revitalization of Public Schools to attract academic students by the reintroduction of the Technical School and Trade School Modules.
Petition for the Fast-tracking and the full implementation of an EPSEN Bill. Ensuring the complete roll out on a strict timetable of the Education for Person with Special Needs Bill.
Preserve and expand the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Scheme which provides free early childhood care and education for children of pre-school age in MICAL.
Conduct a Behavioral Analysis and Recommendations (BAR) Report and Implement key recommendations of the report on School behavior, School Matters, including new measures to tackle disruptive students such as implementing a specialized unit to arresting and address the issues plaguing our schools.
Construction of energy-efficient schools and multi-use buildings as ‘community campuses’ providing a range of services that can adapt flexibly as the community develops.
Develop and introduce a ‘healthy schools’ meals policy, building on existing pilot projects, and implement it gradually across the constituency.
The Introduction and implementation of (PSPE) Parent-Student Partnership in Education Initiative. The PSPE Initiative encourages parental involvement in the education of children by establishing a consistent working relationship with teachers and school administrators.
I have an unrivaled but an ambitious plan that will take us beyond our reliance on subsistence farming and fishing to a progressive modern society built on solid and sustainable foundations.
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The Path Forward is a 20-year Development plan designed to generate economic growth and to develop sustainable economies in Mayaguna, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins, and Long Cay (MICAL). The ideas, initiatives, and programs mentioned in this document were originally written as a guide mapping out an economic development path forward for the southern islands of the Bahamas.
By Andy Hanna.