NASSAU, Bahamas -- The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all students leave school with either academic qualifications or with qualifications in the applied sciences that would allow them to choose freely among job opportunities, pursue tertiary education, and eventually a career.

Superintendent of the North Western District of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Howard Newbold, said the government intends to forge academic partnerships with specially selected tertiary institutions that offer special services hearing impaired students require.

“We plan to take bold steps to make certain that hearing impaired students have wider career path choices after graduating from high school, including being able to matriculate directly into tertiary institutions, locally and abroad,” he said.

Mr. Newbold addressed the graduation and prize giving ceremony of the Centre for the Deaf on behalf of Education, Science and Technology Minister the Hon. Jerome Fitzgerald on June 14. Efforts will be made to ensure that special schools are included in national programmes being developed in education, Mr. Newbold said.

“There is no reason why students from the Centre for the Deaf cannot participate in national programmes such as the Technical Cadet Corps Programme, the Future Teachers of The Bahamas Programme, or the National Arts and Craft Programme for young, gifted Bahamian artists.

“My Ministry fully embraces the decisive role it plays in guiding our special students toward personal empowerment as well.  We all agree that education is the key to both personal and national empowerment and so we must work collaboratively to improve access to education, not only in academic subjects but in the applied sciences as well,” Mr. Newbold added.

He extended congratulations to parents and guardians for the efforts invested in their children and commended principal Tessa Nottage, the administrators and teachers, and the neighbouring schools for the partnerships that they have established to provide physical education instruction and vocational education for the students.

“Equally as important to ensuring that your students develop that ‘culture of excellence’ you envision, are your external community partnerships and it is incumbent upon us to solidify those industry partnerships that can facilitate long-term structured job training experiences for students of the Centre for The Deaf,” he said. He acknowledged the business firms that opened their doors to the six graduating students allowing them to facilitate their Job Experience Programme and to St. Michael’s Methodist Church for making possible the school’s Tennis Programme.

Frederick Gibson accepts awards from Superintendent of the North Western District, Howard Newbold, for most improved student in Computer Studies, Physical Education, Religion and Woodcraft. (BIS Photo/Letisha Henderson)

Superintendent of the North Western District Howard Newbold speaks at the 2012 graduation and prize giving ceremony of the Centre for the Deaf. (BIS Photo/Letisha Henderson)

Ramon Rolle accepts awards from Superintendent of the North Western District Howard Newbold for most improved student in Health Sciences. (BIS photo/Letisha Henderson)

Harriet Pratt, past superintendent of the North Western District, presents awards to Leissa Neymour for most improved student in Language Art, Math and most outstanding student in Cosmetology. (BIS Photo/Letisha Henderson)

Harriet Pratt past Superintendent of the North Western District presents awards to Kyle Dean for most outstanding student in Physical Education, Straw-craft and Woodcarving. (BIS Photo/Letisha Henderson)