Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training and Member of Parliament for Englerston, the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin made her contribution to the 2024-2025 budget debate in the House Of Assembly on Monday.

During her presentation, Minister Hanna-Martin revealed that the government has hired 319 new teachers for the upcoming school year. She said, “we’re also in discussions with the University of The Bahamas on a possible partnership with teacher students who are currently pursuing the master’s degree in reading and we’re seeing how we can partner with them so that we can create a cadre of teachers who can go into the field and pursue the important, critical area of reading.”

The Minister also addressed human resources issues such as the promotions of persons in acting positions within the administration of schools. “It is expected that approximately 90 individuals will receive their substantive promotion letters before or during the first part of the 2024-2025 academic year,” Hanna-Martin said.

The education ministry is expected to partner with the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) to implement the JUMP program meant to make internet accessible for students whose parent cannot afford it. “Through the first phase of JUMP, which is two years, 5000 families will receive subsidized internet services with BTC and the government covering a portion of the monthly subscription fees while families pay a nominal monthly fee. Through its partnership with Dell, BTC will provide without cost new Dell laptop computers to each family along with a comprehensive eight week digital skills training program. The training will cover not only the child but the entire family.” Thirty five students are currently in the program.

In addition to the 319 teachers, the Ministry will also be hiring 100 new teachers aids.

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