21 Jun 2015

The Minister of Education and Skills Development, Dr Unity Dow, left for Bahamas today (June 21) to attend the 19th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (19CCEM) scheduled for June 22 - 26.

Minister Dow is expected to lead a roundtable discussion and present on: Pathways for Economic Growth and Investment.

A press release from the ministry stated Dr Dow will be accompanied by 18-year-old Hani Thusi who wrote a motivational book dubbed: Little Yungo the village savior; Perseverance and Entrepreneurship for young people and BIUST Student Representative Council president, Enoch Government as well as the ministry’s deputy permanent secretary, Dr Raphael Dingalo.

The CCEM is a triennial event that allows Commonwealth education ministers to discuss key issues and identify areas for action for the next three years in relation to a specified theme. CCEM also enables ministers to discuss pertinent issues and to share knowledge and good practices in the education sector.

The release stated that the discussions and engagements at the conference will be based on three core sectorial issues of Performance, Paths, and Productivity (3Ps).

The release further notes that some key objectives of the 19 CCEM are to increase the understanding of Commonwealth ministers and senior officials of critical issues covering 3Ps and to examine barriers to equity, access and quality education and identify key enabling factors to address these issues.

Some of outcomes that are expected include innovative and cost effective good practices will be evidenced reviewed and subjected to critical analysis and for possible adaption across the Commonwealth and provide increased access, equity and quality in education.

Another expected outcome is a plan of action for addressing gaps in the 3Ps for advancing equitable growth and development the Commonwealth.

Minister Dow is expected back on July 1. ENDS