One hundred and twenty science kits were handed over to the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports by UNESCO on Friday, November 9, 2024. Photo: Facebook

The 2024 Innovation Week hosted by Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports concluded on November 8, 2024, with an Exhibition Day at the Multipurpose Sports Complex. Photo: GIS

The ceremony took place during Exhibition Day of the 2024 Innovation Week at the Multipurpose Sports Complex in Road Town.

Innovation Week was hosted by the Ministry of Education and included activities that challenged students as they thought outside the box to find solutions to the problems they faced during the week.

Students from all schools in the Territory were engaged in workshops, games and challenges that tested their critical thinking skills in all aspects of S.T.E.A.M.

UNESCO/Ministry of Education partnership

Secretary General for the BVI National Commission for UNESCO Dr. Allison C. Flax-Archer said during Friday’s ceremony, “The reality is that the world thrives on S.T.E.A.M so on behalf of the BVI National Commission for UNESCO and UNESCO, I am delighted to present one hundred and twenty science kits to you for the schools so that students will just be happy with experimenting with science and the curiosity that it creates.”

Minster for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Hon Shari B. de Castro (AL) said the handing over of the science kits is the realisation of request made following a courtesy call by the Regional Office Director in 2023.

“We would have made some representation regarding resources that are required. We have three main areas that we’re working on; infrastructure, resources and professional development and UNESCO agreed to support us in the area of resources and hopefully I’ll be able to announce some other partnerships soon,” Hon de Castro said.

She added that this donation speaks volumes to what not just government funding can do but what organisations and businesses can do in collaboration with the Education Ministry.