Twelve secondary school students shadowed senior public officers on Wednesday, to gain a better understanding of their roles and responsibilities.

This initiative is part of activities to celebrate the 2016 Education Week.

Acting Chief Education Officer, Mrs. Jillian Douglas-Phillip said the shadowing experience involved students observing senior public officers in the performance of their duties within their assigned department or ministry.

Mrs. Douglas-Phillip said, “Students assisted public officers in completing daily tasks, participating in meetings, visiting job sites, being exposed to structural plans, meeting with departmental staff, drafting memoranda, and sending e-mails, among other tasks.”

The Acting Chief Education Officer added, “The main objective of the shadowing experience was to provide the students with an increased knowledge of an area of work or job role that they may be considering in the future. Gaining an understanding of the public service and building a network of contacts will be invaluable when it is time for the students to apply for positions in the future.”

Students were invited to rate and share their experiences with their peers. Mrs. Douglas-Phillip said that the students stated that they would like to see this activity continued annually.

Students from the Elmore Stoutt High School and the St. Georges School (Secondary Division) shadowed public officers within the Ministry of Education and Culture, the Ministry of Communication and Works, Public Works Department, Department of Motor Vehicles, Fire and Rescue Service, Telephone Services Management Unit, Water and Sewerage, and Facilities Management Unit.

Education Week is observed from March 6 through March 11 under the theme, “Instructing Every Child through Inclusive Education’ with the subtheme, “Education Includes Me.”

Education Week is an annual event in which the work and abilities of students, teachers and the school in general are highlighted.

For more information, persons should contact the Ministry of Education and Culture at 468-2151.