Statement By Honourable Sharie B. De Castro

Minister For Education, Youth Affairs & Sports

Twentieth Sitting Of The First Session Of The Fifth

House Of Assembly Of The Virgin Islands

Friday, 18^th October, 2024

Statement on Advancements in Coding and Robotics in the Territory’s Schools

Madam Speaker, as we reimagine education in the Virgin Islands, it is essential that we equip our students with the tools and skills they need to thrive in the fast-evolving world of tomorrow. Today, I rise to speak on the remarkable advancements we have made in the fields of coding and robotics in our schools—developments that reflect our forward-thinking vision and unwavering commitment to nurturing the innovators, creators, and problem-solvers of the future.

The Ministry of Education has aggressively led this mandate, positioning the Virgin Islands as one of the few in the region to integrate coding and robotics into our curriculum. This is not just a step forward, but a leap—one that empowers our students to stand at the very front of opportunities, both locally and globally. Research shows that the jobs of tomorrow are already here, and those who are fluent in technology, coding, and robotics will be best positioned to seise them. These skills are no longer optional; they are the language of the future economy.

Madam Speaker, the advancements we have made are monumental. One of the key milestones for the 2023–2024 school year was the introduction of the STEAM Innovations course for students in grades 7 through 9. This course provides a foundational understanding of digital literacy, coding, and chess—each of these elements fostering analytical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic reasoning. The excitement and enthusiasm we have seen from students speak volumes about their eagerness to master these new skills.

Madam Speaker, given our focus on resourcing schools, through a collaborative approach of government funding, along with support from Unite BVI, we have been able to provide most of the necessary resources for these initiatives. This collaboration has allowed us to make significant investments in advanced robotics, enabling us to expand our efforts even further by introducing a dedicated Robotics course for tenth-grade students. Over the next two years, this programme will grow to include grades 11 and 12, ensuring that our students leave school with a robust understanding of robotics and technology, positioning them well for careers in fields such as engineering, computer science, and artificial intelligence.

As we look ahead, the Ministry has committed to starting even earlier. We recognise the need to spark curiosity and foster creativity at the youngest ages. That is why, Madam Speaker, I am proud to announce that we will be expanding our robotics program to primary schools next year. By introducing these concepts to younger students, we are planting the seeds of innovation, giving them the chance to explore, tinker, and develop critical problem-solving skills from an early age. This early exposure will ensure that the next generation of Virgin Islanders grow up not just using technology but creating it.

In addition to this Madam Speaker, the Ministry has given a clear mandate to the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College to modernise its Information Technology programme. A critical part of this will be the development of a dedicated robotics lab. This will create a seamless pathway for our students, from primary school all the way through tertiary education, where they can continue to refine their skills and prepare for entrance into industries that demand expertise in robotics and technology. The creation of this lab represents the next phase in our commitment to preparing our students for a future rich in opportunities, where they can confidently compete on the world stage.

Madam Speaker, as we build this pathway for our students, I liken it to constructing a bridge—one that connects the present to the future. On one side, we have today’s learners, full of potential and ambition, eager to step into the world. On the other side is a world brimming with opportunities in sectors like technology, engineering, and digital services. The bridge we are building, through coding, robotics, and cutting-edge education, is the path that will take them across. It is a bridge not only to individual success but also to the sustainable growth and diversification of our entire economy.

Our recent initiatives are already bearing fruit. This past summer, we hosted the Robo-Mindset Summer Camp, where students aged thirteen to eighteen engaged in hands-on coding, engineering, and robotics design. Out of this camp, five exceptional students – Elyon Jones, Kh’Mouri Anthony, Michaela Jack, Amani Brown and Judiah Case and two mentors – Mr. Andre Roberts and Mrs. Careen Cuffy-Jules, were chosen to represent the Virgin Islands at the First Global Robotics Championship in Athens, Greece, where they competed against teams from 180 countries. I am proud to share that Team BVI placed 111^th globally—an improvement from our 143^rd position last year. Additionally, we ranked 6^th among the Caribbean teams—an outstanding achievement that reflects the hard work and dedication of our young innovators.

Madam Speaker, we have also placed a strong emphasis on professional development for our educators. During our annual Summer Institute, we hosted a comprehensive STEAM teacher training program from 26^th – 30^th August, 2024. This training aimed to equip educators with the skills and knowledge required to integrate STEAM methodologies into our curricula, fostering interdisciplinary learning and innovation across all subjects. Conducted by the St. Kitts & Nevis Robotics Association, 40 dedicated teachers from various public and private secondary schools across the Virgin Islands participated in this five-day training. This professional development initiative has enhanced our educators' ability to foster innovation and creativity in the classroom.

Madam Speaker, given our commitment to continuous improvement, the training of our teachers will not stop there. 15 teachers will engage in a fully funded Specialist Certificate programme in Arts Integration and STEAM. This initiative is a continued investment in our teachers, equipping them with a certification in the skills and competencies necessary to guide our students through this technological evolution. With the right training, our educators will help reshape our classrooms into dynamic spaces where innovation thrives.

Moreover, as part of our efforts to continually inspire innovation Madam Speaker, we are gearing up for our Third Annual Innovation Week scheduled from 4^th – 8^th November. This year’s event will bring together students from across the territory to showcase their talents in coding, robotics, and engineering. With exciting demonstrations from our STEAM Innovations classes and our 2024 First Global Robotics Team, Innovation Week will be a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come—and how far we still have to go. I invite all members of this House to join us and witness the extraordinary skills our students are developing.

As we push forward, the message is clear: our investments in coding and robotics are investments in the future of the Virgin Islands. These are not just subjects—they are transformative tools that equip our students with the power to shape the future. The jobs of tomorrow are already within reach, and our students, armed with these skills, will be at the forefront of that change.

Thank you, Madam Speaker.