5,087 students on the government’s lunch program
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Minister of Education Jeffrey Lloyd said yesterday that his ministry will be conducting a National Virtual Orientation for students returning to school.
Lloyd has previously announced that as the country continues to grapple with the global coronavirus, the opening of the new school year will utilize a blended model with virtual and in-person education for schools across the country.
He noted that the orientation will allow all students and educators to access all facets of the new educational virtual paradigm.
He explained that every student will be given a user name and password, which they are requested to keep sacred, and confidential.
The orientation will also incorporate face-to-face teaching, in a staggered fashion, with some students going each day.
“While we ask that you wear your uniforms, we are requesting administrators to be lenient with students in the first weeks of students while they adjust to the new paradigm of their education,” Lloyd said.
The education minister said over the next few days, notices will be released advising which schools will be utilizing which methods.
“No matter the mode, in all respects, the safety and well-being of our students, staff, educators, and all others are paramount, foundational, and will be in keeping with the dictates of the Competent Authority.”
Lloyd also advised that starting October 2, students in New Providence on the lunch vendor program will be able to pick up the vouchers for their tablet devices from the last school they attended.
Students with last names from A-G will be able to collect on Friday, H-O on Monday and the remaining on Tuesday.
Starting October 3, students who have received vouchers ill be able to redeem their vouchers from any Aliv store. Students must be accompanied by a parent and that parent must present a picture ID for verification, along with an ID for the student if possible.
“Please be advised that no device will be issued without proper identification by both parent and child,” Lloyd said.
Students on the lunch voucher program in Grand Bahama, Eleuthera, North Andros, and Abaco can begin to collect their vouchers for devices next Wednesday.
Lloyd said students on the program in MICAL, Cat Island, and South Andros have already received their devices.
The education minister advised that there currently 5,087 students on the government’s lunch program, “and that number continues to increase”.