The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports will launch the 2025–2026 academic year with Professional Day and the Summer Institute under the theme, ‘Full S.T.E.A.M Ahead: Future Focused, Student Led.’

Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie B. DeCastro, highlighted the importance of these initiatives, stating that Professional Day and the Summer Institute serve as the ideal launchpad for the new academic year. 

Honourable de Castro said, “These events are strategically aligned with the Ministry’s priority focus on continuous professional development and provide a valuable platform for sharing the Ministry’s vision, goals, and key initiatives for the year ahead with the very individuals entrusted to bring that vision to life.”

Honourable DeCastro added, “Much like a compass that orients a journey, Professional Day and the Summer Institute help chart a clear course for educators, fostering a sense of collective purpose, collaboration, and renewed motivation. Together, they ensure that the school year begins with direction, energy, and a shared commitment to excellence in teaching and learning.”

Professional Day will be held on Monday, August 25 at 9:00 a.m. at the Multipurpose Sports Complex. The event will bring together educators from across the Territory for a morning of reflection, vision setting, and collective motivation.

The Summer Institute will follow from Tuesday, August 26 to Friday, August 29 at 9:00 a.m. at the Elmore Stoutt High School, Lower Estate Campus. The programme will feature both international and local facilitators delivering sessions on topics including child safeguarding, literacy across the curriculum, mental health for educators, leadership development, and subject-specific pedagogy. Special guests will include representatives from Walden University, the United Jazz Foundation, and experts including Dr. Kenroy Burke of UNICEF Barbados), Dr. Pearlyn Burrell from the Cayman Islands, and Dr. Dolly Liburd from Texas, USA, alongside community partners Green VI.

The Professional Day ceremony will feature remarks from the Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Honourable Sharie B. DeCastro, Chief Education Officer, Mrs. Orlandette Crabbe and a surprise keynote speaker. The programme will also include musical performances and an exhibition of local businesses and partners.

The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports encourages all educators to participate fully in these activities, which provide valuable opportunities for professional growth, collaboration, and preparation for the new academic year.