The International Business community will help middle school students with social studies and business studies as part of a new partnership.

Education minister Diallo Rabain told the House of Assembly a new public-private partnership with the Association of Bermuda International Companies would support teachers and give students a better understanding of the economy.

Mr Rabain pointed to the importance of IB to Bermuda’s economy, telling the House: “The ABIC team, curriculum officers and teachers commenced discussions on promoting the opportunities available to Bermudians in the IB sector to middle school students.

“Our teachers will expose M2 and M3 students to the world of International Business in Bermuda through the use of resource material and lesson plans.

“Students will learn about the island’s economy and careers related to IB using PowerPoint presentations, videos, infographics and animated graphics telling the story of Bermuda’s economic history, how regulation works, and current global business sectors.

“Students will understand the Bermuda market’s contribution to economies worldwide, inclusive of practical tips to help middle school students investigate careers in reinsurance, captive insurance, other financial services, and support industries such as accountancy and compliance, where qualified personnel are in high demand.”

He said exposing students to career opportunities at an early age would help prepare them for a place in the job market.

“This is our intent as we introduce our middle school students to understanding the origins, opportunities and structures of IB in Bermuda,” he said.

“The basic business concepts understood from the operations of IB in the local economy will allow our students to build on and conceptually link to the global perspective, as they progress to the senior and tertiary school levels.”

• To read Mr Rabain’s statement in full, click on the PDF under “Related Media”