The Ministry of Education will push ahead with public-school reform this year, spending $5.6 million to start building two new parish primary schools and upgrade two existing facilities.

The overhaul of the education system, which began in 2022, will result in the abolition of middle schools and the creation of signature schools, along with a single primary school in every parish.

Diallo Rabain, the Minister of Education, provided the update at a Budget press conference yesterday “to outline our vision and strategic steps we are taking” to improve education on the island.

He pointed out that the $142.6 million allocated to his ministry in this year’s Budget is an increase of $2.7 million on last year’s estimated allowance.

He described the increase as “a testament to our belief in the transformative power of education and reinforcing our commitment to enhancing our education system”.

The ministry ended up spending $145.4 million last year — almost $3 million more than it intends to spend this year.

Mr Rabain spoke at length about the Government’s “unwavering commitment” to “realising visions”, and of “laying the foundation for a brighter, more informed future for our children”.

He pointed out that the bulk of the ministry’s $142.6 million purse — $117.5 million — will be spent by the Department of Education, “which will finance a range of educational programmes and services, including the staffing of all schools”.

He said: “The department will continue to provide our public school students with equitable access to holistic, high-quality instruction which is culturally relevant and empowers them to reach their full potential.”

Referring to the $5.6 million in funding for education reform capital development projects, Mr Rabain said: “This reform isn’t just structural; it’s about creating a nurturing environment that caters to our students’ diverse needs and talents.

“This fiscal year, we will continue laying the groundwork for each of our next generation of leaders, thinkers and innovators.

“This type of investment is a testament to our belief in the transformative power of education and a determination to provide the best for our children.

“The feedback from last week’s professional developed sessions is a beacon of the positive impact we are striving to achieve. Words of encouragement and stories of inspiration have reached my desk shared by educators who are witnessing first-hand the fruits of their labour and the promise of what lies ahead. These successes are milestones and stepping stones towards realising the vision we have set for our country’s educational future.

“As we move forward, we must take pride in our achievements and draw strength from the challenges we have overcome. Together we are laying the foundation for a brighter and more-informed future for our children.

Work will continue upgrading Francis Patton in Hamilton Parish and Purvis Primary in Warwick into parish schools.

Funds have also been allocated to begin foundation work on two other parish primary schools, in Smith’s and Devonshire.

The Department of Libraries and Archives has been granted $3.2 million, part of which will fund the creation of a new website and a digital repository, which will lead to improvements in records management and the digitisation of significant historical records.

Mr Rabain said: “These enhancements will not only safeguard resources and government records, enriching Bermuda's cultural, educational and historical landscape, but also lay a foundation for future research and exploration.”

“We are not just preserving our past, we're making it accessible for all, continuing to transform our library and archives into a beacon of knowledge and pride.”

The ministry will provide more than $2 million to fund scholarships, including $30,000 earmarked for students attending the University of the West Indies.

In a drive to encourage more males to enter the teaching profession, three awards of $7,500 each will be paid out to assist men in teaching practicums.

The annual grant to the Bermuda College will remain the same as last year at $14.6 million.

Mr Rabain said the college will continue expanding its articulation agreements with higher education institutions in Britain and North America “to ensure a seamless transition for Bermuda College graduates who wish to pursue additional education at three and four-year institutions.

“Through partnerships, grants and dual-enrolment programmes, we're ensuring that our students are not just ready for the world but poised to lead it,” Mr Rabain said.

“As we embark on the fourth year of education reform, our resolve has never been stronger. We are laying the foundations for an education system that is inclusive, quality-driven and lifelong.

“We see that the hard work of our staff, community members and change partners to date has set a strong foundation for continuing the implementation of our strategy for a 21st-century learning environment in the Bermuda public-school system.

“Today, I've shared a glimpse into our plans for the coming fiscal year, but this journey is ours to share. I invite each of you to join us in this transformative endeavour. Together, we can ensure that our children's future is bright, boundless and distinctly Bermudian.”