Young people in Exuma are being challenged to turn their creativity and critical thinking into practical solutions as the Young Innovators Club (YIC) completes its pilot launch rollout across four islands. The second phase will include Andros, Cat Island, Eleuthera and Long Island.
A partnership between the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the Ministry for Grand Bahama, YIC began in Grand Bahama before expanding to New Providence and Abaco. Exuma marks the final island launch of the pilot programme, bringing fresh opportunities for students to develop ideas that could improve lives in their communities and beyond.
The journey carries special significance, beginning on the home island of Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey, traveling to the home island of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Science and Technology, the Hon. I. Chester Cooper; as they both serve as co-chairs of INNOVATE242
“Some might say we saved the best for last, but what makes this moment special is the opportunity to discover the talent and ingenuity that exist on every island,” said Minister Moxey. “From Grand Bahama to Exuma, our young people have ideas that deserve to be heard, developed and supported. YIC gives them a platform to turn those ideas into solutions with the potential to reach far beyond their communities.”
Through five pillars, Technology, Arts and Heritage, Environment, Maritime, and Entrepreneurship, students will combine innovation, creativity, analytical reasoning and critical thinking to address real challenges. The programme’s guiding process, “Think It.
Build It. Test It. Fix It. Pitch It.”, encourages participants to move from an initial idea through practical development, testing, refinement and presentation.
DPM Cooper said YIC demonstrates how The Revolution in Education is expanding learning beyond the classroom and connecting student potential with national progress.
“As a proud son of Exuma, I could not be happier to see our young people become part of this opportunity,” he said. “We want students to ask questions, explore possibilities and develop the confidence to create solutions. The skills they build through YIC can change their own lives, strengthen their communities and help position The Bahamas to contribute ideas and innovations to the world.”
Special guest Dr. Douglas R. Laurie, President of American Heritage School, joined the Exuma launch following his recent hosting of DPM Cooper at the school’s South Florida campus.
“When students have the opportunity to combine creative thinking with analysis, experimentation and practical application, they begin to see how their learning can make a difference,” said Dr. Laurie. “YIC offers an exciting opportunity for young Bahamians to develop that mindset, learning to test their ideas, improve their designs and communicate solutions that could benefit people far beyond their own shores.”
With the pilot launch rollout complete, the focus now turns to the ideas students will develop and the impact they can achieve. By nurturing resourcefulness, collaboration and problem solving, YIC aims to equip a generation of Bahamians to help shape stronger communities, a more innovative country and a better world.
