The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MOEST) today announced the upcoming launch of the Bahamas Education,
Science and Technology (BEST) Foundation, an independent non-profit organisation established to mobilise private sector investment, philanthropic support and national partnerships to strengthen education and expand opportunities for Bahamian students.
The announcement was made at a press conference led by Senator the Hon. Keenan Johnson, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, who was joined by Director of Education, Mrs. Dominique McCartney-Russell.
The BEST Foundation has been established to provide a structured and accountable avenue for mobilising additional resources, partnerships and support for initiatives that strengthen education and expand opportunities for Bahamian students. It will bring together partners from the private sector, corporate Bahamas the philanthropic community, the wider Bahamian society and the global community who share an interest in supporting the development of education in The Bahamas; complementing the Government’s continued investment in the
education.
Parliamentary Secretary Johnson underscored the significance of the Foundation to the Ministry’s broader transformation agenda.
“The BEST Foundation creates an opportunity for Corporate Bahamas, philanthropic organisations, our diaspora and Bahamians from all walks of life to become active partners in strengthening education in our country,” said Senator Johnson.
“We have often said that education is everybody’s business. Today, we are taking a significant step towards putting that belief into practice through meaningful action, partnership and investment.”
The Parliamentary Secretary noted that the Foundation forms a critical pillar of The Revolution in Education, the Ministry’s ambitious agenda to transform the nation’s education system under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Science and Technology, the Hon. I. Chester Cooper.
“That transformation requires vision, but it also requires resources, partnerships, commitment and, above all, people who believe that the future of our country is worth investing in,” Senator Johnson added.
Established as an independent, non-profit organisation with its own Board of Directors, the BEST Foundation will mobilise philanthropic support for initiatives that expand educational opportunities, improve learning environments and help students realise their fullest potential. Through these partnerships, the Foundation aims to strengthen educational opportunities and support initiatives that respond to the evolving needs of students, educators and schools across our archipelago.
The official launch of the BEST Foundation will take place on Tuesday, 20 October with the live broadcast beginning at 8:00 p.m., immediately following the national news on ZNS. At the launch, the Ministry will also unveil its new Strategic Plan and corporate identity, which together represent key components of the transformation agenda: a clear roadmap for the future, a renewed institutional identity and a national vehicle for partnership and investment in education.
Further details on the Foundation’s priorities, partnerships and initiatives will be announced at the official launch.
Individuals, businesses and organisations interested in supporting the Foundation are encouraged to make contact ahead of the launch at Best@moe.edu.bs for information on how to contribute or become involved.
“As our Deputy Prime Minister often reminds us, ‘When we get education right, we get The Bahamas right,’” said Senator Johnson. “That is ultimately what this initiative is about: bringing together Government, the private sector, our communities and our people around a shared commitment to the future of Bahamian education.”
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology invites all Bahamians to tune in on Tuesday, 20 October at 8:00 p.m. on ZNS as the nation formally welcomes the BEST Foundation.
