De Castro Urges Educators to Keep Building
Minister for Education Hon. Sharie de Castro has likened the territory's education sector to an evolving construction site, urging teachers to remain resilient despite ongoing challenges. Addressing attendees at the opening of EDFEST VI, de Castro stressed the importance of data-driven support, structural improvements, and maintaining an unwavering focus on student potential.
Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Hon. Sharie de Castro, has called on educators across the Virgin Islands to embrace resilience and continuous progress, framing the territory's educational journey as an ongoing construction project. Delivering the keynote address at the official opening ceremony of EDFEST VI at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex, Minister de Castro addressed a room filled with teachers, administrators, and educational stakeholders.
She acknowledged the realities of ongoing systemic reform, noting that meaningful development often comes with friction and temporary disruptions. Hon. de Castro told the gathering that the work being done must not slow down, using the metaphor of a construction site to illustrate the current state of education.
She urged educators to keep building even when the work feels heavy, when plans need adjustment, or when the surrounding environment becomes challenging. The Minister also highlighted the necessity of targeted interventions driven by real outcomes. She noted that wherever assessment data indicates a learning gap, where a student faces difficulties, or where an educator requires additional resources, energy and investment must be directed to those specific areas.
Crucially, de Castro reminded teachers to maintain their focus on the ultimate goal of their profession amidst administrative demands and public commentary. She stressed that current classrooms hold the future leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers who will address the territory's most pressing long-term challenges.
Reflecting on the progress made over the past four years, the Minister expressed gratitude for the dedication shown by educators and challenged them to continue fostering identity, character, and academic excellence in their students as the Virgin Islands continues to build a stronger educational framework.
Primary source: VINO