Belmopan. October 11, 2022. 8:00 a.m.
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology is aware of the concerns that have been raised in Barbados in regard to the pretest survey that was used for the Code Caribbean Project. This project is a positive youth development program which seeks to provide technical skills in coding and entrepreneurial and life skills such as collaboration, teamwork, and conflict resolution. In an attempt to establish the project’s impact on reduction in negative outcomes, the survey included the Child Behaviour Checklist Youth Self-Report, which is a general assessment instrument used in a variety of settings, including by pediatricians and hospitals. The administration started on September 26 in both Barbados and Belize.
Some students in five participating schools in Belize were asked all the questions on the survey. Students in the remaining schools did not answer the questions in one section of the survey, which came from the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL). While these questions are deemed to be a measure of mental health and well-being, this ministry shares the concern of the public regarding the nature of the questions, which have been removed. The ministry hereby assures the public that the practice of seeking parental consent will continue to be observed.
This pre-test phase of the Code Caribbean Project is a part of the Evaluation Study being conducted. The Code Caribbean Project is a two-year computer science programme designed to build both socio-emotional and entrepreneurial skills in students. It will introduce students to coding and develop math, comprehension, and writing skills. The main objective is to expand technological skills that will spark innovation and diversification for young people by the time they have completed secondary school.
Ends
For more information, please contact:
Kevin J. Chen
Public Relations Officer,
Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology
(501) 828-4311 or (501) 613-1092
pr@moecst.gov.bz
