Ann Smith on National Career Awareness Month
Guest Speaker, Ann Smith with a 'what glitters is not always gold' introduction sensitized the Rotarians and guests of what her team at the Ministry of Education's Counseling Unit are combating. Ann Smith is the Supervisor for the Guidance and Counselling Special Services Unit at the Ministry of Education. She has been employed with the ministry for more than 43 years. The focus of the unit is to equip job seekers with more than just attractive resumes, but with skills that will enhance any work environment and the greater community. Their aim is to get employees and employers happy to achieve a high level of productivity.
This month is being recognized as National Career Awareness Month - PREPARE: Passion, Respect, Exploration, Persistence, Attitude, Responsibility, Ethics.
Mrs. Smith has embarked upon a mission to get students in the frame of mind to focus on particular skills for their careers. She also wants the students to enhance skills that will enable them to engage in impressive interviews. The target age groups are kindergarten through twelfth grade. It is hoped that a transformation of preparedness will be realized by the completion of the 2014-2015 school year in June. She stated that her team has decided to work closer with the younger students. The skills the students will gain are designed to equip them for life - not just for the job. According to Mrs. Smith, this holistic skill-based approach will benefit the employees, employers, and patrons.
The month of activities include:
*Guest speakers at all schools
*Career Clusters for 9th Graders
*12th Graders Post-Graduation Plans
*Counselors' Workshops
*Field Trips
*Video Conferences with Family Islanders
*Senior Schools' College Nights
*Career Day at Schools
*Culminating Career Fair - October 28th - 30th
​Minister of Education Jerome Fitzgerald in support of Career Month indicated that he would like to see an event every month within the schools that promotes careers. He believes that a focus by students on their desired careers will diminish some of the social ills we are experiencing as a focus on goals will lessen the tendency of going off tract and engaging in anti-social behavior.
The Rotary Club of Nassau Sunrise has been a partner with the Ministry of Education's Counseling Unit for several years and continues to support their initiative and the investment of the nation's youth.