Educator praises Education Minister: 'I have never felt so motivated yet!'
Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL) has come in for high praise by Virgin Islands (VI) educator Mrs Ciara Christian-Lavia, who took to social media on March 20, 2023, to thank her for her encouragement.
In her Facebook post, Mrs Christian-Lavia related that she always gives respect where it is due and as an educator in the VI, she previously felt as though educators weren’t valued enough.
She went on to state that she felt as though all was lost and it was just about work.
According to Mrs Lavia, it appeared as though the momentum had dropped and the focus was on money instead of the passion for teaching.
A section of the Facebook post by Ciara Christian-Lavia praising Education Minister Sharie B. de Castro (AL).
Hon de Castro inspired change
She noted that it all changed in August of 2022.
“…at our training, we were introduced to S.T.E.A.M here in our territory..and we were encouraged to move FULL S.T.E.A.M ahead! I have never felt so motivated yet! … I turned to one of my colleagues and I said, ‘I think this academic year is going to be the best one yet..’ and it began…
"Hon Sharie Watchman de Castro geared us up, and basically connected our purpose as educators…what she said on that day has made my life as an educator easier, and life on a whole…’You can’t expect to make change if you give exact,'“ Mrs Christian-Lavia wrote.
She said she took this advice and took the time to reflect and work on herself.
“Since then? I have been getting good grades in my Master's Programme..why? Because I ain't giving exact! My scholars are excelling, why? Because I refuse to give exact…I’m giving more so that I can get change!” Mrs Christian-Lavia went on to state.
Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL) only took up
the post of Education Minister in May 2022, but has made a tremendous
impact on her Ministry.
'Being an educator isn’t easy'- Christian-Lavia
She further expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports for motivating educators to make a change.
“I never was one who was made to fit in, and I’ve grown to accept that…but this is the BEST I’ve felt in just the short three years as an educator here in the Virgin Islands,” Mrs Christian-Lavia emphasised.
She further acknowledged that being an educator isn’t easy, but noted that 2023 Education Week was one for the books as she continued to express gratitude.
“I’m sure many would echo the same sentiments! Thank you once again and I am excited about where we are taking education!
"Change doesn’t happen overnight…but each of you prove that giving exact isn’t cutting it,” Mrs Lavia said.
Hon de Castro only took up the post of Education Minister in May 2022.
