Kids in the Adelaide constituency career advice as well as backpacks and free school supplies at the annual Back-to-School event hosted by Vaughn Miller MP. In addition, they received information and advice on tertiary education from the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI). Health services were also provided for kids and parents. 

The event was held at the Dignity Gardens Park on Saturday, August 24, with a chance to meet local professionals and learn about various career paths. Representatives from the uniformed corps, healthcare, the financial industry and others participated.

The RBDF Band took part, while RBDF Rangers, the youth arm, showed off their skills in military drills. They also shared their experiences as rangers with the kids attending the back-to-school event. 

“We added a career path component to our back to school event to expose the students - particularly the older students - and have them thinking about what they would like to do after they graduate,” Mr Miller said.

“Proverbs 22:6 says train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Well an important part of that training is education. We want to give these students the opportunities that we did not have in our time. My parents’ generation - they fought to see us have the opportunities they didn’t have. Free education, free school supplies, and lots of support helps to position the students to pursue higher levels of education.”

He annoucned that in September, a new STEM education programme will be introduced into the Adelaide constituency. This three-month programme will take place on Saturdays, and information is forthcoming.

Community partner Pompey Medical offered blood pressure and other health checks, and assisted with medical and wellness checks for kids going back to school and NHI enrolment applications. Colina Insurance was also on hand. 

There was food and drinks, ice cream, cotton candy, the 24 Carat Juice Bar, face painting, and other activities including a basketball jamboree.

Veteran basketball coach of 35 years Ricky Moxey led the jamboree, which provided cash prizes of up to $150 for the winners. 

“A lot of people are hurting out there,” Coach Moxey said,”So we wanted to do something different that would put money into some of their pockets, right in time for back to school. We had free throw and three point shot competitions, and they loved it.”