Showing posts with label Youth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Youth. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

The CAPAS Bill is now law

 
CAPAS logo

CAPAS: Creative And Performing Arts School

 

The CAPAS Bill is now law. For years, talented young Bahamians lacked the support to take their craft further. Now, they have a place to train, grow, and build careers in the creative arts - right here at home.

In the vibrant tapestry of The Bahamas where every thread is woven with the profound love for the performing arts, CAPAS stands proudly as architects of dreams, sculpting aspirations into breathtaking masterpieces.

Learn more at capas.gov.bs

Friday, March 20, 2026

The Bahamas National Youth Choir Annual Concert

 
The Bahamas National Youth Choir Annual Concert

The Bahamas National Youth Choir Annual Concert

 
Forget what you know. The iconic mainstage at the Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts is reopening in the month of March 26th, and it’s bringing a new era of sound with it. This isn’t just a reopening; it’s a cultural reset, headlined by The Bahamas National Youth Choir like you have never heard them before.

We listened. You loved the energy and the pride, but you were tired of the same old songs. So during the closure, we went back to the lab.

Monday, March 16, 2026

The Silent Struggle: Understanding Depression in Children and Adolescents

 
Mother shouting at child washing dishes

"Depression Dismissal" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

The Silent Struggle: Understanding Depression in Children and Adolescents

Depression is often mischaracterized as a "grown-up" problem—a byproduct of bills, career stress, or mid-life crises. However, for millions of children and teenagers, depression is a visceral, daily reality that shapes their development and determines their outlook on life. Unlike adults, who may have the vocabulary or agency to seek help, young people often navigate this darkness while tethered to systems—family, school, and peer groups—that may not understand or acknowledge their pain. The intersection of developmental vulnerability and social invalidation creates a uniquely challenging environment for youth, making it one of the most critical public health issues of the modern era.

Saturday, March 14, 2026

Back To Da Park

 
Back To Da Park poster

Eleuthera Baseball Association in conjunction with
Twin City Legends presents
 

Back To Da Park

 
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Twin City Park
Palmetto Point, Eleuthera
 
Starting at 11AM
 
Kids Eat Free 

All Eleuthera Junior Junkanoo Parade 2026 - TODAY

 
All Eleuthera Junior Junkanoo Parade 2026

All Eleuthera Junior Junkanoo Parade 2026

 
Sat. March 14, 2026
Governor's Harbour Homecoming Site
Start time: 6:00PM 

Friday, February 27, 2026

To Sir, with Love II


  

 
In honour of Black History Month Native Stew presents To Sir, with Love II starring Sidney Poitier.
 
After 30 years of teaching in London, Mark Thackeray retires and returns to Chicago. There, however, the challenge of teaching kids in an inner-city school proves to be too much to resist.

Monday, February 23, 2026

The Architect of the Mind: The Importance of Reading and the Gift of Literacy

 
Two smiling teens sitting on beach smiling while reading books.

"Happy Readers" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano


The Architect of the Mind: The Importance of Reading and the Gift of Literacy

 

Introduction

To read is to engage in a silent conversation with the greatest minds of history. It is a cognitive feat that the human brain was never biologically "wired" to perform, yet it has become the bedrock of modern civilization. Reading is not merely a mechanical skill; it is an architectural process that reshapes the brain, builds the foundations of empathy, and serves as the primary engine for social and economic mobility. Understanding the importance of reading, and the vital necessity of teaching it effectively, is essential for the flourishing of both the individual and society.

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Grand Bahama Student Eco Art Contest: From Waste, We Create!


An Eco-Art & Sculpture Contest for Students

From Waste, We Create!

Awarding Young Artists & Visionaries who want to help bring awareness to how climate change and global pollution affect our island nation.
 
From Waste, We Create!

The From Waste, We Create! Eco-Art & Sculpture Competition is a dynamic, island-wide movement that empowers Grand Bahama’s youth to take action for our island and ocean - through creativity, teamwork, and environmental pride.
 

Celebrating Bahamian Talent, Smart Tech, and Project Opportunities

 
242 Culture

Smart Tech Choices, Sharade Taylor's Upcoming Show, and New Opportunities in March
 
Students

For Safer Internet Day 2026, BTC hosted a youth forum at Fusion Superplex to promote the theme “Smart Tech, Safe Choices.” Students from seven schools met with experts and law enforcement to talk about AI, cybersecurity, and how to act responsibly online. The event focused on giving young people real-world advice for staying safe in a digital world. Read more>>

Friday, January 23, 2026

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Education: Boys Behind Girls


Boy and girl students standing on beach

"Up and Coming" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

 

Education: Boys Behind Girls

 

Why are Bahamian boys significantly falling behind girls in reading and writing proficiency?

Research on the wider Caribbean (including The Bahamas) suggests a mix of social, cultural, pedagogical and systemic factors that help explain why boys often lag behind girls in reading and writing. Here’s a breakdown of the main explanations researchers identify.

What do we know: the pattern holds in the Bahamas & Caribbean

  • In the Bahamas specifically, reports show that girls consistently outperform boys in English-language (reading/writing) subjects in the BGCSE exams. Bahamas Local

  • More generally across the Caribbean, studies find that though access to education is roughly equal for boys and girls, girls tend to do better academically — especially in language, reading and writing — while boys underperform, repeat grades more, drop out more often, or enrol less in secondary and tertiary levels. Inter-American Development Bank

  • International evidence shows this is not unique to the Caribbean: globally, in many education systems, boys tend to lag behind girls in reading and literacy. UNESCO

So the phenomenon is well-documented. The big question is why.

Thursday, November 27, 2025

Island Surprise: A Bahamian Adventure

 
Book cover of children on beach

Kids embark on a magical journey with 
Island Surprise: A Bahamian Adventure
 
 

New book by Fay Knowles 

At the golden age of eighty-one, I’m excited to announce the launch of my first children’s book - “Island Surprise: A Bahamian Adventure”!

Action packed and heart-warming! Children will love and learn from this fun adventure story of family togetherness, simplicity and resilience.

Friday, October 24, 2025

Junkanoo: Securing Cultural Heritage Through Youth Engagement

 

 

Sammy, CJ an' da Boys - Junkanoo Jam - ©A. Derek Catalano
 
Joe Billy Park, Fowler St.
Nassau, Bahamas.
 

Junkanoo: Securing Cultural Heritage Through Youth Engagement

The rhythmic pulse of the goatskin drum, the incessant clang of the cowbell, and the kaleidoscope of crepe paper costumes—this is Junkanoo, the quintessential cultural expression of The Bahamas. More than a celebratory street parade held on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, Junkanoo is a vibrant, living repository of Bahamian identity, history, and artistic genius. However, like any cherished tradition, its survival is not guaranteed. The intentional, detailed, and comprehensive transmission of the Junkanoo culture to the upcoming youth is not merely desirable but foundational to the nation's cultural future, ensuring that this ancestral celebration continues to evolve while honoring its profound roots.

Monday, October 20, 2025

Tropic Swim

 
Smiling children swimming in tropic sea.

"Tropic Swim" - Bahamas AI Art
©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 1200x1200

Monday, September 1, 2025

The Profound Impact of Father Absence: A Crisis of Modern Family Dynamics

Father leaving child.

"Daddy Gone" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

The Profound Impact of Father Absence: A Crisis of Modern Family Dynamics

The conventional family structure has undergone significant shifts in recent decades, with one of the most profound being the rise of the single-parent household. While diverse family arrangements can and do foster healthy environments, a notable concern within this trend is the phenomenon of the absentee father. An absentee father is defined not only by physical absence but also by a lack of consistent emotional, financial, and psychological involvement in a child’s life. This widespread issue is a complex tapestry woven from various socioeconomic, historical, and personal factors, and its ripple effects extend far beyond the family unit, impacting individual children, mothers, and society as a whole. A comprehensive analysis of this crisis reveals its profound and often detrimental consequences, highlighting the critical role of a father's presence and engagement in a child's development.

Friday, August 29, 2025

The Current State of Education in The Bahamas and Pathways for Improvement

 
Teacher and students mural on building.

"Education in The Bahamas Mural" - Bahamas AI Art
©A. Derek Catalano

 

The Current State of Education in The Bahamas and Pathways for Improvement

 

Introduction

Education in The Bahamas is a critical pillar of national development. With a population of just over 400,000, the nation relies heavily on human capital to sustain its economy, particularly in tourism, financial services, and emerging sectors like technology. The Bahamian government invests significantly in education, but systemic challenges remain. This report provides an in-depth overview of the current state of education in The Bahamas, identifies key strengths and weaknesses, and outlines comprehensive recommendations for improvement.

Friday, August 22, 2025

The Negative Impact of Bad Parenting

 
Crying child with mother on smartphone.

 "Neglect" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

The Negative Impact of Bad Parenting

Introduction

Parenting is a journey, a demanding and rewarding one that shapes not only an individual's life but also the future of society. However, when this journey is poorly navigated, it can lead to devastating consequences. Bad parenting, a complex issue with multiple facets, can leave an indelible mark on a child's psyche, emotional well-being, and social development. This article delves into the core of bad parenting, exploring its various forms, its profound impact on children and society, and the potential solutions that can foster a healthier and more nurturing environment for future generations.

Monday, August 18, 2025

Disturbed and Violent Children: Unraveling the Path to Psychopathy and the Urgency of Intervention

 
Close-up of face of angry child.

 
"Child Psychopath" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

Disturbed and Violent Children: Unraveling the Path to Psychopathy and the Urgency of Intervention

The image of a violent criminal often conjures a fully-formed adult, but the roots of such dangerous behavior are almost always found in a troubled childhood. While it's crucial to understand that not all troubled children will become dangerous criminals, a small but significant number display early warning signs of a deeply disturbed psychological state that, if left unaddressed, can pave the way to a life of crime and profound harm to others. This blog post delves into the complex world of these children, exploring the origins of their violent tendencies, the urgent need for psychiatric help, and the devastating trajectory they can follow toward becoming psychopathic criminals.