Persons registering for the Virgin Islands High School Certificate Programme (VIHSCP) were forewarned that it's not an easy walk in the park as it requires commitment and dedicated time to study. Photo: VINO

The programme is designed to give persons an opportunity to acquire a high school diploma in a much shorter time span rather than having to do so in 2-3 years. Photo: VINO

The Minister stated that with the acquisition of the diploma, persons will be able to gain entrance into H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC). Photo: VINO

"This programme is designed for persons who can study independently and I believe that many of you currently hold jobs at this time. I do not want you to think for one minute that because you're only doing five subjects - the four core subjects being Math, English, Social Studies and Science - along with a life-skills subject, that this is an easy feat," Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V Walwyn said.

He was at the time addressing persons who turned out in large numbers for the launch of the programme, "studying independently has become the norm with many universities around the world and requires discipline," he stressed.

Structured studying

According to the Education Minister, it is important for applicants to develop a structured timetable for studies stick to it. "Plan your days properly. Plan when you're going to do what subjects on which days and for how long you will do them. Do not deviate from your plan. Do not allow the time to be wasted and then you try to cram everything in days before the examinations are due. Take this thing seriously because this is serious business."

As a motivator, the Ministry presented registered persons with a challenge, "this programme can be absolutely free of cost to each and every one of you except, of course, for any additional learning material that you may purchase outside of the learning hub."

"The use of the learning hub is free and we have persons on hand after registration who will give you your username and password to access the hub and who will also show you how to use it effectively. The examinations will be free. The weekly tutorials will also be free. But they are only free if you pass all of your examinations on the first try. Which means that we expect you to be prepared before you take the examinations."

Higher education

The programme is designed to give persons an opportunity to acquire a high school diploma in a much shorter time span rather than having to do so in 2-3 years as required by local night schools and is said to be flexible so one does not have to do all five subjects at once.

The Minister stated that with the acquisition of the diploma, persons will be able to gain entrance into H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC). Here, persons can pursue their studies and write for their associate's degree if they so desire then move on to higher academics. 

Also speaking at the launching was Deputy Chief Education Officer Dr Levin Chalwall- Brewley, who lamented on the requirements to be able to receive this certificate and took those present through the process step by step.

Residents of Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke have equal opportunity to access the programme.