Education
The Abaco education system has faced many challenges over the recent years. In September 2019, Hurricane Dorian destroyed many of the schools on the island, forcing all to close. Then COVID-19 hit, further shuttering schools. Over the next two years, students adapted through hybrid learning, with most learning virtually and a few in-person classes. This caused problems for educators, students, and parents, as many learners slipped through the wide cracks in the education system and fell multiple grade levels behind in core subjects such as reading and math.
Most students were out of the physical classroom for three years.
Many students are two to three years behind peers on other Bahamian islands in Reading and Math Literacy.
A teacher shortage exists since affordable housing is challenging to obtain.
School violence has risen as youth activities were stopped for three years.
What We Do
Educating the next generation can transform the mind and establish strong communities. Through our programs, we focus on partnering with the existing education system by providing resources and expertise in areas that are difficult for the existing schools to overcome. First, we meet with school administrators, teachers, and parents to identify the problems. Second, we do initial assessments and educational screenings for students to determine their current academic levels. Then, we create world-class learning environments with skilled teachers to provide intervention strategies to bring students to grade level and build character development programs in the school. By intentionally investing in these areas, we bring long-term sustainable change through the public education system.
ARK Program
The Academic Recovery for Kids (ARK) program provides students with academic resources, with an emphasis on Reading and Math Literacy for students below grade level. This is accomplished through the development of a library and resource center, along with reading and math researched-based instruction on foundational skills missed when school was shut down for three years. Implemented by a full-time certified teacher, along with a teacher’s aide, identified students in grades 3-6 have two 40-minute classes per week or one 80-minute class per week with a 1:5 teacher-student ratio. These reading and math classes align with The Bahamas Educational Curriculum enhanced with suitable leveled instruction and materials. The pilot ARK program is located in Central Abaco Primary School (CAPS), a public school of roughly 800 students in Dundas Town, Bahamas.
Character Development
This program is designed for all 800 students at the public Central Abaco Primary School (CAPS) located in Dundas Town, Bahamas. With an emphasis on biblically-based character development, it instills needed life and leadership skills into all students. Given the trauma most have experienced in recent years, as well as the shuttering of youth programs for over three years, this is a critical component in curbing school violence and building healthy communities. This is a semi-monthly program, held in the library, and taught by intentional teachers on each subject matter.
CAPS Library
When we met with the Central Abaco Primary School (CAPS), there was not any library in the school. In 2023, Many Hands built a library for the public school, equipping it with books, learning materials, and appropriate learning technology. CAPS students in grades 2-6 visit the library bi-weekly with their class for character development training and book lessons with book check-out time. Many Hands also purchased the AR book quiz program to fully implement Renaissance Reading tests in school. All books in the library are AR leveled, with appropriate training given to teachers and students about the program.
CAPS Afterschool Reading Literacy Tutoring
The Afterschool Tutoring Literacy Program is for students who have little to no reading skills. These students lack skills due to either missing school or they are English Second Language Learners immigrating to The Bahamas. This is a two-day-a-week program for an hour after school. It primarily focuses on 1st and 2nd graders and is a 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio. There are also light snacks provided to the students.
Our Impact
80
Students in ark
800 students in character development
library created