These public discussions usually delve into other facets of the educational experience, which, they think, may contribute to such poor and lackluster performances from the nation's youth–facets such as the lack of discipline in the schools, poor teaching, school violence, and the lack of after-school programs to channel the students’ energies into more productive paths.

Indeed, there are strong voices that cry that schools are not doing enough to solve the issues facing the youth. They cry that schools are not doing enough to solve the drug problem, to solve the gang problem, to solve the teen pregnancy problem or to solve the problem of poor performance. More and more, our society has come to view schools as saviors of the nation's lost and drifting youth. Successive governments and civic organizations are pumping more and more money and resources into the nation's schools as if to say,

1. Probably, if schools had more computers, the violence would disappear.

2. Probably, if they had a swimming pool, the drug problem would disappear.

3. Maybe, just maybe, if they had more after-school programs, the boys would not be attracted to gangs.

4. Probably with all these things, schools could do magic tricks and pull perfect students out of their hats.

But, when we hear the Director's Report, when we hear about students attacking teachers, when we hear about parents attacking school administrators, we must conclude that schools in the Bahamas are having serious problems. The question then, is, "are the problems facing schools generated by the schools themselves or are these problems merely symptomatic of a larger underlying problem--one that our society seems reluctant to address as vigorously as it seems to put pressure the schools?"

As an educator, I feel that too many of us in this country have generally lost sight of the importance of the home as the building block of society. And I believe that many of us as parents have basically lost sight of the importance of the home as our children's first school. Even as I speak, the whole society is under siege by its own youth because the home has become, for far too many, a forgotten school. Now, before I go any further just let me say that all schools have a responsibility to their students, and the government and civic organizations are doing their best to render support to the Nation’s youth through the schools.

However, the fact of the matter is, as Jansen Trotman puts it, "No nation, society or church can be any stronger than the families that comprise it. Strong {homes and} families make strong. . . societies. History has taught us that no nation can neglect the home with impunity. The rise and fall of nations bear a clear relationship to the attention or neglect given to the home."

"If force of arms and laws could have kept a nation or empire strong, then, ancient Rome, under the Caesars, would never have been vanquished. If philosophy, scholarship and culture could have kept a nation or empire from being defeated, then Greece with its Socrates, Plato and Aristotle would have been everlasting."

What if our homes were given grades for how well we rightly train our children? Would our grades be any better than those given yearly in the Director's Report?

It is said that truth is oftentimes stranger than fiction. And it is interesting to note that the 12 years of 180 six-hour days in elementary and secondary school adds up to 12,960 hours, is only 13 percent of the waking time during the first 18 years of life, given time loss through tardiness and absences. On the other hand, through the formative years until the end of high school, parents influence either directly or indirectly 87 percent of a child's waking time that is spent outside the school. This is by far the largest fraction of a child's life and denotes with confidence the importance of the home influence.

Indeed, it is a strange fact that society would become fixated with schools which influence just 13 percent of child's waking time, and seemingly turn a blind eye to the home which influences 87 percent of a child's waking time. But why is it like this? Why isn't more attention being placed on the home as an answer to the problems facing our schools and our society? Could it be that the sheer magnitude of the breakdown in the home is just too much to bear? Could it be that the huge tide of family woes is so overwhelming that we just don't know where to start?

Well, one thing's for sure, and it's that we cannot transfer parental responsibility to the school. God does not absolve parents from their sacred duty to educate their children. Children must be educated before they reach formal schools. They must be educated spiritually, socially and intellectually in order to embrace the world of formal schooling. For too many children, the only training they apparently receive before first entering school is potty training. The rest is obviously up to the teacher. (The above is the first of three segments of a sermon delivered by Mr. Marcus Rahming, Vice Principal of Bahamas Academy Secondary Division, on May 17, 2003, at the Berea Seventh-day Adventist Church.)

It is almost time for our young people to go to camp. In a few months, this site will be filled with eager, energetic boys and girls. Since February, work has been ongoing. On Sunday past, a group of volunteers and Pathfinders spent several hours preparing the ground and working on the buildings. However, your help is needed in these two months just before summer camp.

At present, there are two buildings on the camp site. Our goal is to complete both buildings before July. In addition, proper electrical supply, lights, bathroom and shower facilities need to be in place. The grounds also need to be ready for the pitching of tents. With your assistance, we can accomplish these objectives.

The Pathfinder song says, "We are the Pathfinders Strong." Each year accolades are poured upon our Pathfinders as the largest youth group in the country. Also each year we have the largest number of young people on the national youth parade. Now is the time for

the strength and numbers of our churches and Pathfinder clubs to be utilized.

No, we are not asking for the thousands. We are asking for volunteers--committed members and Pathfinders--to offer time and resources to complete our camp, B.A.M.I.V.O.C.A. In conjunction with VBA each Pathfinder Club is called upon to allocate one Sunday each month to work at the camp site.

The Pathfinder Council has organized a schedule for each Pathfinder Club, along with other members, to assist on the following Sundays:

1. May 25 and June 29-- Centreville, Bethany, Ephesus

2. June 1 and July 6 - Hillview, Francophone, Bethel, Ebenezer

3. June 8 and July 13 -Grant’s Town, Good News, Breath of Life

4. June15 and 20 July -Johnson Park, New Providence, New Englerston, Berea

5. June 22 -Living Faith, Maranatha, Philadelphia

VBA Needs You Although the Volunteer Bahamas Adventist program is providing meaningful assistance to a number of building projects, more volunteers are needed to sustain and expand the program. Please contact the treasurer of your church, or stop by the Conference Office for an application form, fill it in and return it with your membership fee.  See Web Page

Veteran Pastor-Educator Receives OBE at Government House On Thursday, May 22, Pastor Hugh A. Roach received the insignia of an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (Civil Division). Dr. Roach was one of several distinguished Bahamians who were congratulated by Her Excellency Dame Ivy Dumont, Governor-General of the Bahamas, at an impressive ceremony held for the honourees in the presence of relatives and friends.

Currently serving as Pastor of the Maranatha Seventh-day Adventist Church, Pastor Roach was saluted in the Queen’s 2003 New Year’s Honours for "exemplary service to the religious and moral development of The Bahamas."

This issue of the EDUCATION CORNER is dedicated to all students who will graduate during the month of June. We say congratulations and best wishes to all who will graduate from elementary, secondary, or tertiary levels of education. You've worked hard to get to this level. Continue to ascend, with God's help, to higher heights.

I would like to especially extend congratulations to two of our staff members who graduated this past weekend from Sojourner-Douglass College: Bridgette Bell and Latesha Clarke. Bridgette Bell is the secretary to the Principal and Business Manager at Bahamas Academy, and she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor's degree in Information Systems Administration. Miss Bell is a member of the New Providence Church and is known for her lovely singing, especially with the popular gospel group Harmonious Praise. Latesha Clarke is a Grade One teacher with the Elementary Division and she also graduated cum laude with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. Mrs. Clarke is a member of the Good News Church. We are so proud of these individuals, especially because they achieved their goals while working full time.

It was also noted at that graduation service that several church members also received their bachelor’s degrees and we want to extend congratulations to them as well: Cassandra Lewis who graduated summa cum laude and was Salutatorian of the Class (Johnson Park Church); Verna Lewis, magna cum laude (Johnson Park); Michael Smith, Dean's List (New Providence); Sophie Ingraham (New Providence), Glendina Rahming, Dean's List (New Providence); Bertram Clarke, magna cum laude (Good News); Jennifer Bain, Dean's List; and Raymond King (Centreville), who was President of the Class, graduated summa cum laude and was also Valedictorian.

We have further received word that several of our graduates have gone on to college, completed four years and recently graduated with tertiary degrees. Hearty congratulations are extended to: Anson Albury, Shonet Brown, Inga Burrows, Kimberley Roach, and Maxine Brown who all graduated from Oakwood College. Maxine Brown graduated magna cum laude. Carla Hamilton and Tamica Duncombe also graduated from Oakwood. Boneicia Forbes graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of Tampa. Bahamas Academy would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Paul Lewis who recently achieved his CPA certification and is currently employed at Price Waterhouse.

Finally, we want to say congratulations to the 62 students from the Elementary Division who will be promoted from Grade Six to Grade Seven of the Secondary Division in a special service to be held at the Church of God Auditorium, Joe Farrington Road, tomorrow, June 1, beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Fifty-two students from Grade 12 will also graduate on Sunday, June 8, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Sheraton Grand Hotel on Paradise Island. -Lynn C. Smith, Principal

New Providence Church to Host A Marriage Enrichment Seminar & Retreat The New Providence Church Family Life department presents "A Marriage Enrichment Seminar and Retreat" June 13 to 15, 2003, at the Holiday Inn, Paradise Island Sun Spree Resort, Paradise Island. Facilitators are Pastor Peter Joseph, Mrs. Pansy Hamilton-Brown, Pastor Michael A. Smith, Dr. Alvira Higgs and Pastor Barrington H. Brennen. For tickets and accommodations (all inclusive), call Mrs. Geneva Mortimer at 324-8556 Hm., 502-7479 Wk. This seminar is billed as inspiring and motivational.

Teachers’ Appreciation Week Teachers are called " not to remake students, but to help them become the absolute best that God intended." And it came to pass that the week May 19 to 23, 2003, was dubbed Teachers’ Appreciation Week. The week started at Bahamas Academy Elementary with a bang! The pampering began early Monday morning, when the teachers were treated to a "continental" breakfast, complete with individual vases filled with red, peach, pink and white carnations, surrounded by green ferns interspersed with soft babies breath. Vice-principal Mrs. Celeste Creighton and Senior Mistress Mrs. Hermia Brown pronounced blessings for the week.

The Parent-Teacher Association made its presence felt daily as the high-spirited chaplain, Mrs. Brenda Scott, gave the teachers physical food and food for thought as she encouraged them to trust God for guidance and pray as they relate daily to the boys and girls. She gave personal anecdotes of the indelible mark teachers have made on children and the impact they have on young lives. On Wednesday, each teacher was presented with an "energy box" filled with goodies (provided by the PTA) to act as stress relievers throughout the day.

On Thursday evening the teachers were allowed to let their "hair down" as they were feted by the Executives of the Bahamas Conference of SDA at the Seaside Buffet at Crystal Palace. The ambiance was perfect, the camaraderie great, the laughter captivating, the food -simply delicious. Executive Secretary Pastor Danny Clarke, in his speech to the teachers, encouraged them to continue to work hard as he is convinced that in Heaven there will be a special place marked "Teachers" as on this earth teachers will never truly get the rewards they deserve.

Treasurer Mr. C. Melvin Lewis expressed profound thanks to the teachers for their hard work and dedicated service. He also brought greetings on behalf of President Dr. Leonard A. Johnson who also wished God’s continued blessings on the teachers.

On Friday morning, each teacher received a cup with her /his Christian name, its Greek, Latin or English origin complete with its meaning and the teacher’s characteristics. Truth be told, the information was right on target--kudos to the Administration. In addition to that, each teacher received a non-negotiable personal "check" of $1,000,000 from Lynn’s Thank you and Trust Bank - The Bank that Pays Daily Interest and High Gratitude- - Bank Manager Principal Mrs. Lynn Smith.

Not to be outdone, the wonderful boys and girls in their unique way on a daily basis presented gifts, tokens and cards to their teachers, expressing deep love and appreciation.

"Some rely on stocks and bonds

In order to gain security

Teachers invest in children’s lives

And are builders for eternity." And thus it was, that a well deserved week came to an end and entered into the school’s annals Selah - Chloe Dawn Weir, Teacher, BA Elementary Division

June 21- Children’s Church during Convention Sabbath will be held at the Philadelphia Church from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Children, aged 5 to 12, will be accommodated. Parents are asked to drop their children off at the church and they will be bussed back to the Church of God Auditorium after the service. -Cheryl R. Rolle, Children’s Ministries Director

ABC On The Move Tonight The ABNC will be at the Maranatha Church, Prince Charles Drive, tonight, May 31, 2003. Yes, you read that right. At set of sun our mobile units will be available for your convenient shopping. Visit us during regular store hours: Monday to Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday and Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Sabbath School Supplies are packed and ready for collection. -Kenny Deveaux, ABNC Manager

Free Concert at Philadelphia The Bahamas Christian Chorale will present Handel’s Messiah Part II at the Philadelphia SDA Church in Elizabeth Estates tomorrow, June 1, 2003, at 8:00 p.m. A soft offering will be lifted. Registration is ongoing at the Conference Office and at Bahamas Academy for the 16^th Annual Jeff Rodgers Basketball Camp planned for June 30^th to July 25, 2003.

Spirit Lyrics, a program for persons to share in poetry, prose, and drama, will be held at New Providence Church tonight at 7:30.

Thank you Heartfelt thanks from the McKinney family for your prayers on behalf of Pastor S. N. McKinney who was hospitalized. He is at home and much better. -Ruth McKinney