On Monday, May 13, 2024, the Minister of Education and representatives from The Berkeley Institute, CedarBridge Academy, and Sandys Secondary Middle School signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with new Signature Learning Partners. Among these partners is Paradise Mobile, Bermuda's first new mobile network since 2005, joined by Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa and BAC Group of Companies. These partnerships support real-world learning within Bermuda's Public School System.
As a Signature Learning Partner, the collaboration with Paradise Mobile offers students real-world experience and exposure to cutting-edge technology, fostering a new generation of tech-savvy entrepreneurs and innovators.
However, as students frequently remind us, access to technology is only as valuable as the knowledge, skills, and capabilities to use it effectively. This understanding is at the core of Bermuda's Public School System's partnership with Paradise Mobile. Through this collaboration, CedarBridge Academy and The Berkeley Institute students can look forward to various opportunities, including internships, career pathways in STEM fields, and entrepreneurship opportunities in FinTech. Starting in 2025, graduating students will have the chance to participate in Accelerators and Incubators, launching start-ups based on next-generation technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML) — all running on the Paradise Network.
The Minister of Education, the Hon. Diallo Rabain, thanked Paradise Mobile for their support and partnership with The Berkeley Institute and CedarBridge Academy.
Minister Rabain stated, "At the heart of our Education Reform is the understanding that to prepare young Bermudians for global competition and local contribution, they must be equipped with essential 21st-century skills, including digital fluency and entrepreneurship. This partnership is a significant step towards achieving that goal."
"The partnership with Paradise Mobile directly aligns with the broader goals of Education Reform and will assist senior school students in achieving one of their graduation requirements to earn an internationally recognized Digital Competency Certificate. This partnership will provide the resources and expertise for students to apply their learning and thrive in a global economy."
Sam Tabbara, CEO of Paradise Mobile, commented: "This collaboration underscores our commitment to helping young Bermudians interested in technology and/or entrepreneurship have the mentorship and experience to build products and services running on our next-generation network. It also will help to create an ecosystem for Bermudians to stay in Bermuda instead of going abroad to pursue technology opportunities. Together, we are building a brighter future, fostering creativity, and nurturing the talent that will drive tomorrow's technological advancements."
From left to right: Principal of CedarBridge Academy, Kenneth Caesar, Minister of Education, Diallo Rabain, CEO of Paradise Mobile, Sam Tabbara, Principal of The Berkeley Institute, Keisha Douglas