Privately funded programmes are being introduced to the Island’s public schools to make up for cuts in education grants, according to former Education Minister Nalton Brangman.

Sen Brangman said on Wednesday that one such programme has already been launched in the Island’s high schools, representing a $300,000 contribution to public education.

“The plan was never to take taxpayer money out of education without putting anything back,” he said.

The Government has come under fire in recent months due to several changes made to education grants and awards as part of efforts to reduce government spending, with critics last month holding a sit-in protest on Cabinet Grounds.

Speaking in the Senate during the Motion to Adjourn, Sen Brangman said that as Education Minister he had warned that cuts were coming, but also moves would be made to offset any negative impact.

Sen Brangman noted the recently launched General Insurance Certification Programme, which offers public school students the opportunity to earn an Associate in General Insurance designation before they graduate high school.

He said the programme is fully funded by the Bermuda Insurance Institute at a cost of around $300,000, and accepted its first seven students from Berkeley Institute and CedarBridge Academy in January.

The Senator said the programme provides public school students an opportunity to develop skills and earn a valuable qualification while meeting with and learning from industry professionals.

“The programme is the first of its kind in Bermuda’s history, and it was designed by the One Bermuda Alliance,” he said. “The country needs to be assured that while there has been a cut, and it’s a significant one, it’s being offset by industry based investment in our schools, and the first of these programmes has already begun.”