Educators, students of all ages, parents and the public at large turned out in their hundreds for the first Education Expo held at the Bermuda College on Friday.

The aim of the event was to make the public school education one of the best in the world, according to Dr. Joseph Christopher at the opening of the Expo.The event was opened by Premier Jennifer Smith and Education Minister Paula Cox.

The event included workshops, school exhibitions, vendor displays and various panel discussions, as well as student awards and student entertainment.

Keynote speaker Mychal Wynn, an education consultant and author from Alabama, took addressed his speech to the children rather than the adults in the audience.

He drew the children in with questions about their studies and behaviour. He asked them to admit if they were sent to the office, if they had been talking in class, whether they had been lazy in assignments, or not handed them in at all or on time. All the children responded.

He said: "These children are so smart they outsmart us," adding that youngsters "should set their dreams and to follow them through."

About 40 vendors stalls filled the auditorium of the college offering everything from where to buy educational books to how to keep gifted child interested in learning. And the vendors saw a lot of interest from attendees.

Derek Smith from the Bermuda Careers Centre said: "I have had lots of students discussing going to university. I invited them to come in to our offices for more advice.

"Many young people are not sure of what to study and also whether there is a need for whatever they are doing here on the Island."

"We have been inundated with people today and I think tomorrow will be busier," an excited Mildred Hunt of Al-Mil Books, an educational supplier said.

Representative Benneth Williams of the Family Learning Centre which caters to children who have learning difficulties and also to those who just need to come in and do their homework, said the event was proving productive.

"Today has been a good day for talking to people about what we do and also encouraging volunteers."

The Expo continued on Saturday with workshops are how to deal with a child that is being bullied, how to make the most of a good day, the importance of ensuring that children have an education that is culturally relevant to them and a look at the future possibilities for the public school system.

A black-tie banquet at the Sonesta Beach hotel rounded of the two day Expo.