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When discussing educational transformation, the focus often centers on curriculum updates, teacher training, or classroom technology. Rarely do we consider the indispensable role of ancillary staff—the unsung heroes who ensure schools function seamlessly. From opening gates at dawn to maintaining cleanliness, preparing meals, and nurturing school gardens, these workers are the backbone of every institution. Yet, they remain largely invisible, seldom included in conversations about learning. What if we reimagined their roles, recognizing them as vital contributors to education?

Take the school gardener, for instance. Beyond trimming hedges and mowing lawns, they possess a wealth of knowledge about plants, soil, and weather patterns. This expertise connects directly to science, sustainability, and cultural heritage. Imagine students collaborating with gardeners to build a greenhouse, blending biology, climate awareness, and entrepreneurship. Such projects could transform abstract lessons into tangible, experiential learning.

Similarly, canteen staff, who prepare hundreds of meals weekly, hold valuable skills in resource management, food safety, and nutrition. Integrating them into Food and Nutrition classes could bridge theory and practice, allowing students to cook meals served in the school program. This approach not only enriches learning but also fosters respect for the labor behind every meal.

Cleaners, often overlooked, could lead hygiene projects, teaching students about germ hotspots through cleanliness audits. Security staff could conduct safety walks, imparting lessons on observation and responsibility. These initiatives would demonstrate that learning extends beyond the classroom, embedding respect for all contributors to the school environment.

Empowering ancillary staff in this way offers multiple benefits. It validates their expertise, boosts their self-worth, and fosters a sense of belonging. For students, it broadens their understanding of knowledge, showing that learning is practical, diverse, and community-rooted. For schools, it cultivates a culture of mutual respect and care, encouraging students to value their surroundings and the people who maintain them.

While not every staff member may wish to participate, creating opportunities for those who do is essential. Transformation must be flexible, welcoming diverse contributions. Schools already rely on ancillary staff in subtle ways—whether a gardener fixing a broken tool or a canteen worker offering a listening ear. Formalizing these roles through collaborative projects could amplify their impact, reshaping education to be more inclusive and holistic.

Critics may deem this vision impractical, but the real barrier lies in outdated structures. If transformation is to be meaningful, it must challenge these limitations. Ancillary staff are more than their job titles—they are keepers of knowledge and experience. In a reimagined education system, their voices would no longer be silent.

The Barbados Entrepreneurship Foundation (BEF) unveiled its 14th annual $20 Challenge on Thursday, a pioneering initiative designed to foster entrepreneurial skills among students by encouraging them to build businesses from a modest $20 investment. Spearheaded by Executive Chairman Celeste Foster, affectionately known as ‘Madam $20 Challenge,’ the program underscores the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to empowering young Barbadians through practical entrepreneurship. ‘Our mission remains clear,’ Foster emphasized. ‘We are creating platforms to help young people transform their talents into thriving enterprises.’ This year’s challenge introduces innovative elements, including a financial literacy competition, ‘Unlock Your Voice’ workshops, and a networking event in March that connects participants with seasoned business professionals. Students from 17 secondary schools, Barbados Community College, and the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute will receive comprehensive training and mentorship before launching their ventures, which will operate until December 31. The highlight of the program, Market Day, is scheduled for November 22, where participants will showcase their products and services. The initiative culminates in April with final judging and awards recognizing achievements in categories such as Highest Sales, Best Marketing, and Entrepreneur of the Year. Educators have lauded the program for nurturing confidence and creativity among students, while longtime ambassador Tony Curley expressed his admiration for the participants’ ingenuity. ‘Watching their creativity and problem-solving is truly inspiring,’ he remarked. Foster also shared her optimism about future collaborations with the Ministry of Education to integrate entrepreneurship more deeply into the national curriculum. ‘We’re excited about the possibilities,’ she said. ‘Our goal is to ensure entrepreneurship becomes a permanent pillar of education.’ The $20 Challenge continues to demonstrate that with mentorship, innovation, and determination, young Barbadians can transform even the smallest investment into impactful business ideas.