A history of Bahamian education

Abstract

The Bahamas were annexed by the Crown in 1629 but, for a century, there was no progressive settlement, Early in the eighteenth century the island s were abandoned to the nefarious activities of pirates. Government reverted t o the Crown in 1718 and ordered development began. Education of the children of the colonists was begun in 1734 by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel but State aid was given as early as 1746. Little progress was made for a century but the advent of loyalists from the American Colonies in 1784 had a beneficial influence. With the need f o r educating the liberated slaves a Board of Education was appointed in 1836. There ensued a denominational struggle for control which was resolved by removing the schools from the control of all the churches. At the same time an Inspector was appointed but progress was hindered by lack of teachers and money and by the geographical nature of the colony. Blockade-running during the American Civil war made more money available and a series of inspectors and teachers was appointed from England. Slow but steady progress was effected, the " British Schools" being adopted as a model, Compulsory attendance became universal in 1886 but the number of schools remained totally in sufficient until 1920. Income from boot-legging during American prohibition resulted in rapid expansion both in the number of primary schools and in the provision of secondary education for negroes. The last twenty years have witnessed improvement in teachers' qualifications and the provision of scholarships for higher education. The out islands are far behind Nassau in educational facilities which are uncoordinated in the colony as a whole. Introductory chapters furnish a background of general history and of conditions in the colony at present. Final chapter applies the lessons of history to educational policy for the future.