Census will inform future human capital policy

(CNS): The results of the national census will be used to make new policies to develop the country’s human capital the education minister said last week. As well as counting the population the census will be measuring a number of other issues the results of which will be available at the end of 2011 officials have said. Minister of Education, Training and Employment, Rolston Anglin said the information from the census would be used to “change, grow and develop for the better” policies I education and employment.

“Data gathered from this census will strengthen our path, supplying us with vital details regarding the education and employment of our people,” the minister said. “It will give us the power to make truly informed decisions on the best legislative and policy reforms necessary for developing our human capital.”

Statistical data from each section is designed to help officials determine issues such as how many special education teachers are needed in our schools, or forecast the number of students likely to live in each district over the next five to ten years. Figures like the national unemployment rate, as well as the percentage of residents employed in each industry will also be calculated.

Chief Education Officer Shirley Wahler added, “A good educational system relies on high-quality information. The more we collectively know about our students and our country, the better we can meet future needs.

The census exercise began on Sunday, 10 October and ends Tuesday, 30 November. Everyone, including children for whom a census activity book has been especially designed, will have an opportunity to participate.