HEADTEACHER: MR. Paulanthony Skerrett
My multifaceted journey through life has been defined by diverse experiences and significant transitions that have not only shaped my career but also underscored my unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in various fields. It all began at an early age when I started working as a car washer at the tender age of 8. This early introduction to the workforce was a result of my mother’s struggles to raise four children. It instilled in me values of hard work, determination, and a deep sense of responsibility. These values would go on to influence the trajectory of my multifaceted career.
One of the pivotal facets of my professional life is my role as an educational consultant. In this capacity, I leverage my expertise in curriculum development and instructional design to support schools in achieving their educational objectives. My work involves close collaboration with educators to create effective learning materials and strategies, contributing to the improvement of educational experiences for students and the overall quality of education.
In addition to my work as an educational consultant, I ventured into the world of event organization. I organized the U Can Dance festival in the Caribbean, an event that celebrates the region’s rich cultural heritage through dance. The festival not only brings the diverse cultures of the Caribbean to the forefront but also fosters a sense of community and cultural pride among its people.
Expanding the spectrum of my professional roles, I serve as the Vice Chairman for Africa Active. In this capacity, I actively advocate for physical fitness and wellness initiatives across the African continent. Promoting health and well-being is a fundamental pillar of thriving communities, and I am deeply committed to making a meaningful impact in this area of community development.
As the Artistic Director for SABA, I curate artistic programs and collaborate with talented artists to enrich the cultural landscape. The arts have a unique power to connect people, bridge divides, and inspire creativity, and my work in this capacity aims to contribute to the cultural vibrancy and creativity of the community.
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In recent years, I have dedicated a significant part of my life to creating the Antigua and Barbuda U CAN DANCE festival. Over the past eight years, this festival has garnered significant recognition and support. The High Commissioner of Antigua and Barbuda has praised and endorsed the event, recognizing its cultural significance. Furthermore, the Youth Ministry has also extended its support to this initiative, leading to the festival’s establishment as an annual event in the country.
This annual festival plays a crucial role in supporting children’s growth, not only in terms of education but also in the domains of work, fitness, and entertainment through the medium of dance. It stands as a testament to the transformative power of culture and art in positively shaping the lives of the youth and fostering their holistic development.
In addition to all these diverse roles and accomplishments, I also hold the position of IT Manager at Negotiators Ltd, where I assist families with contracts and well-being. In this capacity, I contribute to the efficient functioning of IT systems, ensuring that families have access to the support they need while safeguarding their well-being.
But my journey doesn’t stop here; there’s a pivotal transformation that took place, largely influenced by a student named Marcus. Marcus, a student from Xpozure, recognized something in me and encouraged me to transition from my role as an IT Specialist to the field of education, believing that I could make a substantial difference. His words struck a chord with me, and in 2013, I made the courageous decision to leave IT behind.
From that point forward, I embarked on a remarkable journey that led me to various roles in education. I became a 1-1 Mentor, Teacher’s Assistant, EBD (Emotional and Behavioral Disorder) Teacher, SEN (Special Educational Needs) Specialist, ICT Teacher, Head of Computer Science, Centre Inclusion Manager, and eventually, I took on the role of the Head Teacher of a Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) School.
As I navigated through these roles, I came to a profound realization: to truly make a difference in the education system, I needed to align with my own values and beliefs. My experiences and the challenges I encountered in schools reinforced the idea that change begins with the individual.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, I took the opportunity to further my qualifications in the field of education. This step marked the inception of the International Institute for Adults (IIFAL). I firmly believe that to make a lasting impact in education, we must empower adults, especially parents, to take control of their children’s education and upbringing.
IIFAL’s core philosophy is about giving control back to parents, equipping them with the tools and support necessary to actively participate in their children’s development. In an era where some schools may fall short of meeting students’ needs adequately, this approach empowers parents to play a more prominent role in their children’s education, fostering stronger roots and providing a foundation for success.
My multifaceted journey, from a young car washer to a multifaceted professional spanning education, culture, cybersecurity, community development, and the arts, has been enriched by diverse experiences and pivotal moments of transformation. The lesson I’ve learned is that personal change is the catalyst for broader change, and by giving parents the tools and support they need, we can contribute to a more empowered and successful generation.
