The Initiative
Who We Are
The National Transformation Initiative, or more familiarly, the NTI, is dedicated to training, upskilling, empowering and transforming the lives of every Barbadian. We take an inclusive approach towards learning, enabling all students to take part in the learning process and giving them opportunities to realise their potential. Our priority is making the NTI’s learning platform accessible to all Barbadians regardless of their backgrounds, learning styles or abilities. We believe that each Barbadian has the potential to excel if provided with the skills, knowledge and tools.
What We Do
In 2020, the NTI started providing short online courses for Barbadians, including our flagship Citizenship course. By 2021, we partnered with Coursera, the world’s largest online learning platform. Together, we have curated engaging, accredited courses to help Barbadians improve their job-relevant skills that are in high demand locally and globally. Our indigenous courses, which include in-person training, were created by Bajans for Bajans. They are highly practical and essential to successfully navigating life as a Barbadian citizen.
Although training is an integral part of what we do, the NTI is more than a training platform. That is exactly why we changed the word training to transformation in our name! We perform a transformational role that is rooted in our belief that every Barbadian has the power to create change, to improve, and to be empowered in ways that have a positive impact on them on an individual, community and global level. Our commitment is to transform Barbadians through the learning of essential values, skills and knowledge to be citizens of good character, critical thinkers, innovators and strong, confident communicators, all comfortable navigating the digital space.
Mission
To equip every Barbadian with the knowledge, skills and values to be citizens of good character and competence in a digital world.
Vision
A confident, conscious, creative, community-minded citizen empowered to be an active contributor to achieving excellence in a Smart Barbados engaging the world.
Values
Learning Outcomes
We aim to craft STARR Bajans who are confident, engaged, communicative and respectful lifelong learners. As a result, we want each learner to aspire to these values and skills as they pursue a variety of training programs with us:
- Acquire self-awareness and apply management skills to achieve personal well-being and effectiveness.
- Act with integrity and make responsible decisions that uphold moral principles.
- Acquire social awareness and apply interpersonal skills to build and maintain positive relationships based on mutual respect.
- Be resilient and have the ability to turn challenges into opportunities.
- Take pride in our national identity and heritage, have a sense of belonging to Barbados and be committed to nation-building.
- Value Barbados’ socio-cultural sensitivity and promote social cohesion and harmony through genuine care for others.
- Contribute actively to the progress of our community and nation.
- Reflect on and respond to community, national and global issues as an informed and responsible citizen.
Available
NTI Courses
Online Safety Essentials
Be proactive about protecting yourself from potential threats to your personal information, communications and even your overall well-being. Learn how to spot fake news, detect threats and get tips on reducing your exposure to threats.
Citizenship
This course will equip every Barbadian with the knowledge, skills and values needed to be citizens of good character and competence in a SMART Barbados that is engaging with a digital world. It is designed to help participants gain self-confidence and a better understanding of their place in society.
Personal Financial Management
Learn the basic concepts of financial management, how to prepare a budget and how to control your spending based on that budget. The course will examine debt, mortgages, the impact of risk on decision making, and saving for more than just a rainy day.
Beginners Sign Language
Who better than expert Sign Language interpreter Bonnie Leonce to walk you through the fundamentals of American Sign Language (ASL). By the end of this highly practical course, you will be able to sign simple sentences and give a personal introduction!
Entrepreneurship
This introductory course highlights some of the initial questions and decisions that come with business ownership. Starting a business that lasts requires a specific mind-set that you will start to develop to ensure you have what it takes to overcome challenges, identify opportunities and build the support system you need.
Introduction to Coding with Java
Learn what code is and the basic principles of programming with Java. You don’t need any coding experience for this basic course. Plus, your course instructor Chris Welch will be there to support you along the way.
Occupational Safety and Health
This training is extremely vital since we are all exposed to the current health threat of COVID-19. Throughout this course, you will learn preventative and protective measures for safe and healthy working conditions that mitigate against workplace related accidents
Core Skills
Learn how to understand and respond to change. Gain appropriate self-knowledge as well as the skills necessary to develop and use a personal strategy for adapting to change, in general, and in the workplace, in particular.
Popular NTI
Courses
Brand & Content Marketing
Product Development and Branding for Creatives: Branding: The Creative Journey
Accounting for Decision Making
Hospitality and Revenue Management: Revenue Optimization and Management
Copyright Law: Music Business
Music Business: Make Professional Music
Sustainable Tourism
Sustainability: Sustainability Practices for Tourism
Solar Energy Basics
Renewable Energy: Solar
Management & Leadership
Start or Grow Your Business: Business English
Sustainable Agricultural Management
Sustainability: Agriculture
Sales & Marketing Alignment
Start or Grow Your Business: SME Deep Dive: Sales