NATCOM (SKN) - Basseterre: June 26, 2014: The Ministry of Education in St. Christopher and Nevis welcomed members of a technical advisory team from UNESCO who came to the Federation on a three day sensitization visit geared at preparing stakeholders for an Education Policy Review.
Dr. Neva Pemberton, Education Planner in Nevis and National Coordinator to guide the Review process revealed that the team visited both St. Kitts and Nevis to conduct their initial assessment. They also .familiarized key persons with the stages of the process as well as what would be required of them.
Dr. Pemberton explained, “In order for the Ministry to develop and impactful strategic plan in a timely and efficient manner the technical expertise and assistance is required. So we requested that Assistance from UNESCO who graciously accepted.”
She added that Ministries of Education across the Eastern Caribbean adopted the OECS Education Sector Strategy in 2012 with a vision of “Every Learner Succeeding”. As such, the Ministry which had been guided by its White Paper on Education since 2009 reviewed its existing policy to align with the OECS policy.
Commenting on UNESCO’s longstanding co-operation with the Federation, Team Leader and Director of the Division for Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems Mr. David Atchoarena said that having recently completed a technical mission specific to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), his team was ready to move forward on another phase of assistance to the Federation.
Mr. Atchoarena expressed that the visit would not be limited to Education Officials. “We are also going to meet with representatives of the community at large; civil society organizations and private sector representatives so that we will have a good understanding at the end of these discussions of where the major challenges are as perceived by a broad range of stakeholders.”
Education officials at the sensitization session divulged information about critical issues in advancing the sector including the standardization of processes among primary and secondary schools; social promotion; succession planning; staff management; in-service support, as well as transition from primary to high school, among others.
The UNESCO Official shared with participants the intended roadmap for the review; steps in policy formulation generally, the format that the policy review would take; as well as the timeline for the completion of the policy reviews.
Education Specialist of the UNESCO, Jamaica Cluster Office, Mr. Robert Parua who was also a member of the visiting team informed the Education Officials that as a member of the United Nations, the Federation is in a position to benefit from some of its high policies and standards in the area of human development including Education.
The review is expected to be completed in seven months and should be handed over in January of 2015.
Secretary General Mr. Anotnio Mayanrd said he was certain that the Mission would run smoothly especially in light of UNESCO’s expertise as the leading global agency on Education matters.
The team met with Minister of Education and Information, Hon. Nigel Carty and Permanent Secretary of Education Mrs. Ionie Liburd-Willett during their visit.
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