(EMU) – St. Kitts, April, 20, 2016: With the aim of improving the quality of education and training at all levels, The Ministry of Education officially launched the St. Kitts and Nevis National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Document on Thursday 20th April at the Bird Rock Beach Hotel.
The objective of the National Qualifications Framework is, to provide a process in which the Ministry of Education would be able to identify the competencies in the Qualifications Framework that can be used to assess specific practical skills at various levels from the technical and vocational programmes to the doctoral level. It sets a structured, tiered and seamless system in place for certification at all levels.
The St. Kitts and Nevis Accreditation Board was charged with the responsibility of implementing, promoting and hosting the register of qualifications for this framework. Mrs. Trisha Francis, Director of the SKN Accreditation Board Secretariat stated, “We are pleased to welcome this task as we strive to improve quality of education within the Federation through the promotion of quality assurance in education.”
The National Qualifications Framework document would be used to determine equivalency of qualification of those who have been certified by international educational bodies. Additionally, travelling nationals with these competencies would be recognized on a regional and international level. It is also expected to significantly contribute to the realization of a cost effective and efficient education system.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Hon. Shawn Richards, thanked all involved in the development of the National Qualifications Framework especially the team of Consultants led by Dr. Lucy Steward. The Minister highlighted some benefits that the NQF Document would bring to the citizens of the Federation.
Minster Richards expounded that this would include, “transforming education and training provisions and enabling citizens to identify opportunities to realize their full potential.” He noted the full support of the Government which he said recognized that the framework can serve as a map for continuing and lifelong education and training. “I am pleased to report that cabinet was satisfied that the structure and content of the document when finalized will go a long way towards strengthening education and training at all levels.”
In addition to the NQF, a Quality Assurance Manual was also developed. This was created for institutions and other education providers to ensure quality of programmes.
The development of the NQF was made possible through funding and technical assistance from the European Union.
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