The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has initiated a pioneering region-wide student census, marking a historic milestone in educational development. This comprehensive initiative aims to directly influence the future of education by capturing the voices of every student from kindergarten to secondary level across the OECS member states. Dr Didacus Jules, the OECS Director General, emphasized the transformative potential of this effort, stating, ‘For the first time anywhere in the world, every student will participate in a single, region-wide census. This is not a sample or a survey of a few, but a true census ensuring every child is heard.’
The census, described as a ‘student-voice census,’ is designed to provide accurate, up-to-date insights into the needs and aspirations of students. Sisera Simon, head of the Human and Social Division at the OECS Commission, highlighted its significance, noting, ‘This initiative empowers us to make informed decisions, close gaps, and unlock the full potential of our young people.’ The data collected will directly inform the new 10-Year OECS Education Sector Strategy (2027-2037), ensuring it is grounded in the lived experiences of students.
Students from Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Kitts-Nevis, Montserrat, the British Virgin Islands, and Anguilla are invited to participate anonymously. Their honest feedback on learning, teaching, and school life will provide critical insights for education leaders to improve classroom environments, teaching methods, and overall education systems. The OECS Commission has assured that all data will remain confidential, enabling students to express themselves freely and safely.
This initiative represents a bold step toward creating more inclusive, equitable, and student-centred education systems across the region. By amplifying the voices of over 100,000 learners, the OECS Student Census aims to address the true realities of students today and shape a brighter future for education in the Eastern Caribbean.