Education authorities in Antigua and Barbuda have issued an urgent appeal to parents and guardians as the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Student Census approaches its final deadline this week. The Ministry of Education, Sports and Creative Industries revealed that the nation currently trails behind regional counterparts with a concerning 55% participation rate, significantly below the targeted 80% completion benchmark.
With the clock ticking on the region-wide educational initiative, ministry officials emphasize that nearly half of the nation’s student population remains uncounted in this critical data collection effort. The current participation level places Antigua and Barbuda among the lowest-performing OECS member states, highlighting an urgent need for collective action during these final days.
The comprehensive census, conducted simultaneously across all OECS territories, serves as a vital instrument for educational planning and policy formulation. The gathered data will provide unprecedented insights into student demographics, learning environments, and educational needs, enabling evidence-based decision-making for strengthening national education systems.
Education leaders are mobilizing a nationwide coalition involving parents, guardians, school administrators, teachers, and students themselves to accelerate participation rates. The ministry specifically encourages families to dedicate minimal time to complete the digital questionnaire, emphasizing that each response contributes to shaping the future of education in the dual-island nation.
Despite the current shortfall, educational authorities maintain optimism that through concerted community effort, Antigua and Barbuda can not only meet but potentially exceed its participation objectives, ensuring every student’s perspective informs future educational development.