In an unprecedented move, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is set to launch the first-ever region-wide Student Census on November 11, 2025. This groundbreaking initiative will allow students from kindergarten to Form 5 across the OECS to directly influence the future of education by sharing their authentic voices and experiences. The census aims to provide invaluable insights for governments, educators, and policymakers to create more inclusive, equitable, and student-centered learning environments. Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS, emphasized the historical significance of this initiative, stating, ‘For the first time anywhere in the world, every student will take part in a single, region-wide Student Census. This is a true census, giving every child the chance to be heard.’ Sisera Simon, Head of the Human and Social Division at the OECS Commission, highlighted the transformative potential of the census, noting that it will capture accurate, up-to-date information on every student, enabling the development of policies that truly respond to their needs and aspirations. The census will be conducted anonymously and confidentially, ensuring that students can express themselves freely and safely. The data collected will inform the new 10-Year OECS Education Sector Strategy (2027–2037), anchoring it in the lived experiences of students. Parents, caregivers, and community members are encouraged to support the census by promoting student participation and spreading awareness. The OECS Student Census is a bold step toward building education systems that reflect the true realities of learners today, amplifying the voices of over 100,000 students across the region.
