Carib Scope

分类： education

  • Plannen gepresenteerd voor STEM-campus in Diitabiki

    Plannen gepresenteerd voor STEM-campus in Diitabiki

    PARAMARIBO – Ambitious plans for the Gaanman Bono Velantie Campus in Diitabiki, deep within Suriname’s Tapanahony region, were unveiled during an educational conference at the NATIN complex. The visionary initiative, championed by Indigenous leader Gaanman Bono Velantie, aims to dramatically improve educational access for both youth and adults in the nation’s remote interior territories.

    The pioneering campus will house the School for Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management (STEM Diitabiki), delivering practical, skills-based education specifically designed to foster sustainable economic development and entrepreneurial growth within the region. The curriculum will focus on equipping students with immediately applicable technical and business capabilities.

    Notably, the project design emerged from a collaborative effort. Students from the renowned Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands partnered with local institutions NATIN and AMTO to develop the initial concept. Their proposal was informed by comprehensive field research conducted in Diitabiki, combined with prior studies on sustainable construction practices and innovative water management systems tailored to the unique rainforest environment.

    A Surinamese engineering firm has been tasked with the subsequent technical elaboration, ensuring all final plans rigorously comply with national building codes and regulations. The campus infrastructure is slated to include modern workshops and a dedicated business incubator, creating a direct pipeline from education to practical application and stimulating local enterprise.

    To oversee realization and long-term management, the Stichting Gaanman Bono Velantie Campus foundation has been established. A specially appointed working group will provide supervisory governance. The initial operational phase anticipates accommodating approximately 100 students, with a targeted launch of educational activities by October 2026.

  • Coleridge & Parry intensifies efforts to tackle falling grades

    Coleridge & Parry intensifies efforts to tackle falling grades

    In response to declining academic performance in core subjects, Coleridge & Parry School has launched a comprehensive intervention strategy aimed at addressing nationwide trends of underperformance in mathematics and languages. Principal June Moe announced the new measures during Tuesday’s Speech Day and Prize-Giving Ceremony, outlining a multi-faceted approach to personalized learning support.

    The school has developed a specialized program to identify students struggling with numeracy and provide them with intensive, small-group instruction and one-to-one teacher interactions. Additionally, the initiative incorporates peer-assisted learning, enabling high-achieving students to mentor their classmates through structured support systems.

    Teaching methodology will undergo significant transformation toward practical, real-world applications. Educators will employ manipulatives and consumer mathematics examples drawn from daily life experiences to make abstract concepts more tangible. School-Based Assessments will be introduced earlier in the curriculum to strengthen foundational skills.

    Principal Moe identified several contributing factors to the academic decline, including oversized classes and the increasing prevalence of neurodivergent students with diverse learning needs. She noted challenges in obtaining formal diagnoses, explaining that the school relies heavily on parental disclosure of existing conditions.

    The performance analysis revealed particular concerns in English B (literature) and foreign languages, where writing proficiency lags behind verbal competence. While students demonstrate comfort speaking Spanish and French, significant deficiencies persist in written expression and basic reading comprehension.

    Despite these challenges, the school celebrated notable improvements in several subjects including biology, food nutrition and health, principles of business, and visual arts. The ceremony also recognized outstanding academic achievements, with Talesa Boyce receiving the Principal’s Award for Best All-Round Student and Best CXC Examination Performance, while Kianna Clarke and Roshon Codrington shared honors for Leadership.

    Featured speaker Javon Griffith, Chairman of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association, emphasized student accountability in academic success, stating: ‘Excellence is not a single achievement; it is a habit.’ His address underscored the long-term importance of developmental habits formed during school years.

  • St Michael’s student tops Caribbean in green engineering

    St Michael’s student tops Caribbean in green engineering

    In an exceptional academic achievement, Megan Allan from St Michael School has secured the highest regional distinction in the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) Unit 1 for Green Engineering. Her outstanding performance, marked by the only Grade One awarded across the Caribbean in this subject, has drawn commendation from Barbados’ Energy Minister and triggered the establishment of a new national award for young innovators.

    Senator Lisa Cummins, Minister of Energy, personally presented Allan with a special accolade during a ceremony held at the school on Monday. The minister emphasized that Allan’s accomplishment establishes a new benchmark for excellence and demonstrates the profound potential of Barbadian youth to influence the nation’s future trajectory.

    Expressing both surprise and delight, Allan admitted she had not anticipated such significant recognition. ‘I’m feeling pretty good, a little bit shocked,’ she remarked. ‘I wasn’t expecting it at all, and I didn’t know it would be such a big deal. When I saw it online that day at school, I was pleasantly surprised. So I’m shocked but happy.’

    The accomplished student has applied to multiple Canadian universities—McGill, Dalhousie, and the University of Guelph—with plans to pursue marine biology and conservation studies.

    Minister Cummins articulated the critical importance of science and technology disciplines as Barbados advances its energy transition agenda. ‘There are certain subjects that are going to be even more critical for our development as a country,’ she stated. ‘Chemistry, physics, environmental science, and green engineering represent essential skill sets for future careers that will facilitate our energy transition.’

    In response to Allan’s achievement, the Ministry of Energy announced the creation of an annual national prize to encourage future high performers in green engineering. Minister Cummins declared this would be ‘the inaugural prize, not the last,’ committing to ongoing recognition for excellence in this vital field.

  • OPINION l Gadgets: Creating More Problems in Education

    OPINION l Gadgets: Creating More Problems in Education

    Jamaican educational leaders are raising urgent concerns about the pervasive integration of digital devices in classrooms, warning that technological overreliance may be undermining fundamental learning skills. Linvern Wright, President of the Jamaica Association of Principals of Secondary Schools (JAPSS), contends that gadgets frequently create more educational challenges than solutions while depriving students of traditionally acquired critical abilities.

    Wright emphasizes that technological devices often serve as distractions rather than learning aids, particularly when not properly integrated into pedagogical frameworks. He specifically highlights the decline in manual calculation skills due to premature calculator introduction and notes concerning reductions in handwriting practice, which research indicates enhances memory retention and long-term information storage compared to typing.

    These concerns find support in Mark Malabver, President of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA), who urges the Ministry of Education to reassess the nation’s substantial dependence on classroom technology. Malabver references emerging research indicating digital devices may be eroding students’ critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities, contradicting earlier beliefs that technology would serve as an educational “silver bullet.

    The commentary references UNESCO’s 2023 report cautioning that excessive technology use or its substitution for qualified teachers could diminish learning outcomes. While not advocating for complete technology elimination, educators stress the necessity of balancing technological benefits with preserving traditional learning methodologies that foster concentration, independent reasoning, and foundational problem-solving skills.

    Educational stakeholders now call for urgent dialogue with the Ministry of Education to establish equilibrium between technological integration and maintaining essential cognitive skill development in Jamaican classrooms.

  • SGU Scholarship announcement 2026

    SGU Scholarship announcement 2026

    The Grenadian government has partnered with St. George’s University to unveil an extensive scholarship initiative for nationals seeking undergraduate and graduate degrees during the 2026-2027 academic cycle. This collaborative effort encompasses diverse academic disciplines across multiple schools within the university.

    Prospective applicants can pursue opportunities in:

    Undergraduate programs through the School of Arts & Science commencing in both August 2026 (application deadline: June 15, 2026) and January 2027 (application deadline: October 15, 2026). The School of Medicine offers undergraduate studies in Pre-Medicine, Medicine, and Veterinary medicine starting January 2027, with an October 15, 2026 application cutoff.

    Graduate studies include a Master’s in Public Health beginning May 2026 (application deadline: March 30, 2026) and multiple August 2026-start programs: Business Administration, Multi-Sector Health Management, International Business, Clinical Psychology, and Education (application deadline: June 15, 2026).

    Eligibility is restricted to Grenadian citizens who must first obtain formal acceptance from St. George’s University. The comprehensive application package requires: a completed scholarship form obtainable via email or the HRD Resource Hub, two reference letters, certified copies of birth certificates/passports, marriage certificates (if applicable), all academic certificates, official transcripts, SGU acceptance letter, passport photograph, curriculum vitae, and a 500-word personal essay outlining career objectives and their potential benefit to Grenada.

    Document certification is available at the Ministry of Education’s Examination Unit in Tanteen. Completed applications must be delivered to the Human Resource Development Division before the specified deadlines. Additional information is available through provided telephone contacts and email addresses.

  • Isabel Dennis on crusade to create safe learning places

    Isabel Dennis on crusade to create safe learning places

    Educator Isabel Dennis has pioneered an innovative educational framework rooted in Caribbean cultural heritage that is demonstrating remarkable success in transforming the school experience for students. Her groundbreaking Village System, currently being implemented at St. Anthony’s College in Diego Martin, represents the culmination of two decades of research into holistic education methods across multiple countries.

    The system draws inspiration from indigenous Caribbean wisdom preserved through traditional practices like kalinda (stickfighting) from the Bois Academy of Trinidad and Tobago. This approach has been adapted into four foundational pillars: culture, leadership, identity, and values, forming what Dennis describes as ‘restorative discipline.’ Rather than punitive measures, this method emphasizes accountability through constructive dialogue, asking students: ‘What happened?’ ‘Who was affected?’ and ‘How can we make it right?’

    Beyond conflict resolution, the comprehensive program integrates taekwondo, permaculture, and specialized leadership sessions directly into the curriculum. The initiative actively involves both parents and teachers through workshops addressing contemporary parenting challenges and providing educators with practical restorative tools for classroom management.

    Dennis’s motivation stems from personal childhood experiences of emotional insecurity in educational environments, driving her lifelong commitment to ensuring no child feels unsafe in schools. The program has already shown significant impact, with student participation expanding from 35 to 102 participants across three classes following demonstrated success in its initial pilot phase.

    Parental feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with reports of improved confidence, communication, and attitude toward school among participants. The program’s community-led approach demonstrates how educational transformation can occur without massive budgets or infrastructure changes, utilizing existing resources more effectively through culturally relevant methodologies.

    Looking forward, Dennis envisions expanding this model across 50 Caribbean schools within five years, fundamentally shifting educational conversations from exam performance to leadership development and cultural identity. The initiative represents a grassroots movement toward educational systems that honor Caribbean heritage while preparing students to shape their future with confidence and cultural pride.

  • TICA Scholarship announcement for Master’s Degrees

    TICA Scholarship announcement for Master’s Degrees

    In a significant bilateral educational initiative, the Kingdom of Thailand has extended an exclusive scholarship opportunity to Grenadian citizens through its International Cooperation Agency (TICA). This partnership with the Government of Grenada will enable qualified applicants to pursue master’s degree programs at Thailand’s premier academic institutions during the 2026/2027 academic year.

    The comprehensive scholarship package covers graduate studies across multiple disciplines, with detailed program information accessible through TICA’s official digital portal. Prospective candidates must adhere to a dual application process that requires both online submissions through TICA’s platform and physical documentation delivery to Grenada’s Ministry of Education.

    The Human Resource Development Division at Grenada’s Ministry of Education will serve as the primary coordination center for application processing. Interested parties must ensure complete submission of all required materials before the January 29, 2026 deadline. The Ministry has established dedicated communication channels, including telephone numbers (473) 440-2737 and 417-9762, along with email support at hrddedu@gmail.com for applicant assistance.

    This international educational partnership represents a growing trend in South-South cooperation and demonstrates Thailand’s expanding role as a hub for higher education in Southeast Asia. The scholarship program aims to strengthen diplomatic ties while providing Grenadian students with access to Thailand’s renowned academic resources and cultural environment.

  • OAS Scholarship 2026

    OAS Scholarship 2026

    The Organization of American States (OAS), through its Executive Secretariat for Integral Development (SEDI-DHDEE), has partnered with the Government of Grenada to announce comprehensive scholarship opportunities for the 2025 academic year. This initiative offers both undergraduate and graduate funding for Grenadian citizens pursuing higher education in OAS member states.

    Undergraduate scholarships are exclusively available for the final two years of bachelor’s degree programs, while graduate scholarships support master’s and doctoral studies. Awardees will receive comprehensive financial coverage including tuition fees (up to $10,000 annually), health insurance, monthly subsistence allowances, roundtrip airfare, and study materials. The scholarships are tenable at academic institutions across OAS member countries, with priority given to universities participating in the OAS Consortium.

    Eligibility criteria mandate that applicants must be Grenadian citizens in good health, possess language proficiency for their chosen study destination, and commit to returning to Grenada for at least 24 months after program completion. Notably, medical sciences and language learning programs are excluded from this scholarship opportunity.

    The application process requires submission of certified academic documents, recommendation letters, identification documents, and proof of admission or current enrollment. For undergraduate applicants, this includes associate degree transcripts or current progress reports, while graduate applicants must provide documentation of their highest completed degree.

    The selection timeline extends through September 2026, with completed applications due to Grenada’s Ministry of Education by March 2, 2026. Prospective applicants are directed to the OAS scholarship portal (oas.org/en/scholarships) for detailed information and application forms, with additional inquiries handled through the Ministry of Education’s Human Resource Development Division.

  • Cuba Scholarship announcement 2026/2027

    Cuba Scholarship announcement 2026/2027

    In a significant bilateral educational initiative, the Republic of Cuba has partnered with the Grenadian government to offer comprehensive scholarship opportunities for Grenadian nationals for the 2026/2027 academic year. The program encompasses technical diploma, undergraduate, and specialized postgraduate medical studies exclusively for doctors who completed their medical education at Cuban universities.

    Eligibility criteria mandate that applicants must be citizens of Grenada in good health. Age restrictions apply specifically to technical diploma and undergraduate programs, requiring candidates to be between 16 and 25 years of age. The application process requires submission of two copies of all documentation, including a completed scholarship application form obtainable via scholarships.edu@gov.gd, certified copies of birth certificates, valid passport bio-data pages, academic certificates, transcripts from previous institutions, two reference letters, and a 500-word essay addressing how the chosen field of study will contribute to both personal development and Grenada’s future advancement.

    The scholarship package represents a comprehensive support system, covering full tuition fees, accommodation expenses, round-trip airline tickets, and an annual stipend. All application materials must be physically delivered to the Scholarship Desk at the Human Resource Development Division within the Ministry of Education by February 27, 2026.

    Prospective applicants seeking additional information may contact the Human Resource Development Division at (473) 440-2737/2738 or (473) 417-9762, or via email at scholarships.edu@gov.gd. This initiative strengthens educational ties between the two nations while providing substantial opportunities for Grenadian students across multiple academic disciplines.

  • Niherst, Shell launch pilot season of First Tech Challenge

    Niherst, Shell launch pilot season of First Tech Challenge

    Trinidad and Tobago has embarked on an ambitious educational initiative with the official launch of the First Tech Challenge (FTC) robotics program, marking a significant advancement in STEM education for the nation’s youth. The National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (Niherst), in partnership with Shell Trinidad and Tobago Ltd, unveiled the pilot season under the 2025-2026 global theme ‘Decode’ during a ceremony that brought together government officials, educators, and industry leaders.

    The FTC program represents an international robotics competition designed specifically for students aged 12-18, challenging participants to design, build, and program robots capable of completing themed missions. This initiative builds upon Niherst’s successful implementation of the First Lego League, offering students a natural progression into more advanced robotics, Java programming, and sophisticated engineering design principles.

    Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath emphasized the program’s comprehensive educational value, stating, ‘The First Tech Challenge transcends technical education—it fundamentally teaches life skills, teamwork, and the ability to think globally while acting locally to address immediate challenges.’ His sentiment was echoed by Professor Prakash Persad, Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training, who highlighted the critical importance of mathematical foundations in coding and programming.

    The launch event featured compelling keynote addresses from prominent figures including Julie David, Niherst’s acting president, and Ryssa Brathwaite, Shell’s social performance and investment advisor. Brathwaite articulated Shell’s commitment: ‘Our investment in this program demonstrates our dedication to youth development. Together with Niherst, we’re creating an ecosystem where students can experiment courageously, learn from failures, and achieve success beyond their expectations.’

    A live robotics demonstration provided attendees with tangible insights into the practical applications of the program, showcasing the innovative potential that participants will develop. The event attracted widespread participation from schools, educators, and youth organizations across Trinidad and Tobago, all eager to engage with this transformative educational opportunity.

    Looking forward, the FTC pilot season will continue throughout 2026, culminating in a National Robotics Championship where student teams will showcase their technological creations and compete for the opportunity to represent Trinidad and Tobago on the international stage. Minister Dowlath further announced plans to integrate robotics clubs across all educational levels, including primary and early childhood education institutions, ensuring comprehensive STEM exposure from the earliest educational stages.