Carib Scope

分类： education

  • CXC conference set for Jamaica

    CXC conference set for Jamaica

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a landmark initiative for Caribbean education, over 300 regional stakeholders will assemble in Jamaica this March for the inaugural CXC Regional Education Conference and Ministerial Forum. The high-level gathering, originally scheduled for October 2025 but postponed due to Hurricane Melissa, will now take place from March 16-19 at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in Kingston.

    The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), in partnership with Jamaica’s Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, is orchestrating this unprecedented convening of education ministers, policymakers, and academic leaders. The conference arrives at a critical juncture as Caribbean nations accelerate efforts to integrate digital technologies into their education systems.

    Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, Jamaica’s Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, endorsed the conference and will deliver keynote remarks. She emphasized the alignment between the conference objectives and Jamaica’s TREND education strategy, which prioritizes information and communication technologies as fundamental to achieving world-class education standards and building a technology-enabled society.

    Dr. Nicole Manning, CXC’s Director of Operations, highlighted the urgent need for regional collaboration: “This gathering of the Caribbean’s finest educational minds comes at a pivotal moment when the region is scaling up efforts to provide electronic devices to students, adapt to generative artificial intelligence, and implement electronic assessment and online teaching modalities.”

    The conference will feature distinguished speakers including Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Chairman of CXC; Dr. Wayne Wesley, CXC Registrar; Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin, Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana; and representatives from CARICOM and the Commonwealth of Learning. Their discussions will focus on transformative strategies for teaching, learning, and assessment in an increasingly digital educational landscape.

  • Caribbean teachers get help to better support students with epilepsy

    Caribbean teachers get help to better support students with epilepsy

    In a significant stride toward educational inclusivity, over 50 educators from Barbados and across the Caribbean have acquired critical lifesaving skills to support students with epilepsy. The specialized training workshop, titled ‘Bright Futures, Safe Classrooms: Strengthening Epilepsy Knowledge Across Caribbean Education Systems,’ was convened at the University of the West Indies’ Cave Hill Campus.

    Dr. Laurette Bristol, Director of the UWI School of Education, emphasized the workshop’s mission to provide educators with practical knowledge for confidently managing seizures in classroom settings. The program focused on demystifying epilepsy, understanding its mechanisms, and implementing effective response protocols, while simultaneously working to dismantle longstanding social stigmas associated with the condition.

    Beyond immediate seizure response, the initiative addresses broader educational challenges. Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Education, Dr. Henderson Carter, noted the training’s applicability extends to supporting students with various neurological and developmental conditions, including ADHD and autism spectrum disorders.

    A particularly significant aspect of the workshop involved bridging the historical divide between educational and medical sectors. Dr. Bristol highlighted the critical need for improved collaboration between teachers and healthcare professionals to create more responsive referral systems and co-designed solutions for learners.

    The event represents a collaborative effort between UWI Cave Hill School of Education, the International League Against Epilepsy, and the Epilepsy Society of the Caribbean. Medical experts including Dr. Simeona Jacinto, Consultant Neurologist at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and Dr. Mishka Duncan, a Vincentian paediatric neurologist, underscored the urgency of creating safe, supportive learning environments for children with epilepsy.

    Looking forward, Dr. Bristol announced plans for a Summer Institute that will offer practical training and microcredential certification, enabling participants to become in-school trainers. Future phases will expand the initiative to include parents and communities, ensuring a comprehensive approach to epilepsy awareness and support throughout the Caribbean region.

  • COMMENTARY: Round two of Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition begins today

    COMMENTARY: Round two of Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition begins today

    Eight secondary schools in Dominica have secured their positions in the highly anticipated second round of the 2026 Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition after a rigorous initial elimination phase. The tournament, which commenced on January 22nd, witnessed exceptional performances from student debaters addressing various contemporary issues.

    St. Martin Secondary School emerged as the frontrunner with debater Shanaiyah John achieving the highest individual score of 341 points. Close behind was Wesley High School, propelled by Hephzibah Abenole’s impressive 328-point performance. Other qualifying institutions include Orion Academy (Taya Charles, 320 points), Convent High School (Sienna Andrew, 317 points), Portsmouth Secondary School (Maliah Ettienne, 302 points), Castle Bruce Secondary School (Isaac Roberts, 299 points), and Isaiah Thomas Secondary School (Kianna Aaron, 288 points).

    These seven schools will be joined by defending champions Dominica Grammar School, creating an elite lineup for the upcoming debates scheduled for February 25-26 at the UWI Global Campus Auditorium.

    The second round features compelling motion discussions addressing pressing social and health issues. On February 25th, Wesley High School will propose while Portsmouth Secondary School opposes the motion: ‘Parents, not schools, should be primarily responsible for disciplining students for acts of digital peer-to-peer violence committed outside of school hours.’ Later that day, Isaiah Thomas Secondary School and Convent High School will debate the same proposition.

    February 26th will shift focus to public health with the topic: ‘Nutrition education is more effective than food restrictions in preventing NCDs among teenagers.’ St. Martin Secondary School will face Orion Academy, while Dominica Grammar School debates Castle Bruce Secondary School on this critical health matter.

    Event organizer Trudy Christian anticipates exceptional competition, noting that participants have demonstrated thorough preparation. Christian extended gratitude to headline sponsor Josephine Gabriel & Co. Ltd. and supporting organizations including Central Cooperative Credit Union, DOMLEC, ICWI, KFC, Lindo Mart, and Dominica Social Security for their educational investment.

    All debates will commence at 2:30 PM daily and will be broadcast live through Dominica News Online and EmoNews platforms, allowing nationwide audience engagement with these intellectual exchanges.

  • Beyond Textbooks: Sacred Heart College’s Whole‑Student Mission

    Beyond Textbooks: Sacred Heart College’s Whole‑Student Mission

    Nestled in the hills of San Ignacio, Sacred Heart College has established itself as an educational institution committed to developing students beyond conventional academic metrics. With an enrollment exceeding nine hundred students, this Catholic high school integrates spiritual formation, artistic expression, and athletic development into its comprehensive educational philosophy.

    Under the leadership of President Dr. Berta Cambranes, the institution maintains that its Catholic ethos guides a mission focused on creating well-rounded individuals. The curriculum extends beyond traditional academics to include robust arts programs, mandatory physical education, and weekly liturgical celebrations. Annual spiritual retreats further reinforce the school’s commitment to faith-based development.

    The campus ministry program, directed by Emmanuel Mangar, demonstrates this holistic approach through the evolution of the school choir. What began with minimal equipment has grown into a technically supported ensemble of twenty vocalists and multiple musicians. Participants report significant growth in leadership capabilities and public speaking proficiency through weekly performances before audiences numbering nearly a thousand.

    Student Fernando Mesh attested to the program’s impact: “Being in the choir helped me develop musically and provided opportunities to host community events outside school.”

    Beyond musical development, the college offers diverse extracurricular engagements including chess, drama, Red Cross, and Interact clubs. Chess enthusiast Bianca Reyes recalled winning best female player in a regional Blitz Tournament, highlighting the institution’s support for diverse student interests.

    The counseling department, led by Amanda Dixon, provides essential support systems addressing academic challenges, peer relationships, family issues, and identity formation during adolescents’ critical developmental years.

    Student leadership receives particular emphasis, with elected representatives Lyna Silva (Student Council President) and Chloe Martinez (Head Prefect) embodying the school’s values of excellence and pride in the institution’s traditions.

    According to Dr. Cambranes, Sacred Heart ultimately strives to produce graduates who become contributing community members, representing the institution’s success in shaping grounded, confident young adults prepared for life beyond secondary education.

  • Digicel Foundation donates US$80,000 smart lab to Church Teachers’ College

    Digicel Foundation donates US$80,000 smart lab to Church Teachers’ College

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to revolutionize teacher preparation, the Digicel Foundation has inaugurated an advanced US$80,000 Smart Laboratory at Church Teachers’ College in Mandeville. This initiative marks a pivotal step in accelerating digital transformation within Jamaica’s educational framework, directly addressing the need for technologically proficient educators.

    The official unveiling ceremony on Tuesday featured prominent education stakeholders who emphasized the strategic importance of the investment. Dr. Tamika Benjamin, Assistant Chief Education Officer for the Tertiary Unit at the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, characterized the project as a visionary commitment to national human capital development.

    “This initiative transcends the establishment of a physical facility; it embodies a deliberate investment in Jamaica’s educational future,” Dr. Benjamin declared. “By focusing on teacher education, we are fundamentally investing in our students and enabling the comprehensive modernization of pedagogy to align with global digital advancements.”

    Dr. Benjamin further elaborated that sustainable educational reform is intrinsically linked to high-quality teacher preparation. She commended the Digicel Foundation for expanding its Smart Lab program—previously implemented in primary and secondary schools—into the tertiary teacher-training sector, calling it a demonstration of exceptional foresight.

    “Educators constitute the most critical school-based determinant of student success,” she asserted. “Consequently, the overall caliber of our education system is ultimately bounded by the quality of the teachers we train.”

    She charged teacher-training institutions with the national mandate to produce graduates who are not only pedagogically skilled and knowledgeable in their subject areas but also digitally literate, innovative, and adaptable to the needs of 21st-century learners.

    Charmaine Daniels, Chief Executive Officer of the Digicel Foundation, outlined that the new lab is a key component of a broader national strategy designed to enhance digital access and foster technological confidence among the teaching community.

    Reflecting on the resilience of Jamaican educators, Daniels shared observations from the foundation’s weekly community and school visits following Hurricane Melissa. She praised teachers for their unwavering dedication amidst challenging circumstances.

    “Despite damaged classrooms and personal hardships, educators consistently prioritized their students’ learning and Jamaica’s collective future,” Daniels stated, underscoring the rationale behind investing in those who shape the nation’s youth.

    — Adapted from JIS reporting

  • France : Master’s 2 Scholarship (2026-2027) – Call for Applications

    France : Master’s 2 Scholarship (2026-2027) – Call for Applications

    A significant educational partnership between the French government, Bank of the Republic of Haiti, and Unibank Foundation has officially launched its Master’s scholarship program for Haitian students seeking advanced studies in France during the 2026-2027 academic year.

    The comprehensive scholarship initiative targets high-achieving Haitian scholars under 35 years of age who demonstrate academic excellence and seek to pursue Master’s level studies (M2) within France’s public university system. The program specifically focuses on four critical academic disciplines: Economics/Finance/Governance, Science & Technology (including Artificial Intelligence), Engineering Sciences, and Health studies (excluding clinical specialization).

    Prospective applicants must navigate a dual application process, requiring both scholarship application and formal admission through the exclusive ‘Etudes en France’ platform. The program explicitly excludes applications processed through alternative channels such as MonMaster.gouv.fr or E-Candidat systems. Eligibility mandates Haitian citizenship, residency in Haiti, and possession of a BAC+4 equivalent degree in the relevant field.

    Selected recipients will receive comprehensive support including monthly stipends, full tuition coverage, pre-paid airline tickets, and visa facilitation through the French Embassy. Campus France will provide ongoing assistance with institutional coordination and arrival logistics.

    The application window remains open until May 29, 2026, with a rigorous selection timeline involving document review, committee shortlisting, and oral interviews throughout June. Final selections will be announced during the last week of June, followed by pre-departure orientation sessions in late August.

    Interested candidates can access application materials and institutional directories through provided official links, with additional guidance available through Haiti’s Campus France office and designated embassy contacts.

  • Academic City, American University of Antigua Partner on Medical Education

    Academic City, American University of Antigua Partner on Medical Education

    Academic City University and American University of Antigua (AUA) have established a transformative partnership designed to enhance international academic cooperation and create structured pathways for medical education abroad. This collaboration represents a significant advancement in global healthcare education initiatives.

    The comprehensive agreement guarantees admission into AUA’s Doctor of Medicine (MD) program for qualified Academic City graduates who meet specific academic criteria. Successful candidates will benefit from multiple advantages including full application fee waivers, an accelerated admissions process, and elimination of pre-registration seat deposits upon acceptance.

    A substantial financial support component forms a cornerstone of this partnership. Eligible students admitted to AUA’s MD program will qualify for a $5,000 Preferred Programme Grant, disbursed incrementally during the pre-clinical phase. AUA has committed to awarding up to 15 such grants annually across its three academic intake periods.

    Beyond the guaranteed grants, students may additionally qualify for various scholarships and awards, particularly those designed to foster diversity within the medical profession. This multi-layered financial support system substantially reduces barriers to international medical education.

    Dr. Peter Bell, President of AUA, emphasized the strategic importance of this collaboration: “American University of Antigua eagerly anticipates welcoming students from Academic City University, Ghana. This partnership will equip qualified students with the necessary training to become physicians capable of serving diverse patient populations in global healthcare environments.”

    The initiative aligns with Academic City University’s commitment to providing student-centered education and creating professional healthcare career pathways. This international collaboration addresses both the growing demand for medical education and the need for culturally competent healthcare professionals worldwide.

  • 200 students in Western Jamaica strengthen exam readiness through stem and core subject training

    200 students in Western Jamaica strengthen exam readiness through stem and core subject training

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a significant educational advancement, approximately 200 students from Westmoreland and St James have markedly enhanced their proficiency in Mathematics, English Language, and STEM disciplines through specialized capacity-building workshops. The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information orchestrated this comprehensive development program at Maud McLeod High School on February 19 as part of a strategic regional effort to elevate academic performance and examination preparedness.

    The initiative represents a proactive response to recent disruptions in educational continuity, focusing particularly on rebuilding student confidence through immersive learning experiences. Grade six participants engaged in innovative robotics activities and introductory Food and Nutrition sessions, while interactive review games reinforced fundamental concepts in Mathematics and English Language.

    Senior students from multiple high schools, including Maud McLeod High, Grange Hill High, and Maldon High, benefited from targeted academic sessions and a career forum showcasing emerging professional opportunities. Concurrently, educators participated in specialized workshops focused on enhancing numeracy and literacy outcomes, alongside strategies for integrating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) methodologies into classroom instruction.

    Dr. Michele Pinnock, Region Four Regional Director, reported exceptional engagement levels throughout the event, noting that practicing teachers facilitated sessions that brought learning concepts to life. The program featured STEAM project exhibitions and ‘Try a Skill’ sessions designed to foster independent learning capabilities and increase student motivation.

    A highlight of the event was the formal inauguration of the Maud McLeod High School Resource Hub, established through a collaborative partnership between the Ministry of Education, Liberty Caribbean Foundation, and Flow Foundation. This facility will serve 11 schools in eastern Westmoreland, providing shared technological resources, STEM kits, printed instructional materials, and specialized learning environments to institutions facing infrastructural limitations.

  • MOE Discusses Temporary Buildings for Caye Caulker Students

    MOE Discusses Temporary Buildings for Caye Caulker Students

    BELIZE – Senior officials from Belize’s Ministry of Education convened with Caye Caulker community leaders this week to address pressing educational infrastructure needs on the island. The high-level meeting, attended by Belize Rural South Area Representative Andre Perez, Caye Caulker Village Council members, and Ocean Academy’s Board of Governors, focused on developing both immediate and long-term solutions for the island’s growing student population.

    The discussions centered on establishing a new pre-primary facility and converting the existing institution into a government-operated high school. With construction projected to require 12-13 months for completion, officials prioritized identifying temporary instructional spaces to ensure educational continuity during the building phase. One prominent proposal involves erecting transitional structures adjacent to the existing Catholic primary school campus.

    Representative Perez characterized the negotiations as “productive and reassuring” for concerned community stakeholders. He confirmed the Ministry team conducted comprehensive site evaluations following previous consultations with parents and educators regarding Ocean Academy’s operational challenges.

    Notably, the dialogue addressed community-driven efforts that had raised approximately $100,000 for temporary facilities. Ministry officials advised against substantial investment in short-term infrastructure, emphasizing practical considerations regarding the transitional nature of any interim solution.

    Perez further clarified the institution’s administrative future, stating: “Whatever is built there eventually becomes what is called the government high school. It’s not going to be Ocean Academy anymore.” This confirms the planned transition from private to public management once governmental investment commences, marking a significant shift in the island’s educational landscape.

  • Government of Grenada — The UWI Economic Cost Bursary Scholarships

    Government of Grenada — The UWI Economic Cost Bursary Scholarships

    The Grenadian government has partnered with the University of the West Indies to launch an ambitious scholarship initiative for citizens pursuing undergraduate education across multiple Caribbean campuses. This Economic Cost Bursary Scholarship program represents a significant investment in national human resource development, offering substantial financial support for tuition expenses at three prestigious regional institutions.

    Eligible Grenadian nationals can receive tuition coverage at varying percentages depending on their chosen campus: 80% support at both the St Augustine Campus in Trinidad and Mona Campus in Jamaica, while the Cave Hill Campus in Barbados offers 66% tuition coverage. The program explicitly excludes medical degree programs from scholarship eligibility.

    Prospective applicants must meet specific citizenship requirements and follow a structured application process. Candidates must first secure formal acceptance from their chosen University of the West Indies campus before applying for the scholarship assistance. The application package requires comprehensive documentation including a completed scholarship form, two reference letters, certified copies of birth certificates and academic credentials, an official transcript, campus acceptance letter, passport-sized photograph, and a detailed personal essay outlining career objectives and their potential contribution to Grenada’s development.

    All application materials must be submitted as a complete package to the Human Resource Development Division at Grenada’s Ministry of Education by the June 15, 2026 deadline. The ministry has provided multiple contact channels including telephone numbers (473) 440-2737/2738 or (473) 417-9762 and email address hrd@moe.gd for additional information and assistance with the certification process available through the Examination Unit.