Carib Scope

分类： education

  • Colombia and Russia strengthen ties in Education

    Colombia and Russia strengthen ties in Education

    Colombia and Russia have formalized a comprehensive educational partnership through a newly signed memorandum that establishes extensive academic exchange programs between the two nations. The agreement enables Colombian students, academics, and professionals to pursue undergraduate and graduate studies at Russian universities, with particular emphasis on strategic fields including artificial intelligence, agribusiness, advanced technologies, and applied sciences.

    As part of the enhanced cooperation, Russia has committed to increasing its scholarship allocation for Colombian candidates by confirming an additional 20 scholarships immediately. Both governments anticipate this number will grow progressively following the memorandum’s implementation. The partnership framework also facilitates the development of dual-degree programs, collaborative research initiatives, and mutual exchange of scientific materials and educational resources.

    The bilateral agreement further provides for the organization of joint academic conferences, seminars, and research projects designed to address global challenges. Colombian authorities emphasized that this collaboration will significantly strengthen the quality of higher education in Colombia while connecting the nation to cutting-edge scientific and technological advancements worldwide.

    In reciprocal arrangements, Colombia will facilitate access for Russian citizens to its higher education institutions and provide additional consideration points for Russian applicants seeking Colombia Scholarship opportunities. The alliance additionally promotes linguistic exchange through mutual support for Russian and Spanish language learning programs, creating enhanced opportunities for students and professionals from both countries.

  • University of Virgin Islands receives funding for Renewable Energy Technology scholarships

    University of Virgin Islands receives funding for Renewable Energy Technology scholarships

    The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) has secured a significant $150,000 investment from the Virgin Islands Energy Office (VIEO) to establish scholarships for its pioneering Associate of Applied Science program in Renewable Energy Technology. The formal funding presentation occurred at the UVI RTPark Solar Farm, where VIEO Deputy Director Michael Jaffurs transferred the commitment to Dr. Gregory Guannel, Director of UVI’s Caribbean Green Technology Center.

    Scheduled for launch in Spring 2026, these scholarships will eliminate financial barriers for qualified U.S. citizens and legal residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands pursuing renewable energy studies. The initiative supports both the degree program and an upcoming Certificate in Renewable Energy Technology, creating accessible pathways into the growing green energy sector.

    Dr. Guannel characterized the investment as a transformative development for local workforce preparation. “This generous commitment ensures Virgin Islanders can acquire essential training to actively participate in our territory’s clean energy transition,” he stated. “We’re addressing urgent community needs by equipping students with technical expertise while expressing profound gratitude to VIEO for their partnership in nurturing future renewable energy professionals.”

    VIEO Director Kyle Fleming emphasized the strategic alignment of federal funding with local workforce development. “We’re leveraging Department of Energy resources to create a synergistic pipeline that prepares residents to build, maintain, and expand the clean energy systems our communities increasingly adopt,” Fleming explained. “This scholarship transforms federal funding into tangible opportunities for Virgin Islanders to lead our territory’s energy transformation.”

    The Renewable Energy Technology program, established in 2024 through collaboration between UVI’s College of Science and Mathematics and the Caribbean Green Technology Center, delivers comprehensive two-year training in electrical fundamentals, renewable energy systems, and photovoltaic installation and maintenance. The curriculum combines theoretical coursework with practical internships, preparing graduates for immediate workforce entry while providing a foundation for advanced degrees in physics or applied mathematics.

    Program completers will additionally qualify to undertake the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) PV Associate examination—a globally recognized certification in photovoltaic system installation that enhances professional credentials internationally.

    Prospective students seeking program details or scholarship eligibility information are directed to visit www.uvi.edu or contact the UVI Office of Public Relations directly.

  • Eerste STEM-conventie laat kinderen spelend ontdekken hoe wetenschap werkt

    Eerste STEM-conventie laat kinderen spelend ontdekken hoe wetenschap werkt

    Suriname’s educational landscape witnessed a transformative event as the inaugural STEM Convention for children aged 3-14 erupted with excitement at the Assuria Highrise this Monday. Hundreds of young participants immersed themselves in interactive experiments, engineering challenges, and technological demonstrations, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s educational development.

    Organized through a collaborative effort between Surinaams Knutselhoekje (HSKH) and Esport Suriname, the convention transformed the venue into a dynamic learning laboratory. Children engaged with diverse stations featuring homemade lava lamps using cooking oil and effervescent tablets, constructed electric propellers from scratch, and operated full-feature racing simulators with steering wheels and pedal systems. This hands-on approach provided tangible introductions to fundamental principles of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

    Leann Djohari of HSKH explained the pedagogical philosophy behind the event: “STEM education fundamentally revolves around experiential learning. Children achieve deeper conceptual understanding when they physically execute tasks themselves. They observe immediate consequences of their actions—performing A results in B—which reinforces knowledge retention and develops critical cause-effect reasoning skills.”

    The convention’s practical methodology manifested through multiple engaging zones. Under the guidance of young instructors and digital tutorials, participants assembled functional robots, programmed basic devices, and explored electrical engineering concepts. A chemistry laboratory attracted considerable attention with interactive experiments, while a dedicated virtual reality zone allowed children to experience immersive digital environments.

    Founded by Cherelys Dwarkasing, HSKH has spent five years democratizing STEM education throughout Suriname. The organization visits a different district each quarter to ensure nationwide accessibility. This year’s convention coincidentally aligned with HSKH’s anniversary, adding celebratory significance to the event.

    Djohari declared the initiative an overwhelming success: “We anticipated approximately 300 children, but attendance substantially exceeded our projections.” She emphasized that STEM education extends beyond technical skills: “It cultivates creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication—abilities increasingly essential in our rapidly evolving technological landscape. Early exposure better prepares children for future challenges, embodying the principle that early learning establishes lasting foundations.”

    Buoyed by the enthusiastic response, organizers indicate this inaugural event will likely catalyze expanded STEM initiatives throughout Suriname. HSKH aims to foster scientific and technical proficiency at a pace matching the boundless curiosity of children who exclaimed “Waaw!” throughout Monday’s groundbreaking convention.

  • SAGE Learning Hub and Network Hardware launches at TAMCC and Newlo

    SAGE Learning Hub and Network Hardware launches at TAMCC and Newlo

    Grenada’s educational landscape is set for a significant transformation with the upcoming inauguration of two pioneering digital learning facilities. The Skills to Access the Green Economy (SAGE) programme will unveil a comprehensive SAGE Learning Hub and Network Hardware installation at T A Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) on December 15, 2025, followed by another hub at the New Life Organisation (Newlo) the subsequent day.

    These cutting-edge educational centers represent a strategic investment in Caribbean sustainable development, engineered to bridge digital divides and accelerate regional transition toward environmentally conscious economic models. Financed through substantial backing from the Government of Canada, the initiative underscores international cooperation in building climate-resilient education infrastructure.

    The newly established hubs feature innovative smart classroom technologies and interactive digital tools that redefine conventional pedagogical approaches. This educational architecture creates dynamic, flexible learning environments specifically designed to cultivate both digital literacy and green economy competencies essential for success in evolving global job markets.

    Pat Bidart, Senior Technical Advisor for the SAGE programme, emphasized the transformative potential of these facilities: “This infrastructure represents a quantum leap in educational methodology, fundamentally integrating sustainability principles with practical skills development. Through Canada’s partnership, we’re empowering Caribbean learners with future-ready capabilities for emerging green industries.”

    Beyond formal education, the hubs will serve as community resources, offering free access to digital equipment and dedicated learning spaces. Local residents will gain opportunities for online education participation, professional certification programs, and digital skill enhancement in supportive environments.

    This community-oriented strategy ensures that technological benefits extend beyond academic institutions to broader societal development. The programme particularly focuses on inclusive access for women and youth populations, addressing historical barriers to technological participation.

    As part of a broader regional transformation effort, SAGE continues to advance technical and vocational education through STEM integration, green learning pathways, and digital inclusion initiatives. The upcoming launch events will gather educators, students, community leaders, and development partners to celebrate these advancements in sustainable education infrastructure.

    The SAGE programme operates under Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) with Canadian government funding, working across six Caribbean nations to enhance institutional capacity, develop green sector training programs, and create economic opportunities through demand-driven skills development.

  • Apprenticeship summit charts path to skilled green workforce

    Apprenticeship summit charts path to skilled green workforce

    Saint Lucia became the epicenter for Caribbean workforce development as regional technical education leaders convened for a groundbreaking two-day Apprenticeship Summit from December 4-5. The gathering, hosted under Canada’s Skills to Access the Green Economy (SAGE) programme at Rodney Bay’s Bay Gardens Hotel, marked a strategic effort to align vocational training with emerging environmental economic opportunities.

    Educators, policy architects, and industry representatives from across CARICOM member states collaborated to establish a standardized apprenticeship framework designed to equip workers with sustainable skills. Perry Thomas, Executive Director of Saint Lucia’s TVET Council, highlighted the summit’s critical mission: “We are rationalizing existing regional models to create a harmonized Technical and Vocational Education and Training system through the Caribbean Association of National Training Authorities.”

    The summit built upon pilot initiatives already implemented in six nations—Grenada, Saint Lucia, Dominica, Guyana, Belize, and Jamaica—which provided foundational data and implementation models. These programs demonstrated the potential for standardized trades training across diverse Caribbean economies.

    Pat Bidart, Senior Technical Advisor for SAGE, emphasized the practical implications: “We’re addressing skills gaps among existing tradespeople—carpenters, mechanics, and other technicians who possess partial knowledge but require comprehensive training. Enhanced skills development will directly improve housing construction, automotive repair, and multiple technical sectors.”

    The Canadian-funded initiative represents a coordinated response to both economic and environmental challenges, aiming to create a workforce capable of driving sustainable development throughout the region. Organizers expressed confidence that the summit would ignite the necessary passion and commitment to develop future-ready workers who can advance CARICOM’s green economic transformation.

  • Education : Investment Scenarios for Haitian Preschools

    Education : Investment Scenarios for Haitian Preschools

    Port-au-Prince, Haiti – Haitian education officials and international partners have concluded a landmark three-day workshop establishing comprehensive investment strategies to revolutionize early childhood education nationwide. The gathering marked a pivotal moment in Haiti’s educational development, focusing on implementing findings from the groundbreaking National Preschool Education Survey.

    Minister of National Education Augustin Antoine articulated a powerful vision for educational equity, emphasizing that “whether a child comes from wealthy or impoverished circumstances, they must receive identical educational opportunities. We are committed to standardizing the preschool sector and eliminating disparities between urban and rural regions.”

    The comprehensive survey data provides unprecedented insights into Haiti’s preschool infrastructure, detailing operational mechanisms, service diversity, cost structures, and systemic challenges. Minister Antoine highlighted the transformative potential of this information, noting it will “drive strategic planning and ground-level interventions to meet population expectations while bringing coherence to educational initiatives.”

    UNICEF Representative in Haiti Geetajanli Narayan characterized the collected data as “an invaluable foundation for guiding future policy and strategic decisions.” She emphasized the workshop’s role in evaluating “the most effective public policy options to ensure equitable expansion of public preschools while enhancing quality and sustainability of non-public services.”

    Professor Alain Mingat facilitated critical sessions exploring investment scenarios aligned with forthcoming National Preschool Policy priorities. The discussions culminated in a unified call for international cooperation agencies to bolster the Haitian government’s financial commitments to preschool education.

    The high-level participation underscored global support for Haiti’s educational transformation, featuring representatives from multiple international agencies including the French Development Agency, Inter-American Development Bank, UNESCO, World Food Programme, and diplomatic corps from France, Taiwan, Mexico, and Spain.

  • St George Secondary toasts student success, calls for improved transport

    St George Secondary toasts student success, calls for improved transport

    St George Secondary School is revolutionizing educational approaches through a comprehensive strategy emphasizing student wellbeing, practical skills development, and community integration. Principal Dennis Browne unveiled these transformative initiatives during the institution’s annual speech day and prize-giving ceremony, signaling a paradigm shift in educational methodology.

    The school has implemented an innovative alternative uniform system specifically for skills-training days, designed to foster student pride and recognition. This sartorial approach allows learners to visibly identify with technical and vocational programs while promoting the school’s commitment to hands-on education within the Barbadian community.

    Addressing behavioral development, the administration has rebranded its positive behavior management program with a values-driven framework. This is complemented by strengthened partnerships with key agencies including the Edna Nicholls Centre, Juvenile Liaison Scheme, and National Task Force on Crime Prevention, creating a supportive ecosystem for student development.

    A standout initiative involves scheduled mental health days each term, where students engage in unconventional activities including equine grooming, canine interaction, and various non-academic exercises. These experiences are carefully designed to promote emotional wellbeing, joy, and behavioral maturation beyond traditional classroom boundaries.

    Principal Browne highlighted transportation challenges as a significant barrier to extracurricular participation, advocating for improved transport solutions to support student engagement.

    Minister of Educational Transformation Chad Blackman commended the school’s leadership and comprehensive vision, recognizing St George Secondary as “a beacon of excellence in Barbados.” He particularly praised the practical-learning initiatives and encouraged students to embrace their role as “architects of the transformation of this country.”

    The ceremony, themed “The Rising of the Lion: Celebrating Strength, Spirit and Success,” honored outstanding scholars including Asia Edwards, recipient of the Chairman’s Prize, and Jahsmyne Taitt, who received multiple accolades including Most Outstanding Student and Principal’s Prize.

  • School proposes ‘technical sixth’, adult education pilot

    School proposes ‘technical sixth’, adult education pilot

    In an innovative educational move, St George Secondary School has announced groundbreaking plans to launch Barbados’ first technical and vocational sixth form programme outside traditional polytechnic institutions. Principal Dennis Browne unveiled the ambitious initiative during the school’s annual speech day and prize-giving ceremony, presenting a comprehensive blueprint for educational transformation.

    The pioneering programme represents a significant departure from conventional academically-focused sixth forms, offering a two-year curriculum structured around technical skill development. Students will progress through Level 1 training in their first year followed by Level 2 advancement in their second year, while simultaneously completing compulsory courses in computation, communication, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship.

    A distinctive feature of the initiative involves establishing on-campus business incubators for graduates. The school plans to convert three prefabricated buildings into twelve individual workstations, providing each graduate with their own operational shop space to launch their trade with continued institutional support.

    Principal Browne emphasized the programme’s collaborative nature, revealing partnerships with the Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme for expert guidance and internship opportunities. The initiative specifically targets students excluded from technical education due to capacity constraints at established institutions like the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology, which turns away 3,500 applicants annually despite its 2,500-student capacity.

    During his address, Browne directly appealed to the attending Minister of Educational Transformation for governmental support, expressing confidence in the programme’s potential to reduce youth unemployment by creating alternative educational pathways that combine skill acquisition with immediate entrepreneurial opportunities.

  • Education Ministry Modernizes Recruitment with Landmark Agreement

    Education Ministry Modernizes Recruitment with Landmark Agreement

    In a significant move to overhaul its education infrastructure, Belize’s Ministry of Education has forged a groundbreaking partnership with school managing authorities through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement, finalized this week, represents a comprehensive digital transformation initiative targeting the modernization of teacher recruitment and onboarding systems that have long been hampered by bureaucratic delays and paper-based inefficiencies.

    Education Minister Francis Fonseca emphasized the agreement’s core objectives of enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening accountability measures, and providing improved support structures for educators nationwide. The digital overhaul specifically addresses longstanding issues with allowance processing—including rural hardship, commuting, and responsibility allowances for principals—that have consistently caused payment delays and administrative frustrations.

    Central to the modernization effort is the development of specialized digital forms designed to streamline submission processes, coupled with comprehensive training programs for administrative personnel within managing authorities. This dual approach aims to eliminate incomplete submissions that previously resulted in delayed compensation for educators.

    The initiative marks a pivotal shift in the Ministry’s operational philosophy, transitioning from traditional paper-heavy procedures to integrated digital solutions that promise accelerated processing times and reduced administrative burdens for all stakeholders involved in Belize’s education system.

  • Thousands of Guyanese, Caribbean students already ‘attending’ Guyana Digital School

    Thousands of Guyanese, Caribbean students already ‘attending’ Guyana Digital School

    In a landmark initiative for Caribbean education, Guyana has officially launched the Guyana Digital School with over 20,000 students already enrolled from across the region. The platform, inaugurated on December 5, 2025, represents a significant step toward equitable educational access throughout the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

    Education Minister Sonia Parag revealed that 20,368 students from Grades 10 and 11 throughout Guyana and CARICOM member states have registered on the digital platform. The program is scheduled to expand to include Grades 7 through 9 by early 2026, creating a comprehensive digital learning ecosystem.

    President Irfaan Ali emphasized the platform’s strategic importance for disaster resilience in a region frequently impacted by natural disasters. ‘For a region that is susceptible to so many natural disasters… once electricity and communication services are restored, education is back up with the digital school,’ President Ali stated, highlighting the system’s capacity to minimize educational disruption during crises.

    The digital school employs a sophisticated four-quadrant approach that integrates technology, content, engagement, and hands-on experience into a cohesive learning model. The platform incorporates artificial intelligence elements and features an extensive library of on-demand digital resources, including textbooks for CXC and CSEC subjects. Minister Parag clarified that the initiative enhances rather than replaces traditional education: ‘This is not an abandonment of the traditional school methodology. It introduces new avenues for learning so that no child falls behind because of distance, circumstance or pace.’

    The initiative has received regional endorsement from Caribbean leaders. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley praised President Ali’s ‘bold and innovative vision,’ while Belize expressed interest in connecting their national digital system with the Guyana Digital School. Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell has directed his education minister to ensure active participation, expressing optimism about the platform’s potential to transform educational delivery throughout CARICOM.

    Beyond academic instruction, the digital school aims to bridge cultural divides and prepare students for the digital era across multiple sectors including transportation, finance, public services, and healthcare. President Ali noted the platform will enable students from across the region to conduct experiments and share experiences, ultimately working to break down cultural barriers.

    The initiative also addresses persistent challenges revealed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when educational systems struggled with digital transition due to untrained teachers, uncomfortable parents, and limited internet access. The Guyana Digital School now stands as a resilient partner for parents and educators during times of uncertainty, helping to mitigate learning losses that continue to affect educational systems across Guyana.