The future of early childhood education in the Eastern Caribbean took center stage as early childhood leaders from across the OECS convened in Saint Lucia for two days of strategic dialogue, collaboration, and capacity-building.
The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, through its Inclusive Education Programme funded by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), partnered with Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Education to host the 9th Annual Meeting of Early Childhood Development (ECD) Leaders and a comprehensive ECD Mapping Workshop at the Coco Palm Hotel.
The event brought together delegates from nine OECS Member States, alongside representatives from the OECS Commission and UNICEF. The central goal: to strengthen regional cooperation, share best practices, and chart a progressive course for the future of early childhood development across the OECS.
Key Focus Areas
The workshop underscored the urgent need for:
- Greater investment in the early years as a foundation for long-term educational success
- Enhanced access for vulnerable and rural communities
- Formal training for ECD practitioners
- Integration of technology in early learning centres
- Stronger policy frameworks to support ECD systems
Participants also explored strategies to harmonize data collection, develop a regional inventory of learning resources, and foster more inclusive, cross-sectoral collaboration.
Ms. Shelly-Ann Harper, ECD Specialist at UNICEF, emphasized the importance of united action, especially in the face of growing challenges such as increased youth vulnerability and gun violence. She highlighted the need for data-driven, child-centered solutions to support the region’s youngest citizens.
Building Momentum for Change
Day one focused on reviewing national ECD inventories and aligning data formats across Member States. On day two, the Annual Meeting of ECD Leaders featured country updates, regional discussions, and contributions to the development of the upcoming OECS Education Sector Strategy 2027–2036. Delegates discussed priority areas including technology use, inclusive education, and parental engagement.
Ms. Zephrina Lansiquot, Curriculum Officer for Early Childhood Services in Saint Lucia, stressed the importance of leveraging the region’s shared strengths to drive impactful change:
“Together, we have the opportunity to shape a future where every child has access to quality early learning—no matter where they live or their socio-economic background.”
In her address, Mrs. Sisera Simon, Head of the OECS Commission’s Human and Social Division, called on participants to adopt bold, transformative solutions:
“While we have made notable progress, over 30% of children in the OECS still lack access to formal early education. And many who do are in under-resourced environments. Real education reform must start with early childhood.”
A Regional Call to Action
The event closed with a strong, united commitment to prioritizing equity, inclusion, and innovation in early childhood education. As the OECS moves toward shaping its long-term education strategy, leaders agreed that the path forward must include:
- Comprehensive policy reform
- Increased training and professionalization of ECD educators
- Expanded use of digital tools and technology
- Stronger collaboration with communities and the private sector
- Improved data systems for better decision-making
The workshop concluded on an optimistic note, with leaders reaffirming their shared responsibility to ensure that every child in the OECS has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive from the earliest years.