GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC)—Caribbean Community (Caricom) education ministers began a two-day meeting in Guyana on Wednesday amid concerns as to whether or not the education system is providing every learner with the foundation and confidence required to think critically and challenge the status quo.

Guyana’s education minister Sonia Parag, who is chairing the meeting being held under the theme ‘Educating for life, purpose and Caribbean progress,’ said the theme calls for considering education beyond the acquisition of knowledge or the preparation of children to succeed at examinations.

“It challenges us to consider whether our education systems are giving every learner the foundation and confidence required to think critically, challenge the status quo, and ultimately, the ability to adapt to a constantly changing world,” Parag said.

Parag said that education skills in the current environment must also include all forms of learning, such as technical and vocational education, apprenticeships, industry-based training, and talent development.

The 52nd meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development on Education will deliberate on several matters including micro-credentialing, assessments across the region, enhancing the mathematics programme for primary and secondary schools, and advancing teachers, teaching and the teaching profession in the Community.

Caribbean Community (Caricom) Secretary-General, Dr Carla Barnett said ministers would be aware that there is a growing demand for technical, vocational and digital skills in the region, as she placed emphasis on technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

“TVET is, therefore, once again being seen as a strategic investment in the Region’s resilience and competitiveness. It develops skills essential to advancing digital transformation, and enabling the transition to a green and climate-resilient economy, as well as driving the innovation and productivity that underpin sustainable economic growth,” she said.

Barnett said that as Caricom seeks to respond to the increasingly complex and rapidly evolving global environment, it is becoming ever more apparent that the education sector must be able to equip learners of all ages with the competencies and capabilities required to thrive personally and contribute meaningfully to national and regional development.

“Education, as we know, is far more than the acquisition of knowledge. A good education also prepares persons to lead meaningful lives, contribute to their communities, and shape the future for generations to come,” she said.

Barnett said that the agenda before the meeting is intended to support the objective of nurturing lifelong learners and developing critical thinkers who are adaptable, digitally competent and creative problem-solvers, and who are active contributors to national and regional development.

“Caricom has built a strong regional architecture for skills development. Our qualifications frameworks and the Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (CVQs), promote common standards, competency-based certification and facilitate the free movement of skilled workers. Through the Caribbean Association of National Training Agencies (CANTA), we have been strengthening collaboration and quality assurance across national training systems, while the Caribbean Examinations Council has expanded its coverage to include technical and vocational education,” Barnett said.

She said together with the University of the West Indies’ growing focus on professional certification and industry engagement, these institutions are working to build the skilled workforce needed for the Caribbean’s future competitiveness.