OECS and Ministry of Education Saint Lucia Launch Revolutionary Skills and Innovation Project

OECS Media Release

December 17, 2024

The highly anticipated World Bank-funded OECS Skills and Innovation Project was officially launched on November 29, 2024, at the Harbor Club, Saint Lucia by the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission and the Ministry of Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training of Saint Lucia. SKIP aims to enhance the quality and relevance of post-secondary education programs and monitor student transitions from education to employment. It seeks to equip youth with advanced technical skills and essential transversal skills, which are skills that can be used in various work and real-life situations. The OECS Skills and Innovation Project fosters regional collaboration through a World Bank-funded USD 6 million grant being implemented by the OECS Commission. Additionally, the participating countries of Grenada and Saint Lucia, have each secured individual loans of USD 15 million to implement project activities.

The launch event brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, funding partners, community colleges and education leaders, emphasizing the collaborative spirit driving the implementation of the OECS Skills and Innovation Project (SKIP).

In his opening remarks, Hon. Shawn Edward, Minister for Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training, Saint Lucia, highlighted the positive impact the project would have on young people, stating,

" This initiative marks the start of an important journey in transforming post-secondary education across our region. Today we celebrate a vision brought to life through a collaborative project that seeks to narrow the divide between opportunity and potential for our youth."

Adding to the momentum, Senator the Hon. David Andrew, Minister for Education in Grenada- one of two countries, alongside Saint Lucia, implementing the country-level component of the project, emphasized the broader implications of the SKIP, remarking,

" Our systems of education have not been able to respond sufficiently to the demands of the labour market and the continuous need for innovation. I am aware though that across this region much effort is being expended on addressing those gaps with a renewed focus on Technical Vocational Education and Training: TVET."

Additionally, Hon. Curtis King, Minister of Education and National Reconciliation of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, presenting reflections on the launch of the project and its impact, observed,

"This initiative is a testament to our collective vision and commitment to elevating technical and vocational education and training across our Member Countries here in the OECS."

His sentiments were echoed by the Director General of the OECS, H.E Dr Didacus Jules. Referring to the initiative as a wonderful opportunity for young people to address a specific need, he stated:

" Today we stand at the intersection of promise and potential. The theme of this gathering: Education through Skills and Innovation Empowering Tomorrow's Generation Innovating Today" captures the essence of the transformative journey that we need to undertake. In the OECS we face significant skills shortages as we've heard, high youth unemployment and a mismatch between education and market needs. Over forty per cent of our youth ages 15-24 in countries like Saint Lucia and Grenada are unemployed these numbers represent untapped potential and constitute a call for action. "

The World Bank, the funding partner for the project, also expressed its commitment to empowering youth for the future through education, training and innovation.

"It is an honour to be here today for the regional launch of the OECS Skills and Innovation Project, SKIP as we know it, and on behalf of the World Bank I extend my deepest gratitude to the OECS Commission, the Government of Grenada and Saint Lucia, our education leaders, private sector partners and above all the youth or youth representatives who are here with us today", said World Bank representative, Ms. Dionne O'Connor, Country Officer (Ag) Jamaica and the OECS.

Ms. Sisera Simon, Head of the Human and Social Division, OECS Commission, officially unveiled the project. Addressing the audience at the launch, she remarked,

"What if the next big innovation that changes the world came from right here in our Caribbean region? What if our youth brimming with untapped talent, energy, and ideas, became the architects of a brighter, smarter and more resilient OECS? Today we're not just asking those questions, we are answering them with solid actions. I am thrilled to welcome you to the launch of the Skills and Innovation Project."

The OECS Skills and Innovation Project is designed to strengthen regional collaboration in post-secondary education, fostering innovation and enhancing skills development. It is also equipped to respond swiftly and effectively in the event of an eligible crisis or emergency, ensuring adaptability and resilience.

With its focus on collaborative innovation and skills alignment with the demands of the labour market, the project represents a significant step forward in preparing youth for sustainable employment and regional competitiveness. The OECS SKIP embodies the commitment of its stakeholders to invest in the potential of young people, creating pathways for meaningful employment and fostering economic growth. To learn more about the SKIP visit oecs.int/en/skip