*Meeting participants at the 9th Annual Meeting of ECD Leaders/Mapping Workshop*

OECS and UNICEF Host Successful Regional Early Childhood Development Workshop

OECS MEDIA RELEASE

July 2, 2025

The future of the OECS’ youngest citizens was firmly in focus as early childhood leaders gathered for two days of critical dialogue, action and capacity-building.

On May 7th-9th, 2025, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission Inclusive Education Programme, funded by the United Nations Children’s Fund ( UNICEF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education in Saint Lucia, successfully hosted the 9th Annual Meeting of Early Childhood Leaders and an Early Childhood Development (ECD) Mapping Workshop. The two-day event was held at the Coco Palm Hotel, Saint Lucia, and brought together early childhood leaders from nine OECS Member States, as well as representatives from the OECS Commission and UNICEF to strengthen regional collaboration, share best practices and shape the future of early childhood education across the Eastern Caribbean.

The event reinforced the importance of partnerships, the integration of technology in ECD centres, formal training for ECD practitioners, and the need to update ECD policies. Leaders also agreed that investing in the early years is the key to achieving sustainable, long-term educational success across the OECS.

Day one of the workshop focused on reviewing national inventories, harmonising data formats, and developing a regional inventory of ECD learning, communication, and training materials. Ms. Shelly-Ann Harper, ECD Specialist at UNICEF, emphasised the need for continued cross-sectoral collaboration in the face of growing challenges such as rising gun violence and its impact on children’s well-being.

Day two featured the Annual Meeting of ECD Leaders, where participants shared country experiences, identified priority needs, and began contributing to the OECS Education Sector Strategy (2027–2036). Discussions explored themes such as technology integration, inclusion, parental engagement, and the urgent need to address gaps in access, particularly for vulnerable and rural communities.

Saint Lucia’s Curriculum Officer for Early Childhood Services, Ms. Zephrina Lansiquot, noted the importance of building on the region’s collective strengths to shape actionable recommendations for the future of ECD.

Delivering remarks, Mrs. Sisera Simon, Head of the OECS Human and Social Division, OECS Commission, challenged the meeting to focus on bold, transformative actions. Noting the percentage of children in the region who are excluded from early formal learning, Mrs. Simon underscored that genuine education reform must begin with Early Childhood Development:

“Across our Member States, we have made undeniable progress. Yet, the reality is sobering, as more than 30% of children in the OECS still do not access formal early childhood education, and many who do are in environments that lack adequate learning materials, trained personnel, and infrastructural support. While some of our countries boast nearly universal enrolment, others face significant challenges related to affordability, rural access, and limited public provision.”

The 9th Annual Meeting of Early Childhood Leaders and an Early Childhood Development (ECD) Mapping Workshop concluded with a clear call to action: the future of early childhood education in the OECS must focus on improving access and equity, particularly for students with special educational needs. As the region looks ahead to shaping the OECS Education Sector Strategy 2027-2036, leaders emphasised the need for updated policies, formal training for ECD practitioners, greater integration of technology, and stronger partnerships with the private sector and communities. Strengthening data systems, promoting knowledge-sharing, and accelerating collective action will be critical to driving meaningful progress and ensuring that every child across the OECS has the opportunity to thrive from the earliest years.