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OECS Commission and Commonwealth of Learning Sign MOU to Advance Digital Learning and Education Transformation
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission and the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen collaboration in advancing digital learning, open education, and teacher development across the region.
The MOU establishes a framework for joint action to expand access to quality education through technology, build resilient, flexible education systems, promote lifelong learning, and enhance equity and inclusion. Through this partnership, the OECS and COL will jointly pursue initiatives that include developing knowledge infrastructure, creating and sharing Open Educational Resources (OER), supporting digital pedagogy training for educators, and providing technical and advisory support for education transformation.
This partnership aligns with the OECS’s vision for the OECS Digital Learning Ecosystem (ODLE), positioning it as a regional hub for accessible, high-quality digital learning content. It also strengthens the region’s advocacy voice for Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-enabled education policies, both regionally and internationally, reinforcing the OECS’s commitment to the global education agenda, including achieving SDG 4: Quality Education, and advancing the achievement of OECS Strategic Priority 5: To Advance Equity and Inclusion, reducing disparities in health, education and social outcomes.
Mrs Sisera Simon, Head, Human and Social Division, OECS Commission, emphasising the value of the MOU, remarked:
"Through the establishment of this framework for cooperation, the implementation of Microcredentialing in the OECS will be supported. The pilot of Microcredentialing through the OECS MyPD platform for teacher professional development is anticipated to be one of the first activities supported by this partnership. This groundbreaking initiative will empower participants to earn skill-specific credentials, spotlighting their expertise and dedication to continuous professional growth. The goal of integrating Microcredentialing is not simply to enhance professional development, but to reimagine it, creating more personalised, meaningful learning journeys for every educator in the OECS."
Commenting on the MOU, Dr Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS, stated:
“This partnership represents a significant step forward in our mission to create an inclusive, future-ready education system in the OECS. By joining forces with the Commonwealth of Learning, we are equipping our region with the tools, policies, and support needed to make digital learning a reality for every learner.”
Professor Peter Scott, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Commonwealth of Learning, echoed this sentiment, stating:
"The Commonwealth of Learning is delighted to partner with the OECS Commission in advancing digital learning and inclusive education across the Eastern Caribbean region. The OECS continues to demonstrate leadership in reimagining education systems for resilience and relevance in the 21st century. Through this collaboration, we will leverage our collective expertise and resources to accelerate innovation—ensuring that all learners in the OECS, regardless of circumstance, can access and benefit from quality, technology-enabled education opportunities."
The agreement opens avenues for:
- Teacher professional development and digital leadership to improve the uptake and effectiveness of digital learning tools.
- Equity-focused initiatives to ensure underserved and vulnerable communities benefit from digital learning opportunities.
- Joint projects and resource mobilisation to expand financing and support for regional digital transformation in education.
- Research and knowledge exchange to keep OECS innovations evidence-based and globally benchmarked.
A Joint Committee, with representatives from both organisations, will oversee the implementation of the MOU, ensuring progress, monitoring outcomes, and fostering sustainability. The MOU will remain in effect for three years, with the possibility of renewal.
About the OECS Commission: The OECS is an intergovernmental organisation dedicated to regional integration, sustainable development, and education transformation. The OECS Commission, headquartered in Castries, Saint Lucia, supports Member States in building resilient systems, advancing equity, and accelerating digital transformation.
About the Commonwealth of Learning (COL): Established in 1987 by the Commonwealth Heads of Government with headquarters in Vancouver, Canada, the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) is the world’s only intergovernmental organisation solely concerned with the promotion and development of distance education and open learning.