Improving Mathematics Performance, Micro-Credentials Take Centre Stage at 52nd COHSOD Meeting

Improving mathematics performance and strengthening pathways for skills development emerged as key priorities as education ministers and senior officials from across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) met in Georgetown for the 52nd Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD)-Education.

Honourable Sonia Parag, Guyana’s Minister of Education, also officially assumed the Chairmanship of the regional body. The meeting was hosted at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on August 12 and 13 under the theme, “Educating for Life, Purpose, and Caribbean Progress,”. It  brought together education ministers, senior officials, regional institutions and development partners to advance the region’s shared education agenda.

Among the key matters considered was a proposed Regional Sub-Framework for Micro-Credentials, aimed at making learning more flexible and responsive to the changing needs of individuals and economies. 

Minister Parag highlighted the importance of micro-credentials in supporting lifelong learning, reskilling and upskilling, while noting that a shared regional framework would help ensure that such qualifications are trusted, quality-assured and portable across the Community.

The meeting also considered a proposed Regional Apprenticeship Framework, which seeks to strengthen the connection between education and the world of work by expanding opportunities for practical, workplace-based learning.

Delivering opening remarks, Minister Parag emphasised that education must extend beyond the acquisition of knowledge and preparation for examinations and should equip learners to think critically, adapt to change, discover their purpose and contribute meaningfully to society.

“We must be able to create wholesome, well-rounded Caribbean citizens,” Minister Parag said.

A significant focus was also placed on strengthening foundational learning, particularly mathematics. The Caribbean Development Bank presented its proposed Mathematics Enhancement Programme for Primary and Secondary Schools, developed in partnership with the University of the West Indies, which advocates a systemic approach to improving mathematics outcomes across the region.

Minister Parag welcomed the regional initiative, noting the positive impact of Guyana’s own mathematics intervention programme on national learning outcomes and emphasising that strong foundational learning is critical to success in science, technology, technical training, financial literacy and the modern workplace.

She further underscored the central role of teachers in achieving sustainable improvements in education, noting that no education system can rise above the quality of its teachers. The meeting, therefore, also considered a regional agenda to advance teachers, teaching and the teaching profession, including a proposal for the establishment of a CARICOM Alliance for Teachers and the development of a regional research agenda on the teaching profession.

CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr. Carla Barnett, also highlighted the growing demand for technical, vocational and digital skills across the region, emphasising the role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in strengthening caribbean competitiveness, resilience and economic participation.

The two-day meeting further examined regional approaches to assessment, Caribbean Vocational Qualifications, education data and strategic planning, as well as strengthening the role of parents in education through the Caribbean Council of National Parent Teacher Associations.

The discussions reflected a shared commitment among CARICOM Member States to strengthen education systems and ensure that learners are equipped not only for examinations, but for further education, employment, entrepreneurship and meaningful participation in Caribbean society.