Ministry Of Education Extends Warm Welcome to UNICEF In Turks & Caicos Islands

The Ministry of Education is pleased to welcome the UNICEF Eastern Caribbean Area Office to the Turks and Caicos Islands as part of ongoing efforts to advance education reform in collaboration with regional partners.

Dr. Gale Rigobert, a seasoned expert in education change within the Caribbean region, has been appointed as the lead consultant for this initiative. Dr. Rigobert will conduct consultations from April 9th to 13th, focusing on aligning country priorities with the transforming Education Agenda and engaging stakeholders to address pre-existing educational inequalities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

During her visit, Dr. Rigobert will meet with various groups, stakeholders, and government officials to gather insights and identify key areas for intervention. The consultations aim to address learning loss and other challenges faced by vulnerable groups, with a view to revitalizing efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) by 2030.

Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister responsible for Education, expressed anticipation for Dr. Rigobert’s visit, emphasizing the importance of gathering data on learning loss to inform targeted initiatives aimed at closing educational gaps in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Cherylann Jones, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry, echoed the Minister’s sentiments, highlighting the opportunity for discussions on additional support areas for the education sector and the strengthening of existing partnerships.

The consultation will commence with an Opening Ceremony at the Shore Club on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at 9:30 am. Governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, academic institutions, the private sector, and youth representatives are encouraged to participate and contribute to shaping the future of education in the Turks and Caicos Islands.