The government has granted permission to pursue the ratification of what is being called an Education Strategy for 2023 to 2028

The Minister of Education sought and received the permission of Cabinet and it was granted

This is not the first time that such a strategy was granted; the first was developed and adopted in 2015 and was a five-year policy document that outlined the vision and priority areas for improving the quality of Education in Antigua and Barbuda.

The new strategy, outlined in a paper, will also last for five years from 2023-2028, according to notes from the Cabinet

“Its object is to strengthen the quality of teaching and learning; enhance teachers’ professional development; improve curriculum and strategies for assessment; allow for increasing access to quality early childhood services; provide additional opportunities for technical and vocational education; and, to increase provisions for access to tertiary education,” the Cabinet explained

It will, according to the notes be informed by policies reviewed locally, regionally, and internationally and it is expected to represent a forward-thinking plan for improving Antigua and Barbuda’s Education System.

Meanwhile, where security is concerned, the fencing at Sir Novelle Richards Academy is completed and Pares Secondary School is the next school to be fenced.

“Both cost $80,000 EC each for material and labour; and, National Housing has advanced the resources to satisfy the demand of the Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers” according to the Cabinet.