Education challenges, disruptions and changes are among the topics to be addressed by a Virgin Islands delegation attending the 2023 Education World Forum in London, according to government.
The group is led by Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Sharie de Castro, who is away from the territory from Friday through tomorrow.
The annual forum is the largest conference for education and skills ministers in the world, and it is supported by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; Department for Education; Department for Business and Trade; the British Council; and industry partners, according to government.
It is designed in large part to provide an opportunity for education ministers, policymakers, experts and other stakeholders to deepen international ties, government stated.
“This forum has a strong focus on science and technology, which is important as we learn from other jurisdictions and industry experts about what is needed to seek opportunities and further enhance what already exists with the schools in the Virgin Islands,” Ms. de Castro said.
She added that she was looking forward to drawing on the forum experience as the ministry considers policies to build resilience in students from early childhood to tertiary education.
“I firmly believe that in order for change to take place in the education system, there are some areas that we must reimagine, adjust and introduce,” she added.
This year’s forum is themed “Nurturing learning culture, building resilience and promoting sustainability for stronger, bolder, better education by design.”
On the agenda
Among other topics, attendees will discuss what the world has learned from recent education disruptions and responses, according to government. They are also scheduled to address resilience, examine development policies, and discuss technological support for education’s aims.
Previous meeting
Last year was the largest EWF to date, with about 117 education ministers attending from 118 countries.
While Ms. de Castro is away, Junior Culture and Tourism Minister Luce Hodge-Smith will perform her functions in her stead.