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) convened in Georgetown for the 52nd Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) – Education.

Guyana’s Minister of Education, Sonia Parag, officially assumed the chairmanship of the regional body during the two-day meeting, which was held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on August 12 and 13 under the theme, “Educating for Life, Purpose, and Caribbean Progress.”

The meeting brought together education ministers, senior officials, regional institutions and development partners to advance the Caribbean’s shared education agenda.

A major issue on the agenda was the proposed Regional Sub-Framework for Micro-Credentials, which seeks to make 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. She noted that a common regional framework could help ensure that micro-credentials are trusted, quality-assured and portable across CARICOM Member States.

Delegates also considered a proposed Regional Apprenticeship Framework, designed to strengthen the link between education and employment by expanding opportunities for practical, workplace-based learning.

Foundational learning, particularly mathematics, was another major focus of the meeting.The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) presented its proposed Mathematics Enhancement Programme for Primary and Secondary Schools, developed in partnership with the University of the West Indies. The initiative promotes a systemic approach to improving mathematics outcomes across the Caribbean.

Minister Parag welcomed the initiative, pointing to the positive impact of Guyana’s mathematics intervention programme on national learning outcomes. She stressed that strong mathematical foundations are essential not only for academic achievement, but also for success in science, technology, technical training, financial literacy and the modern workplace.

The discussions also placed significant emphasis on the role of teachers in achieving sustainable improvements in education. Minister Parag underscored the importance of advancing teachers, teaching and the teaching profession, including a proposal to establish a CARICOM Alliance for Teachers and develop a regional research agenda focused on the teaching profession.

Emphasising the importance of teacher quality, she said, “No education system can rise above the quality of its teachers.”

Minister Parag also argued that education must go beyond knowledge acquisition and examination preparation.

“We must be able to create wholesome, well-rounded Caribbean citizens,” she said, stressing the need for education systems to help learners think critically, adapt to change, discover their purpose and contribute meaningfully to society.

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

The meeting also examined regional approaches to assessment, Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (CVQs), education data and strategic planning, alongside efforts to strengthen parental involvement through the Caribbean Council of National Parent Teacher Associations.

The discussions underscored a shared commitment among CARICOM Member States to modernise education systems and prepare learners not only for examinations, but also for further education, employment, entrepreneurship and meaningful participation in Caribbean society.