The Cabinet of Ministers has endorsed the ICT in Education Policy and Strategy for Saint Lucia (2019 – 2022). Cabinet adopted the policy framework on January 28.

The realization of this new ICT in Education Policy and Strategy for Saint Lucia came as a result of an important cooperative effort of the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development and the Commonwealth of Learning (COL). The development process for this policy framework began in 2017 with both technical and financial assistance from COL. The consultation process involved engagements with a broad cross section of stakeholders that included but was not limited to ministry officials, public service officers, representatives of the corporate sector, teacher educators, principals, teachers and students.

Whereas there have been a number of ICT in Education initiatives over the past two decades, a significant policy gap has also existed. It is expected that this new policy and strategy will provide structure to the implementation of plans and activities related to ICT in Education. The ICT in Education Policy and Strategy for Saint Lucia (2019 – 2022) is designed to support both the goals of the National ICT Strategy and the broader vision of the Government of Saint Lucia for leveraging ICT as a driver of growth and development. The timing of the adoption of this policy and strategy is fortuitous, as the document will also help provide a clear outline and context for the Department of Education’s e-Education drive.

Many of the elements of the policy and strategy reflect the mandate of an education system in the 21st Century. The policy places focus on some important themes including, gender equity, student success, Early Childhood Education, Special Needs Education, TVET, Open Educational Resources (OER) and affordable and accessible, quality education, to mention a few. The strategy document outlines the critical inputs that are needed to achieve success. It addresses the requirement for adequate ICT infrastructure at schools and the need to reform the curriculum. It also advocates for access to relevant and quality digital learning content, for critical professional development training for teachers and for effective ICT leadership at learning institutions.

The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development welcomes the news of the endorsement of the new ICT in Education Policy and Strategy for Saint Lucia as this decision highlights yet another important accomplishment under the #EducateSaintLucia campaign.