UNESCO Commends Exemplary Teacher Training Collaboration between St. Kitts and Nevis and the Open University of Tanzania

A groundbreaking partnership between St. Kitts and Nevis, the Open University of Tanzania (OUT), and UNESCO has culminated in the launch of a customized Bachelor’s Degree in Education program for teachers in the Federation. This initiative, lauded by UNESCO’s Assistant Director General for Education, Ms. Stefania Giannini, as a “remarkable agreement,” aims to elevate the quality of teaching within St. Kitts and Nevis and serves as a potential model for other Caribbean nations. The program, delivered remotely by OUT, addresses a key recommendation from a 2017 UNESCO review of the Federation’s education policy: the need to enhance the qualifications of existing teachers. This collaborative approach, emphasizing resourcefulness and partnership, epitomizes the strength of collective action in achieving meaningful educational advancements.

The program’s development involved extensive tripartite collaboration. Representatives from St. Kitts and Nevis, including Ambassador David P. Doyle, Special Envoy to UNESCO, and Minister of Education, Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, worked closely with OUT officials, including Dr. Janeth Kigobe, Dean of the Faculty of Education, and Dr. Elizabeth Bhalalusesa, UNESCO Chair on Teacher Education and Curriculum. UNESCO played a pivotal role in facilitating the agreement and ensuring its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in education. The Paris debriefing, attended by key stakeholders, reaffirmed the commitment of all parties to the program’s success and highlighted the potential for replication in other small island developing states.

The Open University of Tanzania, represented by Dr. Kigobe on behalf of Vice Chancellor Prof. Alex Makulilo, expressed unwavering commitment to the program’s success and highlighted the institution’s capacity to provide high-quality instruction, mentorship, and a flexible digital learning environment. The Tanzanian government, through its Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, also voiced strong support for the initiative and commended Ambassador Doyle’s efforts in fostering this South-South collaboration. This partnership not only strengthens educational ties between Tanzania and St. Kitts and Nevis but also offers a practical framework for capacity building within the education sector of developing nations.

This initiative directly addresses a critical need identified within the St. Kitts and Nevis education system: enhancing the professional qualifications of its teachers. Minister Hanley emphasized the program’s cost-effectiveness, time efficiency, and robust curriculum, making it an ideal solution for upskilling the teaching force without requiring extensive leave or incurring prohibitive costs. The program leverages digital learning modalities to minimize disruption to teachers’ existing workloads, while providing a comprehensive curriculum that strengthens both academic and pedagogical skills. The initial cohort of 28 teachers represents a significant step towards professionalizing the teaching force and establishing a higher standard of education within the Federation.

Funding for the program was secured through Ambassador Doyle’s fundraising efforts, with the resulting resources provided by Minister Hanley as scholarships covering a significant portion of the tuition costs for the initial cohort. This financial support underscores the Ministry of Education’s commitment to investing in its teachers and recognizing the crucial role they play in shaping the future of the nation. The program aims not only to enhance academic qualifications but also to improve teachers’ digital literacy skills through integrated ICT training, equipping them for the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly evolving educational landscape. The anticipated enrollment of a further 20 teachers in 2026 demonstrates the Ministry’s ongoing dedication to teacher development and the long-term vision for this initiative.

St. Kitts and Nevis holds the distinction of being the first Caribbean nation to implement such a program, setting a precedent for regional collaboration in teacher development. This pioneering initiative reflects the Federation’s proactive approach to addressing educational challenges and its commitment to fostering international partnerships for sustainable development. Ambassador Doyle highlighted the program’s potential as a replicable model for other small island developing states, emphasizing the power of South-South cooperation in achieving shared educational goals. The success of this initiative stands as a testament to the vision and dedication of all involved, particularly Ambassador Doyle and Minister Hanley, and promises a brighter future for education in St. Kitts and Nevis and potentially across the wider Caribbean region. The continued support from the UNESCO National Commission, through Secretary General H.E. Nerys Dockery, further solidifies the framework for this vital educational advancement.