CDB to implement Mathematics framework to address underachievement in numeracy

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has outlined a series of key initiatives aimed at reshaping the education systems across the region. This was done at the CDB’s inaugural Regional Symposium and Policy Dialogue on Transforming Education, currently underway in George Town, Cayman.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of that symposium on Thursday, acting President Isaac Solomon highlighted the CDB’s commitment to supporting greater use of digital technologies as a means of increasing access to education, promoting effective use of artificial intelligence, and accelerating skills development in order to promote youth employability.

He said the CDB would be implementing a framework for Mathematics education that is designed to address chronic underachievement in numeracy and advance support for learners with special education needs and disabilities, in order to ensure greater inclusivity in education.
In contextualising the CDB-convened symposium, Solomon said, “This is a milestone moment that can radically change our region’s education system. I say this because it is the first event in the Caribbean (that is) organised around the five action tracks agreed to regionally (in order) to advance Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education post-COVID-19.”
While acknowledging the ongoing challenges and systemic inequalities in existing teaching and learning systems, Solomon said, “This symposium offers a crucial opportunity to devise a roadmap for making our education systems more inclusive, resilient, and adaptable to a rapidly changing world.”
Emphasising the critical role of partnerships among governments, educators, civil society bodies and the private sector in driving the necessary transformative change, he said, “We cannot do this alone. Let this symposium be a catalyst for deepening those partnerships and driving the change we need.”
The Regional Symposium and Policy Dialogue on Transforming Education has been organised by the CDB in collaboration with leading regional and international organisations. The event, which runs from October 2-4, 2024, has brought together more than 150 participants, including government representatives, educators, youth representatives, civil society and private sector leaders, to co-create actionable solutions for reshaping education systems across the Caribbean.
The outcomes of the symposium would be presented at the upcoming Caricom Council of Human and Social Development Ministers’ meeting at the end of October.