Caribbean Lifelong Learning Forum
Begins: May 16 2006
Ends: May 17 2006
The Caribbean Lifelong Learning Forum aims to provide participants with a thorough discussion of lifelong learning policies that would (i) better align the output of the education and training system with labor market needs; and (ii) improve portability of skills and diplomas within the Caribbean. It is intended for Caribbean policymakers, national training agencies/firms, local tertiary education institutions, private sector leaders, HR personnel and other stakeholders.
The forum will be divided up into four separate sessions over a period of two days:
1. Presentation of studies and experience with lifelong learning worldwide
2. Creating an integrated learning system in the Caribbean: Visions for the future
3. Involvement of social partnership in a holistic lifelong learning approach
4. Skill enhancement in the Eastern Caribbean
Background
Lifelong learning has been advanced as a concept that can provide the framework for appropriate policies to boost needed workforce skills and competencies, and not just in the developed economies. The Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) Region in particular offers a distinctive set of country-specific and region-wide circumstances. Most LAC countries have reached a reasonable level of basic education and are now experiencing further expansion at secondary and tertiary levels. However, studies show that low levels of education quality and relatively high rates of non completion at the secondary level leave a majority of young adults without the needed qualifications for access to jobs in formal sectors and, once employed, opportunities for continuing learning through private means and initiative.
Organizers and participants
This conference is hosted by The World Bank, the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States Secretariat, the Department for International Development (DFID), the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Caribbean Association of National Training Agencies (CANTA), with the OECS Secretariat as the lead organizers. Speakers include leading researchers, professionals, and staff members of partner institutions.
Additional information
For any additional regarding the contents of this course, please visit the OECS web site (http://www.oecs.org/), or contact Mrs. Anselma Fevrier via email: afevrier@oecs.org, or Ms. Deborah Alphonse: dalphonse@oecs.org.
