The Board of Directors of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) have approved a USD9.28 million loan to support the Government of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) in improving the quality, equity and effectiveness of the education system in the Islands.

The Education Sector Support Project is part of the first phase of a comprehensive reform of BVI’s education system. The project’s overall goals include:

• improving the teaching and learning environment;
• improving the quality and effectiveness of the education system; and
• strengthening the leadership capacity of the education sector.

Deidre Clarendon, Division Chief, Social Sector Division, CDB notes, “Quality education is critical for addressing poverty, vulnerability and achieving sustainable human development. Through this Project, CDB is pleased to be making an investment in improving the quality of education for all students, and in supporting improvements in planning, leadership and delivery of education services, including Special Education Needs programmes.”

The intervention also aims to provide more, gender-responsive psycho-social support to vulnerable and at-risk students.

Planned activities under the Project include the construction of a multi-purpose complex, classrooms, and other minor works at the Elmore Stoutt High School; and the upgrade of science and technical and vocational education and training labs/workshops at the School.

In addition, Elmore Stoutt High School and the Virgin Island School of Technical Studies will both receive equipment, tools and learning materials, as well as learning resources and assistive devices for students with special education needs.

The initiative supports the Government of the British Virgin Islands’ National Education Strategy and the education goals set out in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Education Sector Strategy 2012–2021, which was adopted by GOBVI in 2016. The project is consistent with the Bank’s Education and Training Policy and Strategy and its corporate priority to improve quality and access to education and training and citizen security.

The total cost of the project is USD13.56 million, to which the Government of the British Virgin Islands will contribute USD4.27 million. The Project will be implemented by the Ministry of Education and Culture.