The symposium will open with a regional overview of parental engagement in education, setting the tone for a focused exploration of the status and governance of Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) across the Caribbean. A University of the West Indies (UWI)-led desk review will anchor this discussion, followed by expert perspectives on building sustainable national PTA structures, informed by practical insights and regional experience.

Participants will then have the opportunity to engage in two rounds of concurrent interactive sessions covering a range of topics, including digital parenting, advocacy for special needs learners, inclusive school partnerships, and the impact of parental involvement on student achievement. The day will also focus on strategic action with a briefing on the proposed Caribbean Council of National Parent Teacher Associations (CCNPTA), outlining the vision for regional coordination of these critical organisations.  

A networking reception will provide a space for connection and reflection at the close of the day.  

The day’s schedule of activities will underscore the importance of youth perspectives, empowered parents, and institutional support in the pursuit of holistic education reform. The proceedings will start with a pivotal milestone, the formal establishment of the CCNPTA and the adoption of its Constitution. The institution of this body signifies a unified regional commitment to strengthening parental advocacy and collaboration. A student-led panel will follow, offering powerful firsthand insights into the enablers and obstacles to effective learning, while a session with regional health agencies will deepen the conversation on parents’ influence over their children’s physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

Participants will then embark on study tours of leading educational institutions such as the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), the University of the West Indies, and the Oceana Innovation Hub as well as special needs schools. These site visits will provide immersive exposure to promising practices, innovations, and inclusive strategies that are shaping the future of Caribbean education.

The final day will focus on harnessing parental engagement as a driver of policy change. The second part of the UWI-led desk review will provide a comprehensive analysis of how PTAs across the region are influencing education policy, addressing systemic challenges, and creating space for deeper parental involvement.

This is followed by a panel examining new forms of collaboration between parents and the CXC, including evolving communication strategies and shared responsibility for student outcomes. The conversation will deepen with a two-part policy dialogue between parents and Ministers of Education, aimed at exploring how parental voices can shape school governance and inform national education strategies. The symposium will conclude with a closing ceremony to recognize collective achievements, share key takeaways, and celebrate the official launch of the CCNPTA, a pivotal step toward a more inclusive and responsive Caribbean education system.