The following is a statement by the Honourable Evans McNiel Rogers in relation to the State of Education Report. The report was presented to the Anguilla House of Assemb
ly on 26th January 2016:
In an effort to ensure accountability and to keep education at the forefront of national discussion, the Education Act 2012 requires that an Annual Report on education be laid in the House of Assembly. The report gives details of the state of education for the 2014 to 2015 academic year and also includes data for previous years so that comparisons can be made. Thanks are expressed to the officers in the Ministry and Department of Education for the tremendous efforts they have been making to ensure that the education system functions effectively, but more importantly gratitude is expressed to all teachers who are the ones in the trenches for their hard work and dedication.
There is no better way to ensure that education remains a national priority than to give it the attention it deserves in the House of Assembly. Oftentimes, in the House the focus is on budgetary issues and economic development. Seldom are social issues at the centre of national dialogue. However, it is critical that we recognize that education is much more than a social issue. In fact, education may be the biggest economic issue this country has to address. Every country that has propelled itself to developed status has done so, in part, by investing in education. A more educated workforce is a more productive workforce. A productive workforce spurs economic growth and development. Education has the power to transform societies. Many refer to it as the great equaliser. It contributes to social advancement and a more equitable society where each individual regardless of their circumstances, has a fair chance at making a decent living. It is one of the most beneficial investments we can make in our people and is therefore worthy of the highest level of national attention and dialogue.
We must appreciate that when dealing with education systems, everything takes time. Investments made today will usually take five to ten years to yield tangible results. There is continuous investment being made in improving school env
ironments to make them more conducive to teaching and learning; building teacher capacity through training and professional development; providing students with a solid foundation in literacy and numeracy; expanding the use of ICT in curriculum delivery; supporting early childhood education; increasing provision for children with special needs as well as expanding opportunities for post-secondary education. In short order, the construction of the Anguilla Community College will commence. This will be a significant accomplishment for our country and a tangible representation of our commitment to education.
We have come a long way. However, there is still much work to be done in the education sector. This will always be the case because the system has to be dynamic in order to prepare students for a constantly changing global society. Despite our limited resources, the Ministry of Education remains committed to doing the best we can to ensure that all children are provided with an education suited to their needs. We are grateful for the support that we receive from our community partners who share our vision of education for a better future. With their support and that of the community in general, we believe that our education system can and will serve our country well.
