Technical teams and managers from the Ministry of Education of Guyana received a delegation of representatives from the Eastern Caribbean countries and Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) members: Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Antigua and Barbuda. The meeting was held on December 12, 13 and 14, 2023.
This inter-country collaboration aimed to learn about Guyana’s Education Management Information System (EMIS), an information system designed to collect, integrate, process, maintain, and disseminate data and information. It facilitates decision-making, policy analysis, formulation, planning, monitoring, and management at all levels of an education system. This system integrates people, technology, models, methods, processes, procedures, rules, and regulations to help decision-makers, managers, and users in general access relevant data and information to make informed decisions.
The importance of strategic planning and political support was highlighted during the workshops. New responsibilities for schools and teachers were explored, laying the groundwork for an effective implementation of EMIS. Significant progress was also made in working on agreements to construct a regional agenda. Close collaboration among the participating countries was highlighted, underscoring the importance of sharing experiences and knowledge to strengthen the implementation of EMIS strategies.
The KIX LAC Hub played an essential role in facilitating conversations around evidence-based recommendations. This evidence-based approach is vital to address implementation challenges, offering solutions backed by data and concrete experiences. The conclusion of the visit highlighted shared challenges, such as the need for improved connectivity and staff training. Guyana offered key recommendations, urging regional collaboration and mutual support to overcome obstacles. The experience made it clear that EMIS is an integral part of educational transformation in the region.
