Safeguarding in the Caribbean

We think that things are good for us in Trinidad and Tobago and admittedly, we have things better than most when it comes to our education system — on the surface. We have free elementary education and secondary education and for a time we even had free tertiary education. I start with this because it is one of the first things that comes out of my mouth when  I travel outside of the Caribbean and have to face stereotypes or rather dispel stereotypes about our region  and my country in particular. It is because of questions like these that I questioned what measures we take to preserve and promote our unique cultural, historical and social identities.

The choice of this week's topic stemmed from an invitation from the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee to supply speakers for a panel discussion  on this topic. A discussion that will take place this week. Before looking at the material they sent, I decided to research the topic. Once I determined what safeguarding was, (the process of protecting individuals' health, well-being, and human rights, especially those who are most vulnerable to harm or abuse). I decided to think about it in our regional context, specifically the safeguarding issues we face in our education sector. I narrowed the issues down to 3 core areas: equity & access, quality of education and preserving cultural heritage.

Chief among the safeguarding issues I would say is equity and access. This is at the forefront because of our diverse population with varying levels of socio-economic status coupled with vulnerable and marginalized communities that are disproportionately affected.

During a recent online discussion forum, several of my colleagues in education across the region lamented the issue ( disparity) is equity and access in their own countries. The common theme was that in our schools today, many of our students come from remote or marginalized communities coupled with the fact that the schools in such communities often lack adequate infrastructure, teaching staff and learning resources. This is further exacerbated by poverty, crime and disability which limits opportunities for many Caribbean Children and youth and exacerbates the inequality gaps. 

Another safeguarding issue is the quality of education in our respective countries which are crucial to ensure that students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the 21st century. However, we in the Caribbean face challenges related to outdated curriculum and limited access to technology and modern teaching methods. This results in many students graduating without the necessary competencies to thrive in a technology-driven world.

Now, while being able to navigate the globalized world is important for us in the region, preserving our cultural heritage is also a safeguarding issue. Yes, the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean is a source of pride and identity for us, external influences do pose a threat to the preservation of our traditions like erosion of our dialects, land use practices and approach to food and diet. Without adequate safeguards, there is a risk of cultural erosion, as younger generations become disconnected from their heritage.

These are areas that are further exacerbated by our limited resources, teacher shortages  and issues concerning child protection and safety. All of these impede efforts to ensure equitable access and provide quality learning experiences.

While it may not be required, as educators we should at least consider ways of combating these issues since we are strategically positioned to address these issues. One obvious solution is prioritizing investment in education infrastructure and implementing programs to support vulnerable student populations. Another obvious solution is curriculum reform that leverages technology to enhance teaching and learning. This involves providing students with access to digital resources and interactive learning experiences. This one in particular resonates with me as in a recent conversation with an acquaintance from another island, he lamented that he felt betrayed that his school system had not catered to his interest in technology or provided him with the tools to pursue his passion. Of particular importance for us is also preserving our culture which can be done by promoting more cultural programs in our school curriculum.

Overall, safeguarding in the Caribbean requires concerted efforts from governments, educators, communities and other stakeholders. Together we can all commit to building a brighter future for our region through education.

Copyright © 2024 Lana. S