Background
Lifelong learning has been advanced as a concept that can provide the framework for appropriate policies to boost needed workforce skills and competencies, and not just in the developed economies. The Latin American and Caribbean Region in particular offers a distinctive set of country-specific and region-wide circumstances. Most LAC countries have reached a reasonable level of basic education and are now experiencing further expansion at secondary and tertiary levels. However, studies show that low levels of education quality and relatively high rates of non completion at the secondary level leave a majority of young adults without the needed qualifications for access to jobs in formal sector and, once employed, opportunities for continuing learning through private means and initiative.
Forum Description
The course aims to provide participants with a thorough discussion of lifelong learning policies that would (i) better align the output of the education and training system with labor market needs; and (ii) improve portability of skills and diplomas within the Caribbean. It is intended for Caribbean policymakers (Ministries of Education, Labor and Economy), national training agencies, firms, local tertiary education institutions and other stakeholders.
Contents
The course will be divided up into four separate sessions in two days:
- Presentation of Studies and Experience with Lifelong Learning World Wide
- Creating an Integrated Learning System in the Caribbean: Visions for the future
- Involvement of Social Partnerships in a Holistic Lifelong Learning Approach
- Skill Enhancement in the Eastern Caribbean
These sessions are detailed in the agenda attached to this invitation.
Organisation
The course is scheduled to take place over two days. It is hosted by The World Bank, OECS, UK-DFID, CDB and CANTA with OECS as the lead organizers. Speakers include leading researchers, professionals, and staff members of partner institutions. It is to be noted that a Caribbean Conference on Education for Rural People: Food Security, Agricultural Competitiveness and Sustainable Livelihoods is also being held in Saint Lucia on 18 and 19 May 2006, as detailed in an attachment to this invitation.
Audience/Participants
It is intended for Caribbean policymakers (Ministries of Education, Labor and Economy), national training agencies, educators, private sector leaders and HR personnel, education institutions and other stakeholders.
Partners
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World Bank
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Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)
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UK Department for International Development (DfID)
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Caribbean Association of National Training Agencies (CANTA)
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Cost
There is no registration or attendance fee for the conference. Participants are expected to make and finance their travel arrangements and to cover all other expenses during the course, including hotel accommodation and subsistence. To assist participants with lodging arrangements, the Forum organizers have provided telephone, fax and email information on a number of hotels that are within the vicinity of the Forum Conference Centre. These are:
Application and Course Information
Each Applicant must fax a completed application form (attached) to be sent no later than April 26, 2006 to Mrs. Anselma Fevrier
For any information regarding the contents of this course, please visit the OECS web site (oecs.org), or contact Mrs. Anselma Fevrier at telephone (758) 453-6208; email afevrier@oecs.org; or Ms. Deborah Alphonse at telephone (758) 452-2082; email dalphonse@oecs.org;
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