The preliminary section of the Digest provides important background information on country demographics and the general structure of education systems in the OECS region. Subsequent chapters detail the number of institutions; information on leaders and teachers; data on student enrolment; the internal efficiency of the systems; system outputs – specifically examination results; and some information on the financing of education in the sub-region. Recently, the inclusion of historical data has enhanced the presentation by reflecting changes over time. The ESD therefore assists decision-makers in identifying and considering trends and realities in OECS national education systems for open communication, research, reflection, further analysis, assessment and monitoring of system performance.
Education leaders and policy-makers, teachers, students and parents will find herein a wealth of information that can assist in more meaningful participation and benefit from, their educational environment. Development partners and donors will find justification for their support, as well as a rationale for expanding support into new areas, while academia will find timely and readily available data and information on education in the sub-region.