8th September, 2015

Today, countries all around the world are honouring “International Literacy Day.” As Minister of Education, Employment, and Gender Affairs, I join with the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and all its partners around the world in recognising this important day.

This year’s theme, “Literacy and Sustainable Societies,” demonstrates the interconnectedness of literacy learning and the implications it has on developing sustainable societies in our home here in the Cayman Islands and across the world.

Over the years we have seen gains in literacy learning. However, there still remains a segment of students who leave our schools without obtaining the literacy levels they require to contribute fully to the development and sustainability of our society. Education system changes are needed to ensure that the literacy needs of all students are put first.

As UNESCO Director-General states, “We must invest more, and I appeal to all Members States and all our partners to redouble our efforts – political and financial – to ensure that literacy is fully recognized as one of the most powerful accelerators of sustainable development.”

The launch of the 2015 – 2019 Cayman Islands Teaching and Learning Strategy, which is a 14-point multi-year plan, with the initial focus being on literacy is a critical step on the part of the Ministry of Education to redouble our efforts to build upon the strengths of the Cayman Islands Education System, while also providing educators with the tools and objectives they require to ensure that all our students achieve their full potential and achieve at the highest international standards.

Improving literacy standards continues to be one of the highest priorities for the Cayman Islands Education System, as literacy underpins the life-skills of all individuals in our community. Literacy enables all of us to create sustainable societies, allowing for lifelong learning which enables individuals to make choices that promote economic growth through employment, gender equality, and social development.

Through the launch of the 2015 – 2019 Teaching and Learning Strategy, and by building upon public-private partnerships, the Government is committed to working with all stakeholders to provide an environment that supports and celebrates success in literacy.

We will continue to strive to do our part here in the Cayman Islands, with all other Member States around the world, to “fully recognize literacy as one of the most powerful accelerators of sustainable development.”

Honourable Tara Rivers, JP