Caribbean only grouping with no regional education and research network
KINGSTON -- March 10, 2008 – The Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network (CKLN) in conjunction with the Ministry of Education in Jamaica will host a two‐day consultation under the theme Distance Education Collaboration in Jamaica‐ The Way Forward from 11‐ 12 March, 2008 at the Terra Nova Hotel.
“At the end of the two days, participants will have a greater awareness of the different forms of tertiary level collaborations for online and distance learning that exist locally, regionally and internationally,” explained Jackie Cousins, CKLN consultation project manager.
“Additionally, they will depart from the consultation having identified and agreed on the collaborative models that they will commit to undertaking post‐consultation and have a raised awareness for developing courses and programmes that align with the needs of today’s labour market.”
Today, the Caribbean is the only regional grouping that does not have a regional education and research network.
“Through our C@ribNET project, CKLN has been mandated to take the necessary steps to develop a regional education and research network to serve Caribbean people,” explained Ken Sylvester, chief executive officer, CKLN. “With enrolment in tertiary education in the Caribbean at 15.1 per cent, there is a significant need for increased access to quality tertiary education across the Caribbean, as it is set to be the major catalyst for improving the region’s competitiveness.”
The Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network (CKLN) is a regional not‐for‐profit mechanism and CARICOM institution supported by international donor agencies. It was established in 2004 to enhance the competitiveness of Caribbean countries by upgrading and diversifying the skills and knowledge of
human resources in the region through greater regional collaboration and connectivity.