On 18 June 2026, the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean partnered with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to host the Small Islands Developing States Inclusive Initiative for Media and Information Literacy in the Caribbean (SIM Caribbean) Training for Educators Hybrid Workshop. This initiative engaged educators and civil society organizations who teach students, students with challenges, and persons with disabilities.
The hybrid workshop started with a panel discussion on “Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Awareness, Curriculum and Policy,” featuring presentations from the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology of Antigua and Barbuda, the Cotton Thomas Comprehensive School in St. Kitts and Nevis, and the MIL Alliance for Latin America and the Caribbean.
The capacity-building initiative continued with digital training sessions on the use of Google Classroom, led by the Special Education Needs Unit within the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology of Antigua and Barbuda. The event brought together participants from nine countries, including over 80 online participants and nearly 70 in-person participants from Antigua and Barbuda and St. Kitts and Nevis.
During the opening ceremony, speakers emphasized the timeliness of the initiative and highlighted media and information literacy (MIL) as a crucial competency for educators and students alike. They stressed the need to equip teachers to foster inclusive, resilient learning environments and underscored that education must go beyond digital skills to help learners critically evaluate information, recognize bias, counter misinformation and disinformation, and use technology safely and responsibly.
This is an extremely timely and valuable initiative. Media and information literacy is an increasingly important topic for both educators and students alike.
His Excellency Timothy Bauer, Permanent Delegate of Antigua and Barbuda to UNESCO
Media and information literacy for educators in this field means every classroom, virtual or physical becomes a space where no child is left behind in the digital age. When we empower teachers with MIL skills, we empower a generation of youth.
Honorable Geoffrey Hanley, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Social Development, Gender Affairs, Ageing and Disabilities of St. Kitts and Nevis
Media and Information Literacy is no longer optional. It is an essential competency for both educators and students, and empowers individuals to think critically.
Andrea Andrew, UN Country Coordinator for Antigua and Barbuda
Education systems must do more than provide access to technology, they must help learners understand technology, evaluate information, recognize bias, and use digital tools responsibly, safely and creatively.
Eric Falt, Regional Director and Representative of UNESCO
Remarks were also provided by Clare Browne, Director of Education within the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology of Antigua and Barbuda, Joy-Ann Harrigan, Education Officer at the Special Education Needs Unit, Government of Antigua and Barbuda, His Excellency Nerys Dockery, Secretary General of the St. Kitts and Nevis National Commission for UNESCO, and Dr. Reginald Murphy, Secretary General of the Antigua and Barbuda National Commission for UNESCO.
READ MORE: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-supports-caribbean-educators-build-inclusive-classrooms?hub=701
