Guyana has a similar partnership with the World Bank, though that project focuses more on preparing for flooding as part of efforts to build climate resilience in that country’s education sector.
In 2021, the World Bank approved a US$6.7 million grant for Guyana to improve learning in nursery schools, increase technology use in primary schools, and improve functionality of the national education management information system.
Based on the project document, the country’s vulnerability to flooding is a key consideration, particularly along the low-lying coastline where a majority of the population resides.
“The Project would consider observed and anticipated climate change impacts and associated vulnerability of Guyana’s education system and its population.
“Under this Project, the introduction of smart classrooms and tablet interventions represents a move away from reliance on print materials and texts. Where print materials are necessary in order to reach vulnerable populations, technology such as QR codes will be used to allow access to additional materials electronically,” the document noted.
Guyana’s Ministry of Education is also building more schools, or expanding existing ones, across the country in response to population growth and regional development. Upgraded facilities, with better ventilation and greater accessibility, has been a focus.
St. Kitts and Nevis received funding from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) in 2023 to assist with the upgrading of schools, but that was challenged because of the shortage of staff at the institution.
However, one of twelve institutions were upgraded and retrofitted. “…CDEMA had approved five projects that they would normally do in the region. St. Kitts was approved but unfortunately because of their [CDEMA] lack of resources in their office, they informed me that they moved from 12 procurement officers to just one. So that in itself is taking time,” the minister disclosed.
But going forward, the minister noted that they would have to consider retrofitting schools with air conditioning to ensure the environment is conducive for learning for teachers and students.
The cost of retrofitting and constructing schools to be more resilient has increased significantly, and neither of the three territories have the resources to go in that direction.
It is for this reason that it is important that regional leaders lobby for more funding to cover building resilient infrastructure at the COP28 next month.
Small Island Developing States, like those in the Caribbean, continue to be bothered by climate change, especially those within the education sector. Though they are bothered, it is hoped that more benefits will be derived from a unified approach by regional heads on the international platform.
This story was published as part of the Caribbean Climate Justice Journalism Fellowship, which is a joint venture between Climate Tracker and Open Society Foundations.