The Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training is primarily responsible for the formulation of educational policies, and the administration and regulation of education programmes. In 2013, the METI was also given responsibility for national policy and programme development for Science, technology, and innovation.
Currently, the education system in Barbados caters to almost 60,000 students annually and across the system there are 136 institutions designed to cater to the diverse needs of the population.
In the context of globalisation and continued changes in information and communication technologies, the national philosophy will be to use education as a tool for national development. Education will therefore be promoted as a lifelong learning process, which seeks to produce outcomes that are culturally-based, technologically-driven, diverse and dynamic. This Ministry will also seek to inculcate in citizens an understanding of, and an appreciation for the rule of law. It is through education that individuals will be equipped with the tools necessary for the nation to continue growing as an all-embracing, cohesive society.
The various strategies employed by the Ministry will:
- promote learning as a collaborative experience;
- be responsive to the needs of all beneficiaries;
- recognise the existence of multiple intelligences and abilities and ensure that these are addressed in the classroom;
- accommodate and address the different learning styles of our students;
- allow each student to develop at his/her own pace;
- promote creativity among the youth, the building of self-esteem and confidence;
- reinforce the cultural and spiritual values and behaviours necessary for a productive and wholesome society;
- adopt a research-driven and consultative approach to the development of policy and programmes; and
- promote the holistic development of young people through the creation of an enabling environment that facilitates their self-actualisation.
This Ministry in conjunction with other governmental and non-governmental agencies will continue to utilise a multi-sectoral approach to the delivery of educational services to young people. The emphasis will continue to be placed on the identification of the needs of young people and the addressing of these needs through relevant programmes.