For the first time in history, students across the OECS will have the opportunity to directly influence the future of education through the groundbreaking Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Student Census.
The OECS Student Census launches on 11 November 2025, and marks the first time globally that students from anywhere in the world will participate in a single, region-wide Student Census.
The groundbreaking initiative will capture the authentic voices of students from kindergarten to Form 5, providing invaluable insights to help governments, educators, and policy-makers build more inclusive, equitable, and student-centred learning environments.
“Today, across our islands, we make history. For the first time anywhere in the world, every student, from kindergarten to secondary, will take part in a single, region-wide Student Census. Not a sample. Not a survey of a few. A true census giving every child the chance to be heard,” said Dr Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS. “The OECS is the first region in the world to undertake this total student-voice census — and we do it because transformation begins with listening.”
“The Student Census represents a truly transformative step in regional education development in the OECS,” said Sisera Simon, Head, Human and Social Division, OECS Commission. “It presents an opportunity to capture accurate, up-to-date information on every student, we gain the insights needed to shape policies that truly respond to their needs and aspirations. This initiative empowers us to make informed decisions, close gaps, and unlock the full potential of our young people across the region.”
Empowering students, strengthening schools
The OECS Student Census invites students to anonymously share their honest views and experiences about learning, teaching, and school life. Their voices will provide critical insights to help education leaders:
- Understand students’ needs and challenges
- Improve classroom teaching and school environments, and
- Design inclusive and future-ready education systems
The data collected will inform the new 10-Year OECS Education Sector Strategy (2027–2037), anchoring it in the lived experiences of students.
Parents and Communities: Your support matters
The OECS is calling on parents, caregivers, and community members to support the census by encouraging student participation and helping spread the word.
You can help by:
- Encouraging your child to complete the census at school
- Promoting the importance of participation within your community and networks, and
- Sharing official posts and materials on social media to spread the message
Confidential and secure
The OECS Student Census will be administered in schools across participating OECS Member States. All data collected will be made anonymous and kept confidential, ensuring that students can express themselves freely and safely.
Make every voice count!
The OECS Student Census will serve as a powerful platform to amplify the voices of over 100,000 learners across the region. It is a bold step toward building more inclusive, equitable, and student-centred education systems that reflect the true realities of learners today.
The OECS Student Census starts on 11 November 2025. Together, let’s make every student’s voice count.
OECS
