The OECS Commission acknowledges that equitable access to literacy can transform learning for every child, and reaffirms its commitment to the transformation of literacy learning spaces in the region on International Literacy Day 2022, observed under the theme “Transforming Literacy Learning Spaces.” In September 2021, the OECS’ Education Development Management Unit launched the Global Digital Library (GDL) — an Open Education repository targeting early learners that contains over 6,000 books in 83 languages. The Commission also launched the Digital Education Capacity-Strengthening Initiative (DECI) in June 2022, under the theme “Developing Digital Content to Create Immersive Learning Experiences.” DECI is a digital education programme designed for the Early Grade Education Sector in the OECS that will build the capacity of 600 principals and teachers in content development and produce 1,500 culturally relevant resources freely accessible through an OECS platform.
In June 2022, the OECS PEARL programme brought together Early Childhood Education Leaders for a forum entitled “Reflect, Refocus and Renew,” which provided ECE leaders with the opportunity to reflect on the disruption in learning caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and explore how OECS PEARL can work with educators to serve the literacy and education needs of young learners. A wide range of books and educational content has been curated and shared by the OECS Commission and can be accessed by visiting the OECS Kolibri platform and the OECS version of the Global Digital Library. The Commission encourages all supporters of literacy to use the hashtag #OECSReads to post stories, photos of favourite books, or a video of someone reading a children’s book from the Global Digital Library.