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Education in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has undergone gradual development of educational system. In fact, literacy is still an alarming concern up to the present. Hence, reforms have been duly instituted by the Ministry of Education along with Western communities to curb this problem one step at a time.

Vincentian education has evolved from its rich historical past. In pre-colonial period, education is aimed at teaching tribal values on tribe members. Colonial domination introduced informal learning based on the Christian religion. Formal education to the locals was introduced only in 1835 with the Negro Education Grant from Great Britain.

The State promotes limited educational opportunities for Vincentians with its free and non-obligatory primary education. More often than not, only few of those enrolled in basic schooling resumes to the secondary level due to non-affordable tuition fees. College education is scarcely available to locals through scholarship grants. Indeed, most of higher educational institutions across the country cater to foreign students.

Educational framework existent in this Caribbean nation is comprised of three levels. These include primary education (seven years); two-phased secondary education (first stage for five years and second stage for two years); and tertiary education (minimum of three years for college degree). Also, there are some alternative programs for higher instruction such as vocational and technical courses. Special schooling for adult education and handicapped education are provided, too.

In 2002, recorded literacy rate was only 67% among those who attended basic education. This triggered the intensive campaign on reading and writing interventions through the Literacy Enrichment and Support Agenda pioneered by the government working hand in hand with European Union and United States communities.