by Eulana Weekes
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN): The Nevis Island Administration, through the Ministry and Department of Education-Nevis, has begun to position the island for a long-awaited Digital Literacy Programme.
After a long halt in device distribution to students and teachers across the island, more than 1,200 electronic devices, including laptops and tablets, were distributed to students in primary and lower secondary schools.
The devices were distributed on Literacy Day, Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Other activities of the day included digital literacy-centred classes, digital literacy awareness, and special assemblies. Literacy Day formed part of STEM Week 2025 in Nevis.
The Department of Education advised that more than 350 devices were allocated to primary schools to enhance classroom learning, with an additional 200 devices expected for distribution to upper secondary students, and 300 more being prepared for teachers.
In a groundbreaking move, preschools were also considered, with almost 100 devices being prepared for childhood centres across the island.
Nevis is advancing its academic curriculum to transition away from Information Technology to Digital Literacy. Education officials have been collaborating on a Digital Literacy Plan with the Department of Education in St. Kitts to develop a curriculum, ensuring that students receive the best possible instruction. Meanwhile, curriculum updates and professional development for teachers, in partnership with Macmillan Publishing and Digital School House, are underway.
Mr John Williams, Education Officer responsible for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education within the Department of Education, Nevis, said it is essential for students to navigate the changing digital landscape, understand who they are as digital citizens, and ensure the safe and effective use of technology. Ideas like programming, robotics, and Artificial Intelligence are being considered for the programme.
