Learning through crisis: How UNICEF helped keep classrooms connected across the Eastern Caribbean
Findings from a new evaluation highlight lessons from the pandemic response and offer a roadmap for building resilient, inclusive education systems
BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS, 7 August 2025 – A new evaluation released by UNICEF has found that its education response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Eastern Caribbean helped mitigate major disruptions to learning, while laying the foundation for longer-term transformation of education systems across the region.
The report looks at UNICEF’s education efforts across 12 countries and territories from 2020 to 2022. It shows that despite severe challenges, timely action, strong government partnerships, and targeted interventions helped ensure that many children, especially the most vulnerable, were not left behind during one of the most profound education crises in history.
UNICEF’s support during this period ranged from the provision of devices and connectivity to digital learning platforms, teacher training, and psychosocial services. In many cases, these efforts were co-designed with Ministries of Education and regional bodies such as the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission to ensure alignment with national plans and evolving needs.
The evaluation found that UNICEF’s actions were highly relevant and responsive to the shifting demands of the pandemic. While the initial response focused on immediate continuity of learning, later interventions began to address broader system needs, such as curriculum recovery, mental health, and safe school reopening.
Importantly, the report highlights how investments in digital learning and stronger partnerships helped not only with emergency response but also triggered change that could shape the future of education in the region. However, it also warns of persistent gaps, particularly in reaching children with disabilities, migrant students, and those facing socio-economic hardship.
“The pandemic tested the resilience of every education system - and children paid a high price,” said AbdulKadir Musse, UNICEF Representative for the Eastern Caribbean. “But it also showed what is possible when we act quickly, listen to communities, and build solutions together. This report offers a path forward for making education systems more inclusive, flexible, and prepared for future crises.”
Conducted using a mixed-methods approach, the evaluation included document reviews, interviews with education stakeholders, and consultations with students, teachers, and parents across the region. Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados were selected for deeper analyses.
As part of its Transforming Education agenda under the 2022-2026 Eastern Caribbean Multi-Country Programme, UNICEF is using these findings to inform ongoing efforts to strengthen digital infrastructure, embed mental health support into schools, and improve access to quality learning for every child -especially in times of emergency.
