CDB approves US$56.2 million to transform education in Antigua and Barbuda

The Board of Directors of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has approved a loan of US$56.2 million to the Government of Antigua and Barbuda for the Education Enhancement and Quality Improvement Project (E-EQUIP), according to a press release. Approved at the Board’s 315th Meeting, held recently in Barbados, the investment targets climate-resilient schools, teacher training and programs to transform the education system. The project is expected to benefit more than 10,000 students, including 2,400 young people with skills for work and life. It builds on the country’s achievement of universal access to basic education. The financing marks a bold step toward inclusive and accelerated national development.

E-EQUIP will enable Antigua and Barbuda to advance solutions for improving the quality, equity, relevance and resilience of its education system. The initiative will rehabilitate and expand four schools: Sir Novelle Richards Academy, Antigua Girls’ High School, Ottos Comprehensive School and Golden Grove Primary School. The facilities will be inclusive, energy-efficient and disability-accessible, built to withstand hurricanes and flooding. During emergencies, they will also serve as community shelters. The project reaches beyond enhancing the physical environment of schools.

The project will implement CDB’s Improving Mathematics Proficiency Across Caribbean Countries (IMPACT) program to raise Mathematics proficiency in every primary and secondary school. It will strengthen the instructional and leadership skills of more than 750 teachers, school leaders and Ministry staff. E-EQUIP will expand support for students with special educational needs and fund competitive grants for schools to pursue their own improvement priorities. It will also modernize the Education Act of 2008. In addition, designs will be prepared to transform two secondary schools into Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Centres of Excellence.

CDB framed the loan as an investment in the critical skills and competencies of every learner.

“Every child deserves a safe, modern school where they can learn and thrive. Through E-EQUIP, CDB is helping Antigua and Barbuda build resilient classrooms, empower its teachers and open doors to opportunity, so today’s students become tomorrow’s leaders and innovators,” said Mr. L. O’Reilly Lewis, Director of Projects, CDB.

The initiative treats foundations in Mathematics, Science and TVET as the surest route to opportunity. It combines infrastructure upgrades with pedagogical reform. The approach addresses both access and quality simultaneously.

In addition to CDB financing, the Government will contribute US$23.565 million, bringing the total project cost to approximately US$79.8 million. The Ministry of Education will implement the E-EQUIP project from 2027 to 2031. The program reflects CDB’s commitment to social development across its Borrowing Member Countries. It aims to give every learner the chance to thrive. The investment signals a sustained push to modernize education in Antigua and Barbuda.