‘Big Caribbean Classroom’ formally opens with launch of Digital School

The Guyana Digital School, a national and regional online learning platform designed to expand access to quality education for students across the country and the wider Caribbean, was launched on Friday.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali led the launch, which was attended by government officials, regional leaders and education stakeholders who described the initiative as a major step toward modernising learning for future generations.

In his feature address, Ali said the Digital School was “a bridge that ensures no child is left behind, whether they live on the coastland or deep in the hinterland.”

He stressed that the platform is not merely a technological upgrade, but a national investment aimed at preparing students for an economy driven by artificial intelligence, digital industries and globally connected skills.

“Our children must not only consume digital technology — they must master it, shape it, and lead with it,” he said, adding that thousands of students had already registered during the phased rollout.

The platform is built on a “Four Quadrant” model that includes structured e-learning content, teacher-support tools, interactive features and hands-on activities aligned with national and regional curriculum standards.

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley delivered remarks in support of the initiative, calling it a regional milestone.

“What Guyana has done today is open one big Caribbean classroom,” she said. “A child in Parika, Bartica or Lethem must have the same chance as a child in Bridgetown or Castries — and this Digital School moves us closer to that reality,” she added.

She praised Ali for his vision and commitment to equity in education, urging Caribbean governments to work together to expand cross-border digital learning.

The next phase of the rollout will include the addition of more subjects, the integration of AI-driven personalised learning pathways and enhanced training for teachers to support classroom implementation. New courses will be added particularly for students preparing for major examinations.

Education leaders said the platform’s long-term impact will be assessed by improvements in performance and equity, especially in remote areas.

With Guyana taking the first step, the initiative is being seen as a potential model for digital education across the Caribbean.