Education Minister Chad Blackman has declared the 2026-27 school year as the “Year of Purpose” in education, unveiling new digital platforms for both teachers and students to share ideas, experiences and knowledge.

In a ministerial statement on Friday to designate the school year which begins in September, Blackman described the year as particularly significant ahead of Barbados’ 60th year of Independence and fifth year as a republic.

He said: “We must use this moment as a time not only of reflection but to use the gains as well as the lessons learned on how to prepare for the next 60 as a nation. To this end, the ministry is dedicating the 2026/2027 school year as the year of purpose.”