Education Report Highlights Faith, Excellence, and Growth Across the Caribbean Union
Dr. Daphney Magloire, Education Director of the Caribbean Union Conference, highlighted the spiritual, academic and institutional growth of Adventist education across the Caribbean Union. Her report celebrated steady enrollment, more than 800 student baptisms, strong CXC results, and continued investment in educators, innovation, and financial sustainability.
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MARACAS VALLEY, Trinidad — Spiritual transformation, educational excellence, and institutional growth have continued to shape Adventist education across the Caribbean Union Conference (CARU), according to the quinquennial report presented by Education Director, Dr. Daphney Magloire, during the Union's 18th Session.
The report outlined the department's work from 2022 to 2026, highlighting significant progress in spiritual development, academic achievement, leadership training, and institutional sustainability despite changing demographics and economic challenges.
Enrollment across the Union's schools remained steady during the reporting period, reaching 9,712 students in 2026. One of the report's most significant findings was the changing student population, with nearly 59 percent of primary school students coming from non-Seventh-day Adventist families. Dr. Magloire described this as a growing opportunity for evangelism and discipleship through Christian education.
The department also reported encouraging spiritual outcomes. More than 804 students were baptized during the quinquennium, reflecting the continued integration of faith and learning throughout CARU schools. Chaplaincy ministry also expanded, with 14 chaplains now serving 28 schools across the Union. Specialized training conducted by Dr. Ivan Manilich of the General Conference further strengthened the spiritual leadership of chaplains and school principals.
Recognizing that quality education depends on well-prepared educators, the department continued to invest in professional development. A total of 123 teachers completed the Teacher Certificate Course, strengthening their understanding of Adventist philosophy and classroom practice, while 42 principals graduated from the Inter-American Division's ten-month leadership programme. School leaders also participated in training focused on accreditation, school safety, financial management, and institutional sustainability. In 2025, the department launched its inaugural Education Directors' Cruise, providing opportunities for leadership development, spiritual renewal, and professional fellowship.
Innovation and financial stewardship also featured prominently in the report. Through strategic grant writing, CARU educational institutions secured approximately US$300,000 to support technology initiatives and vocational programmes. The department also introduced a Parent Entrepreneurship Programme to help families develop additional sources of income while strengthening their connection to Adventist education. A similar initiative was extended to employees, encouraging entrepreneurship and financial resilience.
Student achievement remained strong throughout the reporting period, with Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) pass rates consistently exceeding 80 percent. While acknowledging continuing challenges in mathematics, the department reported the introduction of targeted interventions to strengthen student performance. CARU also expanded its STEAM programmes and continued advancing institutional accreditation across the territory.
Beyond the classroom, students from the East and North Caribbean conferences demonstrated the practical expression of their faith through community service initiatives and a ten-day missionary trip to Panama, where they participated in evangelistic outreach, community rehabilitation projects, and humanitarian service.
Concluding her report, Dr. Magloire expressed appreciation to teachers, administrators, chaplains, parents, and education partners whose dedication continues to advance the mission of Adventist education throughout the Caribbean Union.