What helps young men and boys stay connected to education when the odds are stacked against them?
Our latest story looks at the people, environments, and opportunities that can make a difference.
Drawing on experiences from the Caribbean, it shows how mothers, teachers, mentors, peers and communities can all help young men stay focused on learning and see a future in education. It also explores how approaches that combine flexible academic pathways, vocational training and stronger social support can help re-engage learners at risk of leaving education and create clearer pathways to future opportunities.
For a small Commonwealth member state that is also part of the European Union, flexible and future-ready education can have an impact far beyond national borders. As the country advances its Digital Education Strategy 2025–2030, its focus on digital skills, inclusive access and educator development is helping build more connected, ethical and future-ready learning systems.
COL has worked with Malta since 2015 to strengthen digital education. That partnership led to the Commonwealth Centre for Connected Learning (3CL), hosted in Malta, which continues to advance innovations in digital literacy, trustworthy digital identities, blockchain-enabled credentials and responsible uses of emerging technologies, including AI.
We celebrate the country’s valuable small state perspective and contribution to connected learning and wish the nation continued success as it invests in open education, skills and opportunity for all.
On Belize’s Independence Day, we celebrate the role of education and skills in helping people prepare for new opportunities in a changing economy. As the country advances its Education Sector Plan 2026–2030, priorities such as teacher development, digital learning, TVET, inclusion and lifelong learning are helping build a more resilient education system.
Belize is expanding digital learning and flexible skills training while helping teachers strengthen their digital and AI skills and supporting women and young people, including boys and young men, in building practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship. Through networks such as COL's Virtual University for Small States of the Commonwealth, Belize also brings its small-state perspective to regional approaches to education, economic opportunity and climate resilience.
COL looks forward to building on its work with partners in Belize to strengthen access to more inclusive and adaptable learning.
What helps young men and boys stay connected to education when the odds are stacked against them?
Our latest story draws on experiences from the Caribbean to look at the people, environments, and opportunities that can make a difference. Learn more: https://www.col.org/news/responding-to-boys-disengagement-from-education-through-flexible-learning-skills-and-support/
For a small Commonwealth member state that is also part of the European Union, flexible and future-ready education can have an impact far beyond national borders. As the country advances its Digital Education Strategy 2025–2030, its focus on
On Belize’s Independence Day, we celebrate the role of education and skills in helping people prepare for new opportunities in a changing economy. As the country advances its Education Sector Plan 2026–2030, priorities such as teacher development, digital learning, TVET,
