The Government of Antigua and Barbuda is dedicated to providing access to education for all. In recent years, this commitment has been met through joint efforts with the Cuban government. Since 1998, the Cuban government has awarded 300 scholarships to Antiguan nationals. In 2006, they pledged 76 scholarships. The country’s alliance with China was also beneficial since China pledged 25 scholarships for young Antigua and Barbuda nationals. New programmes are expected in the Ministry of Education as government increased spending in education. This ministry is charged with recruiting new teachers and upgrading the facilities at primary and secondary schools. Students also benefited from the introduction of the school uniform grant and the school feeding programme that the country’s new government implemented between 2004 and 2006. The government is also committed to the advancement of technical and vocational education. The construction of a new public library is also underway.
2007 Budget Address for Antigua