by Eric Falt, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for the Caribbean
On this 24 January, celebrated as the International Day of Education 2026, UNESCO highlights the role of youth as essential co-creators of the education systems that shape their futures.
Across the Caribbean, young people are driving innovation, creativity, and social change. Yet too many boys and young men remain at risk of falling behind in school, with serious consequences for themselves and their communities.
Data shows that while girls often perform well in school, many boys leave early, particularly at the upper secondary level. In many Caribbean countries, boys make up the majority of out-of-school youth, a trend with lasting effects. Being out of school reduces access to work, limits life opportunities, and increases the likelihood of involvement in violence or high-risk activities.
In the Caribbean, for example, a significant proportion of adolescents are not in school, and male students are overrepresented among them. Young men who do not complete secondary education face a higher risk of unemployment, social marginalisation and of getting involved in violence, including in school. UNESCO’s research emphasises that education is one of the most effective ways to reduce these risks, yet boys’ needs are often overlooked in traditional programs.
Our work in the Caribbean shows that meaningful engagement matters. Youth must be involved in shaping education policies, programmes, and curricula that affect them. Participation helps young men feel that learning is relevant and connected to their lives, rather than just a requirement. Youth Forums, SDG 4 Youth and Student Network initiatives, and community consultations have shown that when boys are given a voice, their engagement in education and success rates increase.
Engaging boys effectively also requires understanding the challenges they face. Many struggle with learning environments that do not reflect their experiences or learning styles. Mentorship, life and digital skills training, and opportunities to connect education to practical pathways help keep boys motivated. Community support, including family involvement and school-based guidance, plays a crucial role in helping boys stay in school and succeed.
UNESCO highlights several best practices across the Caribbean where boys are successfully engaged. Pilot projects that combine school curricula with community-based activities provide opportunities for boys to see the direct value of education in their lives. These initiatives show that when learning is co-created with young people, it becomes more inclusive, relevant, and empowering.
Structural barriers must also be addressed. Poverty, gender and social norms, limited access to quality schools, and a lack of clear pathways to work all contribute to boys dropping out. UNESCO’s reports stress the importance of equitable funding, social support systems, and targeted programs to support at-risk youth. Tackling these barriers is essential if education is to reach all students effectively.
The stakes are high. Boys who remain engaged in school are not only more likely to graduate; they are also less likely to be exposed to violence and other social risks. Education gives young men skills, confidence, and opportunities that strengthen families and communities. Supporting boys and young men in school is therefore an investment in wider social stability and development.
With collaborative approaches, informed policy, and practical interventions, the region can create learning environments where all youth — boys and girls alike — can succeed and contribute to their communities.
Education is more than classroom instruction; it is a platform for hope, growth, and opportunity.
By making it inclusive, responsive, and empowering, Caribbean countries can turn boys’ disengagement into participation and potential into achievement. On this International Day of Education, let’s celebrate the power of youth while ensuring that no young person — especially the poorest boys — is left behind.
