Financing for equity in primary and secondary education
1. Education resources to subnational governments
2. Education resources to schools
3. Education resources to students and families
4. Social policies and family support programmes
Introduction
In Saint Kitts and Nevis, education funding is centrally managed by the Ministry of Education, which allocates the budget across all levels from pre-primary to secondary. The Ministry covers school operating costs, including salaries for teaching and non-teaching staff, and supports key programmes such as school transport, the Teacher Resource Centre, computerisation of schools, the Student Education Learning Fund (SELF) Project, and Special Education Units for children with special needs.
The Ministry sets strategic direction, while the Department of Education and local officers on both islands handle policy implementation. This centralised model aims to ensure universal, compulsory education from ages 5 to 16, promote inclusive education, and drive technological advancement.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
No information is available on funding mechanisms that allocate central government resources to local governments based on equity considerations.
2. Education resources to schools
Special Education Services
Special Education Services in Saint Kitts and Nevis ensure that schools have qualified teams to develop tailored enrichment and intervention programmes aligned with students’ needs and the core curriculum. The Special Education Unit began operations in Saint Kitts in 1982 and now has units on both Saint Kitts and Nevis. Funding for these services is managed by the Ministry of Education, which allocates resources to run these specialised units and support programmes. The Ministry's budget covers special education staff salaries, equipment, learning materials, and inclusive projects.
3. Education resources to students and families
Saint Kitts Education Learning Fund
Launched in 1993, the Students Education and Learning Fund (SELF) aims to reduce educational inequalities by ensuring all children have access to quality education regardless of their social or financial background. The fund provides eligible primary and secondary students with textbooks and covers examination fees. Students are required to return textbooks before the end of the school year. A maintenance fee of USD 25 is charged upon receipt of the books, with a waiver available for children enrolled in the Social Safety Net programme. Examination fees (CSEC) are paid based on a means test to identify eligible students.
Saint Kitts and Nevis operates a comprehensive School Transport System managed by the Ministry of Education, which provides free bus services for public school students. This system ensures all children have reliable and safe transportation to and from school at no cost to their parents or guardians, supporting universal access to education across the islands. Moreover, the government is actively pursuing modernisation of the school bus fleet through innovative projects.
4. Social policies and family support programmes
Social Safety Net programme
The Social Safety Net programme supports vulnerable families through cash transfers and complementary services such as psychosocial support, health care, educational counselling, and assistance with employment and housing. Key initiatives like the Poverty Alleviation Programme provide monthly stipends to low-income households to help cover essentials including school supplies. This integrated approach aims to reduce poverty, improve children’s access to education, and promote social inclusion, reflecting strong government commitment aligned with national priorities and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
5. School meal programmes
School Meals Programme
Both Saint Kitts and Nevis operate separate school meal programmes managed by the Ministry of Education. The government fully funds the programme in Saint Kitts, while in Nevis it covers 60% of the costs.
The Saint Kitts programme, launched in 1982, provides daily meals to all primary school students and needy high school students, with recent expansion to some private schools. Meals are prepared centrally at the School Meals Centre and delivered to participating schools via dedicated school meals buses.
