Building Bridges Through Education: Shereen Davy-Stubbs and Erasmus+ in Jamaica

The Erasmus+ Programme has long been recognized as a powerful tool for international cooperation in education, youth, and training. In Jamaica, its impact is gaining momentum thanks to the unwavering dedication of Mrs. Shereen Davy-Stubbs, the Erasmus+ National Focal Point (ENFP) for the country. With her dynamic leadership and strategic outreach, Erasmus+ is becoming a household name among Jamaican students, educators, and institutions eager to explore global academic opportunities.

Promoting Global Competitiveness through Education

On November 22, 2024, the Delegation of the European Union to Jamaica, Belize, and The Bahamas hosted a landmark Erasmus+ Sensitization Workshop—a hybrid event designed to educate, inspire, and connect. With 63 participants attending both in-person and online via WebEx, the workshop was a testament to Jamaica’s growing interest in the Erasmus+ programme and the transformative role of international education.

At the center of this initiative was Mrs. Shereen Davy-Stubbs, whose presentation on Erasmus+ opportunities laid the foundation for an engaging, practical, and impactful session. Her efforts have consistently focused on demystifying the application process, strengthening institutional ties, and motivating young Jamaicans to seize global mobility opportunities.

A Well-Structured Workshop with Real Impact

The workshop, structured into three key segments, aimed to go beyond awareness-raising. It delivered actionable insights:

1. Overview of Erasmus+ Programmes – providing clarity on the structure, components, and benefits of Erasmus+.
2. Opportunities and Beneficiary Testimonial – featuring success stories, including one from Ms. Kaodi McGaw, an Erasmus Mundus scholar, who shared her life-changing academic journey.
3. Strategies for Crafting Effective Scholarship Applications – equipping participants with the tools and confidence to write compelling scholarship essays and develop competitive proposals.

Presenters such as Mr. Chris Grant, CEO of Scholarship Jamaica, and Dr. Anne-Marie Williams from UWI Mona, added layers of practical insight and encouragement. The event was opened by Her Excellency Dr. Erja Askola, EU Ambassador to Jamaica, and Her Excellency Symone Betton Nayo, Jamaican Ambassador to Belgium, both of whom emphasized the importance of Erasmus+ in enhancing Jamaica's educational landscape and global presence.

Catalyzing Change Through Strategic Engagement

Mrs. Davy-Stubbs’ work extends far beyond this one workshop. As National Focal Point, she leads strategic initiatives to promote Erasmus+ throughout the country. These include:

• University campus visits to deliver targeted sessions.
• Partnership development with local institutions and educators.
• Guidance and mentorship for prospective applicants through workshops and follow-ups.
• Collaborations with EU officials and stakeholders to ensure continuous growth of Erasmus+ in the region.

This recent sensitization workshop marked a significant moment in that ongoing journey. Among the key outcomes:

• Strengthened collaboration between Jamaican institutions and the EU Delegation.
• Heightened interest among youth to pursue scholarships and mobility programmes.
• Increased demand for follow-up support on scholarship essay writing and proposal development.

A Vision for Jamaica's Academic Future

Thanks to Mrs. Shereen Davy-Stubbs’ stewardship, Erasmus+ is not only gaining visibility in Jamaica—it is laying the foundation for a culture of academic ambition, global mobility, and inclusive development. Her advocacy is ensuring that more Jamaicans view international study not as a distant dream, but as an accessible, structured pathway to personal and national growth.

As Erasmus+ continues to expand its footprint across the Caribbean, the work of passionate leaders like Mrs. Davy-Stubbs serves as a model for how education diplomacy can drive meaningful change. Through strategic engagement, inclusive outreach, and an unshakable commitment to excellence, Jamaica is stepping boldly into the global academic arena—with Erasmus+ as a key partner in its journey.