Do you care what schools your children go to? You, I and most parents probably do, which is a bit of a paradox as there is very little evidence, i.e. scientific proof, that parental preferences for secondary schools are related to schools' causal impacts on school exit examinations. These preconceived notions of what are “the best schools” for your child can be explained by … [Read more...] about Can Parents Recognize School Benefits Beyond Short-Run Academic Achievement?
Diversity & Inclusion
Sustainable Development in the Caribbean: The Importance of Financial Access and Inclusion
In a recent publication “Financial Depth, Access, and Inclusion in the Caribbean” (March 2019), IDB economists from across the Caribbean region review the linked issues of financial development, access, and inclusion, with a view to identifying trends, common features, and potential areas for reform. The importance of financial access and inclusion for inclusive and sustainable … [Read more...] about Sustainable Development in the Caribbean: The Importance of Financial Access and Inclusion
Why is financial inclusion so important, and what common challenges does Jamaica face? (Part 2)
Despite tremendous strides towards economic stabilization, fiscal responsibility, and debt reduction, financial sector depth and development in Jamaica lags behind many of its peers. Recent improvements in institutional capacity, policy discipline, and structural factors suggest that there is considerable scope to accelerate financial sector development and to broaden access … [Read more...] about Why is financial inclusion so important, and what common challenges does Jamaica face? (Part 2)
‘Blue- Tech’ Challenge could help Caribbean solve pressing coastal problems
Did you know that oceans contribute nearly $21 billion to the GDP of Latin America and the Caribbean? Oceans also provide services that are not yet quantifiable, such as carbon sequestration, coastal protection, and the provision of critical habitat for biodiversity. The Worldwide Fund for Nature estimates that these services could be worth $2.5 billion every year. It is … [Read more...] about ‘Blue- Tech’ Challenge could help Caribbean solve pressing coastal problems
WeXchange Pitch Competition, an opportunity for Caribbean women entrepreneurs
In 2017, Mexican entrepreneur Jennifer Reyna, cofounder and CEO of Gaszen, applied to compete in the WeXchange Pitch Competition. After being selected as one of the six finalists, she pitched her company and business plan to an independent jury at the WeXchange 2017 forum in Santiago de Chile. Reyna’s company creates an innovative solution to keep track of gas consumption in … [Read more...] about WeXchange Pitch Competition, an opportunity for Caribbean women entrepreneurs