On Sunday, Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) Class of 2024 marked a significant milestone in their academic journey on their graduation day, as Minister of Education Shawn Edward addressed the graduating students, their families, and faculty.
“Today, we gather to celebrate a truly remarkable achievement—the graduation of students from the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in the year 2024,” the Minister stated. He commended the students for their perseverance, dedication, and adaptability throughout their studies.
Reflecting on their journey, the Minister reminded graduates of the importance of resilience as they step into the next chapter of their lives. “Life, as we know it, is full of twists and turns, steep inclines and deep valleys. But as you go along your journey, remember this: you are resilient. You are adaptable. You are blessed, and you are highly favored,” he stated.
The Minister went on to highlight the transformative power of education, emphasising its role as “the great equalizer, a tool with the power to transform lives and uplift communities.” He congratulated the graduates for valuing higher education as a means to unlock opportunities and achieve excellence, stating, “Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution.”
Minister Edward also encouraged the graduates to embrace lifelong learning, quoting futurist Alvin Toffler: “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” Edward urged the graduates to remain curious and adaptable in a rapidly changing world.
Acknowledging the challenges of the future, he inspired the graduates to see them as opportunities. “You will encounter disruptions in technology, shifts in global economies, and urgent calls to address pressing issues such as climate change, social injustice, and inequality. I urge you to embrace these challenges, not as obstacles, but as opportunities to make a difference.”
The Education Minister concluded his address with a call to action: “Class of 2024, you are the leaders of tomorrow, and Saint Lucia has placed its confidence in your ability to do well for yourselves, for your families, for your communities, and for your country.”
