The Government of Saint Lucia has embarked on a programme to rehabilitate and modernise school infrastructure nationwide this year, with a strong focus on accessibility for children with disabilities, climate resilience and energy efficiency.
Minister of Education Shawn Edward announced that the initiative, funded by a loan of over US$6 million from the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), will target 22 schools, prioritising dilapidated structures.
According to officials, the goal is to ensure that all students can access education in a “safe and supportive learning environment”.
Four major construction projects have been prioritised under the Afreximbank funding:
- New blocks at Grand Riviere Secondary, Pierrot Combined, Plain View Combined and Entrepot Secondary School.
- Climate-resilient and energy-efficient designs to ensure long-term sustainability.
Hubert Harte, director of works at the Ministry of Education, confirmed good progress, with three of the four projects expected for completion by the end of November. However, Entrepot Secondary’s much bigger three-level structure will extend beyond this year.
According to the ministry’s communication unit, “A comprehensive assessment of needs is expected to determine the equitable division of resources among institutions, ensuring standards of operation can be maintained to the benefit of staff and the student population.”
Further underscoring the government’s commitment, 14% of the newly proposed national budget has been allocated to education, reinforcing its pledge to “prioritise the learning and development of Saint Lucian youth,” Edward said.
