FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Transforming Education:
TVET Unit Engages Parents of Saint Lucia’s New TVET School Centers
Castries, Saint Lucia, July 6, 2023 – The Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Unit, a
division within the Ministry of Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science,
Technology, and Vocational Training, is spearheading an ambitious project to redefine the
boundaries of technical and vocational education in Saint Lucia’s education system. The unit will be
engaging with students and parents from Monday, July 10th to Thursday, July 20th, to discuss the
transformation of four secondary schools into TVET Centers, heralding a new era in skills
development and career-oriented education.
The Ministry of Education recognizes the need to enhance the technical and vocational education
and training landscape to meet the ever-evolving demands of the labour market. To accomplish this,
the TVET Unit has embarked on a mission to transform Anse Ger Secondary School, Grande Riviere
Secondary School (Dennery), Piaye Secondary School, and Stanley Jon Odlum Memorial Secondary
School into centers that will provide competency-based certifications and produce industry-ready
graduates.
Under this transformative initiative, classrooms at these select schools will be converted into
dedicated workshops, laboratories, and studios. Moreover, an alternative curriculum will be
introduced, carefully aligned with emerging career areas and the demands of the labour market. The
Ministry and the TVET Unit envision graduating students who possess not only employability skills
but also the ability to start their own businesses, promoting entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
Ms. Delthia Naitram, the head of the TVET Unit, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating,
“We firmly believe in the benefits of TVET-based education for all students. Our long-term goal is to
provide access to a limited number of occupational training areas at all schools. In the short term,
we will focus on transforming the operational and instructional programs of the four schools into
technical high schools. As these four institutions take shape they will provide enhanced alternative
skills-based curriculum which will be diverse, flexible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of both
the labor market and our students. Supported by technology, highly skilled teaching staff and
industry partners, this initiative aims to empower students and equip them with the competencies
required to thrive in the modern workforce.”
Recognizing the significance of effective communication and information sharing, the TVET Unit has
scheduled dedicated meetings with parents of Grade 6 students assigned to the four TVET
institutions to provide them with comprehensive insights into the goals, objectives, and intended
outcomes of the new TVET programs . These meetings will outline how the training and certification
offered through this new system will benefit their children and ensure a successful transition into a
career-oriented pathway. The meetings will be held at the following locations and times:
Grande Riviere Secondary School (Dennery) – Monday, July 10th at 10:00 am
Anse Ger Secondary School – Thursday, July 13th at 9:30 am
Stanley Jon Odlum Memorial Secondary School – Wednesday, July 19th at 10:00 am
Piaye Secondary School – Thursday, July 20th at 10:00 am
The TVET Unit eagerly anticipates these meetings and encourages all parents to attend. This will be
an invaluable opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the TVET focused Schools initiative
and how it will shape the educational journey of their children.
For more information, please contact: TVET Unit – 468-5437 / Watsapp: 730-0370
About the 4 TVET Schools:
The Ministry of Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology, and
Vocational Training through the TVET Unit, is transforming four secondary schools in Saint Lucia into
technical vocational education and training (TVET) centers. The Anse Ger Secondary School, Grande
Riviere Secondary School, Piaye Secondary School, and Stanley Jon Odlum Memorial Secondary
School will be transformed into dynamic technical high schools. With a long-term goal of offering
access to a limited number of occupational qualifications at all secondary schools, these four schools
which have had a significant TVET offering, will be best suited to seamlessly and cost-effectively
transform into full TVET focused institutions over the next two years. The primary objective is to
develop students who are more responsive to today’s ever-evolving job market upon graduation.
These career centered learning programs will be designed to prepare students for the job market,
for entrepreneurial initiatives or for further studies in specific skill areas.
These TVET centers will augment regular classrooms with upgraded workshops, labs, and studios,
allowing students to gain both theoretical and practical experience relevant to their chosen
occupational areas. The introduction of an alternative curriculum, led by trained TVET instructors
with support from industry experts, will empower students to acquire industry-relevant skills and
foster an entrepreneurial mindset. These centers will provide a holistic and inclusive approach to
education, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the
21st century.
Through this initiative, the Ministry of Education will offer a diverse number of technical and
vocational qualifications, future proofing education and contributing to sustainable national
economic growth and development. The Ministry of Education, Sustainable Development,
Innovation, Science, Technology, and Vocational Training and the TVET Unit are committed to the
continuous development, monitoring and evaluation of the four institutions, ensuring their
relevancy, accountability, and the delivery of quality skills-based education to support the
aspirations of St. Lucian students and the labor market needs.