Higher Education: Government's Quest To Create More Opportunities for Saint Lucians! by Government of Saint Lucia

Issue 31 | 31 Aug, 2019

HIGHER

EDUCATION: Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Quest To Create More Opportunities for Saint Lucians!

Let’s Take

Sir Arthur Lewis Community College

The Stories of Three Sir Arthur Lewis Community College Alumni

Scholarships From Friendly Governments

03. Education Minister Hon. Gale Rigobert Outlines the Thrust Toward Higher Education

04. Higher Education Insight from the Per-manent Secretary

05. Sir Arthur Lewis Community College 06. SALCC Programmes 2019 08. The Stories of Three Sir Arthur Lewis Community College Alumni

10 SALCC 2018-2023 Strategic Plan 12. Scholarships From Friendly Governments 14. News Bites

Education

Higher I

n this issue of “Our Saint Lucia” the spotlight falls on Higher Education. Higher education is described as any of the various types of education given in post secondary institutions of learning and usually affording, at the end of a course of study, a named degree, diploma, or certificate of higher studies. Highereducational institutions include not only universities and colleges but also various professional schools. The Department of Education in Saint Lucia continue to engender greater interest in higher education and is happy to report that in recent years there has been an increase in Saint Lucians pursuing such. Among the department’s many initiatives is #educatesaintlucia a concept aimed at creating interventions for students who find securing a good education beyond their means. In the following pages of this publication, we present some of the Department’s policies, the programmes of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, Government endorsed scholarship programmes and more. The importance of a good education cannot be underscored enough and so we offer some quotes from renowned individuals, including our very own Sir Arthur Lewis, on Education. “The fundamental cure for poverty is not money, but knowledge” – Sir Arthur Lewis. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” – Nelson Mandela “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education – Martin Luther King “Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family. Kofi-Annan And finally, Malcolm X posits that: “Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today. Education is an important element in the struggle for human rights. It is the means to help our children and our people rediscover their identity and thereby increase their self-respect.” It is our hope that through this issue of Our Saint Lucia we can inspire our Saint Lucians to aim higher in the pursuit of education and knowledge.

Editor: Toni Nicholas

a relationship, we will seek out more opportunities for our citizens by way of full or partial scholarships,” Hon. Gale Rigobert says. The plan she says is also to spare no effort in ensuring the success of the new sports academy, where students will not only be afforded a pathway to professional sports, but also have access to academic opportunities through sports scholarships overseas. With respect to the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, the island’s tertiary education institution, Minister Rigobert says that over the last three months the institution, along with the Department of Education, has embarked upon a very intense review of its subject offerings. “We did this to determine those courses that we deem obsolete, the ones which we still have a healthy demand for and courses which we need to introduce, courses which are increasing in demand because of changes in technology, business practices and protocols and also because of new and emerging professional areas,” she explained. She disclosed that among the courses to be introduced, is a multi-media programme. The SALCC is also in talks with a partner to introduce music production and engineering, the Minister went on to reveal.

Education Minister Hon. Dr. Gale Rigobert Outlines Thrust Towards Higher Education

“

One of the things I have often lamented is that Education, especially tertiary education in Saint Lucia is still somewhat elitist and therefore very much out of reach for many citizens,” the minister started off by telling “Our Saint Lucia.” “We have therefore embarked upon several policies and material interventions to ensure that we expand opportunity and access for all,” she went on to say. According to Hon. Gale Rigobert Minister for Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development, one such intervention is #educatesaintlucia. “One of the key pillars of that initiative is the #firstgeneration initiative - our collaboration with ACT and universities in North America in particular where we endeavor to secure full or partial scholarships for students who have fared well on the ACT exams,” she explained. The Minister says that all of these efforts are geared toward ensuring that we can expand opportunity and access, especially for citizens who come from families where no one has been to college or university. “In addition, as we continue to engage with friendly governments and international development agencies and of course universities, with which we already have

One of the many strong points of the SALCC Minister Gale Rigobert says, has been the nursing programme. “This programme has received great reviews and many of our nurses often find opportunities in other countries due to their recognized training,” she noted. This department according to the Minister, will be further upgraded. Through Saint Lucia’s High Commissioner in London, Guy Mayers, there has been discussions with a view of attracting citizens of some African nations to pursue the nursing programme offered at SALCC. “We at the Department of Education have also partnered with Monroe College to expand the offerings of hospitality and tourism and in the coming months Monroe will announce plans to offer a culinary arts programme in the south of the island,” Hon. Gale Rigobert indicated. In addition, discussions are being finalized for a Swiss based hospitality and tourism institute to set up shop here in Saint Lucia. The Minister says she is also grateful to corporate entity Caribbean Grains who recently partnered with other agencies such as the SLHTA, the Bakers Association and SALCC in putting a baking programme together. This course of study should be on stream by October of this year at the SALCC. “And so the Department of Education has been on a drive to ensure we secure as many opportunities for our citizens from all walks of life where learning is concerned. However we are cognizant that it all starts with Early Childhood and if we are to engender a culture of higher education, it must start from reengineering the minds of our little ones. And so not only have we embarked on strengthening programmes for Early Childhood Educators but we have not forgotten the importance of our teachers in general. It is for this reason we recently afforded several teachers through the Education Quality Improvement Project (EQUIP) scholarships to pursue a number of pertinent courses.” “I would just like to wish all students a productive and progressive academic year. I would also like to remind students pursuing Higher Education overseas, that they are ambassadors for Saint Lucia. And while I encourage you to work hard and experience new cultures, that you too should share and showcase our intellectual products; our literature, our music, our dances, our culinary arts. I assure you that the Department of Education is committed to providing the needed support and we encourage all of the student associations to register with the department so that we can create those linkages for our students.”

Higher Education Insight from the Permanent Secretary Michelle Charles is the PS in the Department of Education, Innovation and Gender Relations. She spoke to “Our Saint Lucia” on the Department’s role in engendering a culture of Higher Education among the citizenry. “At the Department of Education we see ourselves as being strategically placed to realize the goal of creating an education system that shapes the development of our productive citizens for a service and investment economy, as well as an economy that is becoming more and more technologically driven. To achieve this, we believe that individuals need to possess a number of traits, among them being literate and numerate, being critical thinkers, values driven, technology literate, globally adaptable, having national pride and being lifelong learners. For these reasons, we have been engaged in a review of the Education Act and the policies that drive the Department along with a number of other initiatives”. - Michelle Charles, P.S. Q. Could you elaborate on some of these initiatives where higher education is concerned? A. In 2017 the Department of Education launched #educatesaintlucia, which is all about creating greater awareness, opportunity and access to education services for our citizens. So there is now a greater focus on higher education as part of this initiative. In addition, recognizing that Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) is our only tertiary learning institution, with an extension at the Vieux Fort Comprehensive School, we would like to broaden the access for our people to have opportunities for higher education beyond what is just limited to SALCC. With a new principal coming on board, we are optimistic that the new vision for SALCC will begin to take shape as we begin to see some of the new strategies and interventions unfold. It is our hope that we begin to leverage the school’s namesake Sir Arthur Lewis more, in creating a niche for ourselves as a college of choice in the region. We are also having stakeholder discussions for the possible introduction of sixth forms at Secondary schools, whereby these students would be able to write the CAPE exams. A National Vocational Institute is also in the advanced stages of discussion. The NVI will provide training and skills to individuals who have technical and vocational leanings so that they can acquire CVQs and NVQs at various levels. These qualifications would allow them to matriculate into a college if they wish and are recognized internationally. Another area we have been promoting are the A.C.T exams for entry to Universities and Colleges in the US, which again creates greater access and opportunities for higher education.

Q. How does one access Government Scholarships? A. At the moment we are guided by the Education Act which makes provisions for two full Government scholarships annually for island scholars. There is ongoing discussion however, to make the scholarships available not just to students from the Division of Arts Science and General Studies but to consider other departments as well. Besides the Government Scholarships we are responsible for the advertising and promoting of a number of Scholarships by friendly Governments, Organizations and institutions including the Cuban, Taiwanese and Moroccan Scholarships as well as Commonwealth, UWI and OAS scholarships. Q. What are the procedures for offshore Colleges and Universities wishing to set up here? A. The Ministry of Education has the authority under the Act to register these institutions once they meet all the requirements and we are satisfied that they are accredited by the relevant bodies. There are also a number of other agencies involved including the Ministry of Commerce where a trade license is required as well as the registry of companies. Q. Does the Ministry provide any preparatory support for prospective students pursuing studies overseas? A. In 2018 we started hosting college readiness workshops and fairs, bringing in past university and college students to speak to prospective students and to interact with them as to what they can expect and how they can better prepare. The Minister of Education, Hon. Gale Rigobert a former University student and lecturer herself, has also been a part of these sessions, speaking to students and offering advice. Q. Is the Department of Education satisfied with the interest shown in Higher Education? A. There most definitely has been an increase in interest and one of the pillars of the #educatesaintlucia initiative is to offer first generation scholarships, where students would have been the first ones in their family to pursue tertiary education, becoming the catalyst for change. We now find that our students are more excited about pursuing studies beyond secondary school and are willing to go to all parts of the world in pursuit of their dreams, recognizing what education can do for you as they reflect on the words of Sir Arthur Lewis, that indeed knowledge and education are the keys to curing poverty.

SIR ARTHUR

LEWIS

COMMUNITY

COLLEGE

HISTORY: he Sir Arthur Lewis Community College was established under an Act No. 8 of 1985, to provide a place of education offering instruction in:

Agriculture; Arts Science and General Studies; Health Science; Teacher Education and Educational Administration Technical Education and Management Studies, and in such other fields of education as the Minister may from time to time determine. Prior to the establishment of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, tertiary education was provided at three separate institutions situated at Morne Fortune, each with a Principal. These institutions were referred to as the Morne Educational Complex and were as follows: •

• •

The St. Lucia Teacher’s College” (established in 1963 at Sans Soucis and later transferred to Morne Fortune in 1968; The Morne Fortune Technical College” (established at the Morne in 1970); The St. Lucia ‘A’ Level College” (Established at the Morne in 1974).

As early as 1971, the need for integration was recognized and by 1983, the process of integration was further accelerated with the appointment of a Task Force on the Integration of the Morne Educational Complex. The report of the Task Force included a recommendation for the establishment of a Community College, and put forward comprehensive proposals

for the development of such a Community College. A Committee was also appointed in 1983 to make recommendations to Government on ways in which fitting tribute should be paid to Sir Arthur Lewis, a distinguished son of Saint Lucia who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics. The report of the Committee, which was accepted by Government, included among other things a recommendation that the Community College to be established on the Morne should be named Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. With the establishment of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, the institutions, which formed part of the Morne Educational Complex, ceased to exist as separate administrative units.

enable graduates to move immediately to the world of work or to pursue further study. Programmes cover several fields of study including: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.

Agriculture Building Studies Business and Secretarial Studies Electrical and Electronics Studies Hospitality Studies Humanities Mathematics Mechanical Engineering Studies Natural Sciences Nursing Nutrition and Dietetics Social Sciences Teacher Education

OVERVIEW - PROGRAMMES OF STUDY The Sir Arthur Lewis Community College was established to provide a place of Education as the national tertiary institution offering programmes that meet the needs of the Saint Lucian society and empower citizens to pursue their dreams and become productive citizens. These programmes offered at the Certificate, Diploma and Associate Degree levels

SALCC Programmes 2019

ew programmes are being introduced this academic year at the Division of Arts, Science and General Studies with the launch of Associate Degrees in the Humanities, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences.

The programmes comprise the following types of courses: 1.

General education – courses designed to enable students to develop a core set of competencies that provide a base for understanding the real world and ensuring successful completion of their programme. Programme – courses specific to the field of study defined by the programme. Electives – courses which students select from among programme courses offered by the College or courses identified by their Department based on their interests or career paths.

2. 3.

SALCC Programmes of Study by Division/Department and Certification Level Note: The following list is subject to change. The programmes offered in an academic year must meet minimum enrolment requirements. Therefore, all programmes may not be offered in each academic year.

DIVISION/ DEPARTMENT

Division of Agriculture

Biology – Associate Degree Division of Arts, Science and General Chemistry – Associate Degree Studies Digital Media – Associate Degree

French – Associate Degree Economics – Associate Degree

In addition to the programme offerings, the College also offers a range of access, general education and selected programme courses as stand-alone courses on a part-time basis through the Department of Continuing Education and the Southern Extension Centre. The access courses, which may be used to meet entry qualifications, are designed to enable students to complete required competencies related to the secondary school syllabi in selected subjects. The general education and programme stand-alone courses provide learners with the opportunity to pursue individual courses that are part of a programme for personal or professional development.

The Department of Health Sciences also offers a Health Aide course aimed at preparing learners to work as Health Aides in various settings in the health care delivery system. In response to requests from the private and public sectors and in collaboration with various partners for the delivery of short programmes and courses, the Department of Continuing Education facilitated the National Recertification of Taxi Drivers in collaboration with the Department of Tourism while the Division of Technical Education and Management Studies partnered with BPI/Performance Paints Ltd in the training of the technology involved in the refinishing of wood.

UWI Franchise Programme – Bachelor Programme Students may also complete a Bachelor of Education degree programme, a Post-graduate Diploma in Education, and years one and two of the Bachelor of Science (Social Sciences) under franchise arrangements with the University of the West Indies.

General Agriculture Associate Degree General Agriculture – Certificate*

Access to Higher Education

In keeping with the College’s mandate to increase opportunities for tertiary education, the Department of Continuing Education recently introduced a Bridging Programme. This one-semester programme of study is designed to assist applicants who have not met the College’s matriculation requirements to obtain the requirements and to join their selected programme in the second semester, if successful.

PROGRAMME

Performing Arts – Associate Degree Sociology – Associate Degree Advanced Level (CAPE) – Certificate B. Sc. (Social Science, Years 1 & 2, Franchised from UWI)

Department of Health Sciences

General Nursing – Associate Degree Applied Nutrition and Dietetics – Diploma Nurse Midwifery – Diploma

Division of Teacher Education and Educational Administration

Primary Education – Associate Degree Secondary Education – Associate Degree Secondary Education – Post Graduate Diploma (Franchised from UWI) Bachelor of Education (Franchised from UWI) Secondary Education – Post Graduate Diploma (Franchised from UWI)

Building Studies Department Division of Technical Architectural Technology – Associate Degree Education and Management Construction Engineering – Associate Degree Studies Quantity Surveying – Associate Degree Building Trades Foundation – Certificate Building Trades – Certificate Building Services Foundations – Certificate

More Than Just Academics

Building Services – Certificate Carpentry and Joinery Foundations – Certificate Carpentry and Joinery – Certificate Business and Secretarial Studies Department Applied Arts, Business Administration – Associate Degree Applied Arts, Office Administration – Associate Degree Electrical & Electronics Studies Department Computer Systems Engineering – Associate Degree Electronics Engineering – Associate Degree Electrical Installation – Certificate

Hospitality Studies Department Food and Beverage Operations – Associate Degree Hospitality Studies – Associate Degree Travel and Tourism – Associate Degree Mechanical Engineering Studies Department Automotive Engineering – Associate Degree Mechanical Engineering – Associate Degree Air Conditioning Systems Foundations – Certificate Diesel Mechanics Foundations – Certificate* Diesel Mechanics – Certificate* Motor Vehicle Mechanics Foundations – Certificate Motor Vehicle Mechanics – Certificate Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems – Certificate

Department of Continuing Education

Criminal Justice- Associate Degree Social Work – Associate Degree Business Studies – Certificate Paralegal Studies – Certificate Secretarial Studies – Diploma Secretarial Studies – Certificate Social Work – Certificate

Southern Extension Centre

Business Administration Criminal Justice- Associate Degree Office Administration – Associate Degree Social Work – Associate Degree Business Studies – Certificate Secretarial Studies – Diploma Secretarial Studies – Certificate Social Work – Certificate

The debate team t the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, students are engaged in numerous activities that go beyond the academics.

The SALCC is extremely supportive of its students and creates opportunities to develop their talents. For example the College hosted the inaugural Windward Islands Debating Competition in 2017. SALCC students have represented well in the debates hosted thus far dominating the awards of best speaker for each competition. The School’s Annual Sports meet, is another popular event on the School’s calendar of activities, attracting participation from not just current students but past students as well. Each year houses compete in a number of sporting disciplines including basketball, football and track events. The management, staff and students of the SALCC community college , has also been singing the praises of two of its students in the area of performing arts. Monique Auguste and Jessie Myers are the writers behind “A Little Folk Tale” Saint Lucia’s theatrical presentation at the recent CARIFESTA in Trinidad. Earlier this year the college also staged Aeterum written by Chrisla Emmanuel, a production which formed part of activities for Nobel Laureate week. The co-writers were Jodi Nelson and Christian Forster.

Note: Programmes with an asterisk (*) are not being offered in 2018-2019

leaning towards wherever there was a need. “Coming from humble beginnings where my parents did not always have the means and sometimes having to fend for myself, I think this served as a catalyst for a desire to make a change in not just my life, but the lives of others, particularly disadvantaged women. I became interested in advocacy groups such as YAM while I was at school, further nurturing that seed,” Latoya says.

The Stories of Three Sir Arthur Lewis Community College Alumni From Sir Arthur Alumna to Sir Arthur Scholarship Awardee Latoya Charles

prah Winfrey is quoted as having said; “I believe luck is preparation meeting opportunity. If you hadn’t been prepared when the opportunity came along, you wouldn’t have been lucky.” For 23 year old Latoya Charles, preparation, driven by a passion to succeed, is a mantra she lives by. Having prepared for this day – the day she stepped onto the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies Barbados, earlier this month (August 2019) is another step closer to realizing her dreams. Latoya is the 2019 Saint Lucia recipient of the Sir Arthur Lewis Scholarship Award for OECS nationals. A past student of the Castries Comprehensive Secondary School, she went on to the SALCC where she graduated in 2016. She completed studies in Travel and Tourism, Sociology, Caribbean Studies and Communications, with one unit Law and one unit Environmental Science. Asked to respond to who is Latoya Charles?” she says; “Someone who prides herself on carrying a humble spirit. A gentle soul, yet still standing fierce in the fight for gender equality. Feminism is my first love. My passions never go unexplored and my goals seldom remain a thought for too long.”

At the UWI, Latoya will be pursuing “Political Science” with “Gender and Developmental Studies. Her reasons; “I believe in good governance and someday would like to be in a position to make a difference in areas where gender equality is concerned. I also have a passion for International relations, world progress and seeing how as small island states we could meet the demands of globalization. Overall, I want to see the world from different lenses, the ideologies behind the framing of some of the international treaties and how I can someday make a change by understanding these dynamics and how they can be enhanced to better serve humanity”. Having functioned on the boards and executives of several organizations in Saint Lucia, one would think that Latoya already embodied many of these prerequisites in pursuit of a paradigm shift. But according to her, it was again part of the preparation process - gaining experience in field work. She is the past PRO of the Saint Lucia National Youth Council, Youth Representative Secretary Caribbean Family Planning Affiliation Board of Directors, Youth Representative Saint Lucia Planned Parenthood Board of Directors and Sexual Reproductive Health Rights of Adolescence Caribbean Advocate. She was also part of the Youth Advocacy Movement (YAM) and is a Toastmaster with the Public Service chapter. Latoya Charles has also been afforded the opportunity to attend various forums regionally and internationally as a presenter on some of these areas. Asked how she got so involved at such a young age, she said it was simply

One defining moment she recalls involved a project under the Global Citizen “Period Poverty” banner. “This was a grass roots project which we called “My Sisters Keeper,” distributing care packages to women and sharing menstruation tips, dispelling some of the myths as well as discomforts women had in talking about something that was quite natural, she explained. After graduating from SALCC, she knew her next step was University, but again, preparation. “I worked as a dental assistant, with CGTI, a Credit Union, and with the Public Service at the call center as I focused on what I really wanted to do. The scholarship was something I decided on two years ago and after I applied, I did not wait for a positive response before I started putting things in place to begin this leg of my journey. I think this is very important so that one is not caught off guard with last minute preparations that can be very stressful,” Latoya explained. And who are the people who inspired her over the years? “My inspiration has come from Yvonne Edwin, former president of the Civil Service Association as well as global icon, Michelle Obama. The words I live by are from David Thoreau who said “go confidently in the direction of your dreams, live the life you have imagined” and Audre Lorde the fierce feminist who said, “I am deliberate and afraid of nothing.” And finally we asked, what words of encouragement she would have for young persons with regards to pursuing higher education? “I will say that no dream or goal is unattainable. It’s simply a matter of finding the right combination of resources, being open to receiving sound advice, developing a strategic approach and not just taking the easy route. I dare you to pursue what sets your soul on fire, sometimes your only reward is fulfilment. Go into unchartered territory and leave a path for others.”

My Sir Arthur Lewis College Experience

by Dean Nestor

he time I spent at Sir Arthur Lewis Community College was one of the most memorable periods of my life. Reuniting with my old friends from the St. Mary’s College and getting to make new ones over the course of two years, while trying to juggle between an emotionally charged social life and the daily grind of A-Level classes, was a novel experience for me that I won’t soon forget. It was a five year experience packaged in just two years. The most breathtaking thing about attending the school was the Morne Fortune environment. There, one is surrounded by so much of the island’s history: with that historical ambiance unmatched elsewhere. Combine that with the sight of lush, freshly cut lawn, the smell of grass, the coolness of the breeze, the freshness of the air, the unparalleled scenic view of Castries, its harbour and the view of the North, while at the same time being able to see as far south as the tips of Morne Gimie and the Pitons. With all of that I quickly realised that there could hardly be a better environment for learning. Being a part of the History class during my time there, also added to that experience. I didn’t just read about history; about the great European armies doing battles in faraway lands or even right here in Saint Lucia; I saw it: the ammunitions buildings, the tombs of soldiers who died hundreds of years before; soldiers trying to secure the very spot upon which I stood. Why, I even had classes inside barracks and other military buildings, used in times past for such a different purpose.

Jeanelle Sokaloo (right) conferring with first year UWI student Latoya Charles

Making the Transition from SALCC to University

or Jeanelle Sokaloo, making the transition from the SALCC to University has not been an easy one. But she readily admits that nothing good comes without its fair share of struggles. She will be among the first generation of her immediate family to pursue University Education, something she does not take lightly. In 2012 she completed studies at SALCC Division of Technical Education & Management Studies with an Associate Degree in Construction Engineering.

The school dedicated to Sir Arthur Lewis was built upon the ruins of battles fought long ago: battles upon which our nation was built.

She then went on to gain work experience with the department of Physical Development, Housing and Planning, while trying to secure a scholarship to further her studies.

The Laureates were talked about by lecturers keen on impressing upon our minds the importance of their respective legacies. They were discussed, to some degree even after class. As a Literature student, Sir Derek featured more prominently in my student life than the man for whom the school was named. Although I do remember debates held in class about some of Sir Arthur’s quotes; our culture as a nation (and at the time) as a school, was more geared towards Walcott’s field, as opposed to Sir Arthur’s. To my mind, seldom does the Economics field capture the imagination of a people as poetry does, although it does touch their wallets. As a mothered student, such concerns were far from my mind.

“I really wanted to go off to study but it was difficult obtaining the scholarship at first and so I had to make the decision after working for a few years to go to the UWI Mona, Jamaica in 2018 and pay out of pocket for the first year,” Jeanelle says.

So what can be done to make Sir Arthur’s school, one that is a constant reminder of the man, and the impact he has made on the wider society? I do not know the answer to that, but surely it must be something beyond his remains, placed towards the back of the school’s campus a school I reiterate has served me well. Dean Nestor grew up in Reunion Choiseul and is a Journalist currently working with the STAR Newspaper.

During that first year, as hard as she says it was both financially and making the mental adjustments, she was able to excel and succeeded in obtaining an OAS Scholarship to continue for the next two years. Jeanelle has now transferred to the UWI St. Augustine Campus in Trinidad which was originally her first option, continuing her studies in Civil Engineering. “Higher Education is something I would encourage anyone to pursue as learning is a lifetime process and the more you can develop yourself in your field the better you are able to contribute not just to your own development and your family but the wider society,” Jeanelle says.

New Associate Degree Programmes •

New Academic Programmes

The Concentration in Performing Arts offers learners the opportunity to develop their creative talents, and attain tertiary level certification in foundation areas of the performing arts. The programme is structured to provide holistic training experience comprising much practice in creative production and performance, as well as to provide critical knowledge in other related areas that underpin performance success in the creative industries. Learners will also do core courses in the Business of the Arts including Production Management. The successful graduate of this programme will have the requisite knowledge and practical skills to launch a career in many possible areas of the creative economy, or to gain access to higher university or professional training in the Creative and Performing Arts.

•

SALCC 2018-2023 Strategic Plan

he College’s vision of ‘Excellence in human development through innovative learning and relevant research’ speaks to the focus on enhancing its core activities to give due attention to teaching, research and service. In implementing its mission of ‘Developing conscientious, dynamic citizens who lead through service and collaboration’, the College is ensuring that its students develop an awareness of the national, regional and international communities in which they live and that they develop competencies that are necessary for contributing to and leading development initiatives in these communities. The 2018-2023 Strategic Plan is designed to enable the College to transition into a university college and therefore the strategic priorities focus on improving teaching and learning, student services, research, service to community, and its governance and administration systems. It is envisaged that through the implementation of the plan, the College will establish: • • • • • •

Innovative and Excellent Programmes A Diversified Student Body and Vibrant Student Life A Foundation for Research and Scholarship Robust, Sustained Engagement with the College Community Effective Stewardship of Resources Effective Governance and Administration Systems

Performing Arts

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The Department of Health Sciences is poised to begin delivery of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program in January 2020; pending approval from the General Nursing Council. With the recent acquisition of high fidelity simulators and a newly developed Anatomy Laboratory, the Department is confident that students’ learning experience will be much improved. Faculty training in online teaching, use of virtual simulation and computer based examinations will allow for varied methods of student engagement and strategies of assessment. The program comprises eleven semesters, and includes theoretical and clinical courses and interaction with both healthcare providing institutions and support agencies. Training and preparation continues during the period September to December 2019. The Department is now housed in what was previously the CAMDU Building.

Digital Media

The Concentration in Digital Media is designed to develop entry level professionals in the fields of audio-visual production, graphic design, 2d animation, web design and mobile development. This programme exposes learners to tools and skills to become competent practitioners in media development and distribution. •

Online Learning

The Sir Arthur Lewis Community College is taking the leap into online teaching and learning by making training of its staff a priority using both internal and external professionals to facilitate the process. Thirty participants from the Faculty of Arts, Science and General Studies engaged in an eight week online course writing training activity. The course, appropriately entitled Course Writing and Development, allowed learners to go through the process of course writing and development. The SALCC also partnered with the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) for certification in Online learning. The course was designed to help educators to establish or improve their own online or blended teaching practices, learn how to effectively facilitate an online course geared to achieve specific learning goals and outcomes and adopt a learningcentered instructional approach and choose instructional strategies to facilitate online, self-directed learning.

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

and/or further studies, without the financial and physical constraints normally associated with commuting to Castries.

One of the College’s strategic objectives is the development of relationships with institutions and organisations for internationalisation purposes. During the 2018-2019 academic year, the College established relationships with the following partner institutions in the Caribbean, Canada and the USA. *Johnson and Wales University Lycée Polyvalent Nord Caraïbes Niagara College Niagara University University of the Virgin Islands

Through maximum utilization of its limited physical and other resources, the Campus now offers adult learners the opportunity to pursue courses both prior to the commencement of, and subsequent to the end of, the workday, thus providing a higher degree of flexibility to its clients.

The College’s collaboration with the partner institutions will focus on the following types of activities: • • • • • • • • • •

Student study abroad Student internships abroad Student Exchanges Language immersion programmes for students Programme articulation arrangements Faculty and staff exchanges Development and implementation of faculty and staff professional development programmes Development and implementation of joint curricula Collaboration on research Peer review of programmes and courses

South Campus The South Campus (formerly known as the Southern Extension Centre) of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College was established in 1992 as a sub-department of the Department of Continuing Education (DOCE). However, over the years, it evolved into a mini campus of the college. The South Campus currently serves a diverse population of learners predominantly from the southern half of the island, utilizing flexible time slots to meet the varying needs of its clientele. The Campus currently offers programmes at the Associate Degree and Certificate level, on both a full-time and part-time basis, as well as non-academic/continuing education programmes/courses. The Campus affords mature learners the opportunity for further academic development, while providing younger learners with the opportunity to pursue their higher education goals, in preparation for entering the workforce

•

Offerings

In addition to the newly launched Travel and Tourism and Hospitality Studies Associate Degrees, the South Campus offers the following programmes on both a full-time and part-time basis: • • • • • •

Office Administration Associate Degree Secretarial Studies Certificate Business Administration Associate Degree Business Studies Certificate Social Work (at both the Associate Degree and Certificate level) Management Studies Certificate (Part-time only)

The Campus offers a number of Access courses, programmes and Ancillary courses such as the Defensive Driving Course and the National Certification for Tourism Programme Operators Programme. The Tiling Theory & Practice course is also offered on Saturdays, along with one-day seminars in Project Management and Quality Management Systems. The Campus currently operates from 7 am to 7 pm for academic programmes/courses, and up to 11 pm for non-academic/continuing education programmes/courses, from Monday to Saturday. Through collaboration with the Administration of the Beanefield Secondary School and by extension, the Ministry of Education, the College utilises the middle floor of the Beanefield Secondary School from 3:30 pm onwards—which allows the Campus to more than double its capacity to meet the current demand for higher education and training in the South. •

Enrollment

about 300 students, while enrollment in non-academic/continuing education programmes is about 500 participants, bringing the total enrollment to about 800 individuals.

Agriculture Education to Meet Growing Demand Ministry of Agriculture leaders, agriculture stakeholders representing the public and private sectors, and the Faculty Division of Agriculture of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) met recently for a two-day consultation to revise the training curriculum for agriculture students for the next academic year. The long-awaited initiative comes amidst calls to train tertiary-level students to an acceptable level where they can satisfy entry level employment in the agriculture sector. Chairman of the SALCC Board of Governors, John Calixte, said the engagement between partners began last year. It is envisaged that the consultation and the program and training activities consequently developed and implemented will serve as a foundation for the continued growth and development of Saint Lucia’s agriculture sector, and adjacent sectors such as tourism which rely heavily on the agriculture industry.

During any given academic year, the South Campus’ enrollment in academic programmes/courses is

Cuban Scholarship Awardees 2019

CUBA Continues Its Support for Training uba has had forty years of diplomatic relations with Saint Lucia and has offered more scholarships to Saint Lucians than any other country over the years, affording hundreds, the opportunity of higher education. Recently, another cohort of students got the opportunity to follow their dreams in a country which has been known to produce top quality medical specialists. Cuba’s Ambassador to Saint Lucia, H.E Alejandro Simancas Marin reiterates his Government’s commitment to Saint Lucia. “We will always do everything within our hands to contribute to the development of Saint Lucia. We think that adding to the country’s human resources capabilities is a very important contribution, but it is up to you to finish what you have started,” The Cuban Ambassador told scholarship recipients. In the majority of cases, the scholarships offered aim to form professionals in the field of Medicine and Health Specialist. In this manner, Cuba continues to contribute to the development and the training of specialists from Saint Lucia; in particular, in a high impact social sector like public Health. Morocco Fosters Greater Ties with Saint Lucia The Kingdom of Morocco has had diplomatic ties with Saint Lucia since the 80’s. However Morocco in 2014 established an Embassy here, further deepening diplomatic relations and most recently has been affording Saint Lucians the opportunity to study in the North

SCHOLARSHIPS FROM FRIENDLY GOVERNMENTS Africa Nation. The Government of the Kingdom of Morocco through the Agence Marocaine de Cooperation Internationale’s (AMCI’s) recently invited applications from suitably qualified candidates desirous of pursing studies at Moroccan public institutions of higher, technical and vocational education. Twenty scholarships have been offered to pursue studies up to the PhD level, commencing 2019-2020 academic year. Taiwan Scholarships 2019 On their Facebook page “Taiwan in Saint Lucia” the Taiwanese Embassy noted “during July and August this year, on average more than 1 Saint Lucian per day go to Taiwan to study, receive training or to attend conferences.

Gender Relations and Sustainable Development congratulated awardees and expressed gratitude to the Ambassador of Taiwan. “Thanks to the hard work of Ambassador Douglas Shen and his team from Taiwan, the number of scholarships for Saint Lucians has increased by more than fifty percent this year and for this we are grateful,” she says. Saint Lucian Student Receives Academic Excellence Award in Taiwan Saint Lucian students studying in Taiwan continue to rise to the challenge of excelling in the Asian country. In 2018, at the end of the second semester, Saint Lucian Taiwan scholarship recipients attended the annual Taiwan Scholarship and Huayu Enrichment Scholarship Farewell Party and award ceremony, where Zena Alcide was presented with the award for academic excellence.

Hon. Gale Rigobert with Taiwanese Ambassador and Awardees

Taiwan continues to train a number of Saint Lucians by offering annual scholarships through the Department of Education, Innovation and Gender Relations. The most recent briefing for the 2019 Scholarships was in February of this year. Twenty one universities (35 programmes) in Taiwan are partner schools of ICDF Scholarship Programme this year. Minister for Education, Innovation,

Out of hundreds of graduating students, Zena was one of the top 8 recipients to receive the prestigious award.

She attended Tamkang University in Tamsui, Taiwan and pursued a degree in International Business with a minor in Diplomacy and International Relations. Zena maintained an above 90% average and placed top three in her department every semester. She graduated in June and has gone on to do her MBA at Tamkang University. Throughout her journey, though it wasn’t easy, what resonated with her were the following words: “if God brings you to it, he will see you through it,” which indeed she is a living testament of. Scholarships for Teachers On August 12, 2019 the Ministry of Education’s EQuIP team held a media briefing to announce the recipients of the Education Quality Improvement Project (EQuIP) Training Programme Scholarships for Teachers/Educators.

Lyla Lionel of Essex County College

Julien Alfred, University of Texas

Saint Lucians Making Strides With Sports Scholarships!

hen it comes to student-athletes accessing higher education, Saint Lucia is in something of a silver age. There are probably more young citizens enrolled at colleges and universities at the United States than ever before. Most of them have been extended some sort of financial aid by the institutions where they study and train, worth literally millions of dollars in total.

One component of EQuIP is enhancing capacity to improve teacher quality, relevance of education, and instructional effectiveness across the education sector. This project also focuses on enhancing the provisions for Special Needs Education in Saint Lucia. In fulfilling these objectives short-term and degree-level continuing professional development training programmes, are provided for teachers. Eighteen educators have received the EQuIP scholarships in the first instance. The Government of Saint Lucia has partnered with the CDB to fund this four year scholarship program for teachers and the areas of study include education for gifted learners, curriculum and instructions, school counselling and social work, art education and music education. Minister of Education Gale Rigobert says that this initiative is an effort to respond to the existing and emerging needs in the education sector. For more information about Scholarship programmes and bursaries offered through the Department of Education go online at: http://scholarships.education.gov.lc/ or the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development, 4th Floor, Francis Compton

Building, Waterfront, Castries, Saint Lucia.

Track and field is one of the sports with the most money available for Caribbean nationals. Leading the push for Saint Lucia is the nation’s fastest woman ever, Julien Alfred, now a sophomore at University of Texas. She headlines a list that includes Mechaela Hyacinth (fourth on Saint Lucia’s all-time 100m list) and Kimani Alphonse, national junior record holder for the 400m. Those three will hope to build on the success enjoyed over the years by the likes of Michelle Baptiste, Verneta Lesporis, Jineill Vite, Levern Spencer, Makeba Alcide, and Jeanelle Scheper. Scheper is the only Saint Lucia ever to win a gold medal at the highest level of collegiate track and field in the United States, whilst Alcide set a collegiate record for her event. At least eight Saint Lucian track and field athletes, aged 18 to 21, are starting tertiary studies on full or partial sports scholarships this year. Closing the gap on track and field is football – or soccer, as it is known in the U.S. Thanks in part to the work of the Free Kick Foundation, dozens of Saint Lucian (and Dominican) footballers have secured scholarships at various levels. Several of those have come back and contributed to their respective national teams, bringing their new skills and experience to bear. Athletic scholarships in the United States totalled in excess of US$4 billion in 2017, the most recent year for which complete data are available. Further financial assistance worth over $10 billion was also availed to eligible scholars. Tuition, books, and boarding and lodging are included at many schools, from junior college through NAIA and all the way to NCAA Division I. Saint Lucia has had student-athletes on scholarships for rugby, golf, swimming, tennis, cricket, volleyball, basketball, and sailing. And you don’t even have to be a national record holder, champion, or team captain. The truth is that most decent athletes who are also solid students can earn a scholarship. Talk to your coaches and teachers, map out your path, put in the work, and send in some applications. Your future awaits. - by Terry Finisterre.

News Bites

agriculture and tourism,” the Prime Minister says. According to the Prime Minister, the aim is the complete rehabilitation of 99km of road across Saint Lucia. “We are continuing with our Islandwide Road Rehabilitation project in the community of Forestierre,” he disclosed.

British Airways Adds More Direct Flights Serving Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia ‘Grateful’ For Free US Hospital Ship Medical Care

British Airways has announced an increase in services from Saint Lucia, adding two flights for a total of nine per week to London Gatwick Airport. The flights, scheduled for summer, July – August 2020, will provide an increase of 672 seats per week on the route.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs is coordinating a humanitarian mission visit by the United States Naval Ship Comfort from September 23, 2019 to October 2, 2019. During its deployment, the USNS will also be visiting other Caribbean territories such as Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, Saint Kitts, Jamaica, Dominican Republic and Haiti.

This continues a trend of expanding service from the island. The airline has planned to add additional capacity from Hewanorra Airport to London Gatwick for winter 2019-2020. This is on top of the already substantial capacity increases over the last 12 months, complemented by a huge investment in the airline’s onboard product. British Airways Commercial Manager Caribbean, Diane Corrie said: “Already, this summer, passengers to and from Saint Lucia are enjoying a significant increase in the number of seats on our service.

Prime Minister Says Majority of Communities to Get Improved Roads Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet has announced that over the coming weeks and months, the majority of communities in Saint Lucia will benefit from safer and improved travelling routes. “Our goal is to enhance Saint Lucia’s infrastructure to improve motorist and pedestrian safety while supporting economic activity in retail, trade,

The ship will be berthed at Port Castries and two walk in clinics will be set up at the OKEU hospital and one other site to provide general clinical services. All services are provided free of charge and are available for all who would need care. There is no pre-registration necessary for the clinics. The team has indicated that up to 500 persons can be seen at each clinic. The general services provided includes basic medical evaluation and treatment, preventive medicine, dental screenings and treatments, optometry screenings and eye wear distribution, Internal medicine, Pediatrics, Dermatology, Women’s health, physical therapy and provision of medication as needed. The Ministry of Health and Wellness is grateful for this opportunity for care for our people. All are encouraged to make full use of this opportunity.

Actor Comedian Kevin Hart and Wife Holiday in Saint Lucia Saint Lucia, named as the number one Honeymoon destination continues to

attract a number of celebrities as their choice vacation spots. The most recent was American Comedian Kevin Hart and his wife Eniko who celebrated their third wedding anniversary and Eniko’s 35th birthday on the island. While here the pair took in a number of the sites in Soufriere including the World Heritage site the Pitons and the Sulphur Springs.

Newly Drafted NBA Player Wants To Set Up Saint Lucia Foundation Prime Minister Hon.Allen Chastanet has lauded a United States athlete born of Saint Lucian parents, who visited him recently and wants to set up a foundation here. Hon. Allen Chastanet on Wednesday August 21 met the newly drafted NBA player Terrance Mann, who is of Saint Lucian parentage. Mann was accompanied by his father and grandfather and representatives from the Saint Lucia Basketball Federation. Terrance Mann was recently drafted during the 2019 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers.

“I am grateful to Terrance for taking the time to share his journey, for not forgetting his Saint Lucian roots and for his desire to help develop the sport of basketball here on island. His efforts and that of others combined with our National Sports Development Strategy will help provide the support and opportunities which our local athletes so richly deserve,” the Prime Minister said.

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Lenard â&#x20AC;&#x153;Spiderâ&#x20AC;? Montoute

www.facebook.com/lenardspidermontoute August 21 -Major cleanup happening at Pigeon Point. I want to encourage residents and motorists to please refrain from the indiscriminate dumping of garbage and littering.

Herod Stanislas

www.facebook.com/herodstanislas August 19 - The Soufriere Farmers Market and Bus Terminal has officially been commissioned. I am eternally grateful to the wonderful people of Soufriere/Fond St Jacques for your continued support in helping us to deliver the social and economic prosperity that you have been promised all these years. Project by project, program by program, by working together we will develop Soufriere into the most desirous place to live in Saint Lucia.

Fortuna Belrose

www.facebook.com/fortunabelrose758 August 8 -CDF to establish National Dance Theatre Company The Cultural Development Foundation is in the process of establishing a National Dance Theatre Company. Director of Events at the CDF, Drenia Frederick, said the CDF is hoping that the dance company will generate a cadre of trained dancers who will represent and re-ignite the creative arts in Saint Lucia.

Ezechiel Joseph

www.facebook.com/ezechieljoseph758 August 20-I am of the firm belief that no community in Saint Lucia should be without a reliable water supply. Over the last 3 years, we have been able to deliver water to numerous communities all over Saint Lucia. This morning I provided an update one 3 major projects which WASCO is currently implementing, namely: The Vieux Fort Water Supply Redevelopment Project, the John Compton Dam Rehabilitation and the Dennery North Water Supply Improvement project.

Allen Chastanet

Dominic Fedee

Sarah Flood Beaubrun

Dr. Gale T C Rigobert

Bradly Felix

Stephenson King

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Guy Joseph

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Edmund Estephane

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