Creating an E-learning Eco System for Saint Lucia

Issue 44 | 14 Mar, 2020

Ministry of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development: Creating an E-learning Eco System for Saint Lucia 1

Forging Ahead with an E-Learning Eco-system Saint Lucian schools benefit from ProFuturo

ICT In Education Initiatives

PREVENTION MEASURES AT SCHOOLS IN Light of Coronavirus

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03-05 The Ecosystem of E-Education 06

Schools Benefit from ProFuturo Digital-Education Program

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Taiwan Assists with Smart Nation Initiative!

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Groundbreaking year in ICT in Saint Lucia!

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The Ecosystem of E-Education

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ICT In Education Initiatives

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Robotics in Schools

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News in Education

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Prevention Measures at Schools in Light of Coronavirus

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News From Micoud North

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News Bites

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ast month one of our sister islands, Barbados to be precise, announced; “major investments in robotics and Wi-Fi connectivity in schools.” Very often Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago are seen to be the leaders in the Caribbean when it comes to industry, education and technology. But the truth is, over the last few years, Saint Lucia has been moving ahead by leaps and bounds in the area of ICT in Education, E-Learning and Robotics which was introduced to schools here in 2018.

Over the past three years, the Ministry of Education in Saint Lucia, has led the charge, for the creation of an E-Learning ecosystem here in Saint Lucia.

The aim of the Ministry of Education, is to engender an eLearning environment that provides learners with the tools and surroundings they need, to achieve their learning objectives. This eLearning ecosystem, is one wherein educational technologies, authoring tools and resources are all present, for the sole purpose of instilling knowledge and developing skills for all learners within the eLearning setting.

In this environment it is critical too, that everyone has ICT, Internet and Wi-Fi access, and this has been the mandate of the Government; providing ICT and Wi-Fi access in communities, schools and public spaces. This is in an effort to ensure that all learners, as well as those among us pursuing entrepreneurship, get the most benefit using these resources.

It is said that for an eLearning ecosystem to be successful, all participants must be empowered to learn and feel as though they are part of the overall ecosystem.

In this issue of “Our Saint Lucia” we focus on the efforts of the Ministry of Education in creating this environment, which is directed by the recently implemented ICT in Education policy here in Saint Lucia.

Editor – Toni Nicholas.

Hon. Gale TC Rigobert, Minister for Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development.

The Ecosystem of E-Education- Laying the Foundation At a sitting of the Saint Lucia House of Parliament on Tuesday March 10, 2020, members were addressed by Hon. Gale TC Rigobert, Minister for Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development. The Minister used the opportunity to apprise members of ICTE initiatives undertaken by the Department of Education.

The following are some of the excerpts from that address.

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The Government of Saint Lucia views education as a basic human right; as a platform to enable citizens to attain their full human potential. This pursuit in part, is informed by sustainable development goals SSDG number 4, which aims to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”. Further, we recognize that given the paradigmatic changes of the global political economy, with digitization at its core, giving rise to a world characterized and driven by new and emerging information and communication technology, the department of Education, Innovation and Gender Relations, is duty bound to ensure that our students are adequately equipped to function and excel in a digital world. Therefore, it is with that mindset, that the Department of Education has approached the challenge to make our education sector, one which is more

relevant, more inclusive, more equitable, and one which embraces and leverages new methods for instruction and learning.

It is our desire to do so, through the application of key interventions, which we believe will positively alter the education landscape.

investing in our people. It is an investment which will yield a high return, if in the transformative process, the champions our educators who lead the charge, are cognizant of and responsive to global trends, while remaining true to our national or local context.

One of our major interventions therefore, is the integration or infusion of communication technologies, into education.

Our “E-education” thrust seeks to bridge the digital divide, between what exists locally and that which obtains globally, by creating conducive environment, for the use and integration of technology, for instruction and learning effectiveness. It also seeks to equip our Saint Lucian students, with a diverse set of technological tools and digital skills or e-skills, necessary to function in a technologically diverse global environment.

Permit me colleagues to highlight the work of the department in creating the ecosystem of “E-education.”

In acknowledging and understanding the changing nature of life, of business and social engagements and the implications for employability and mere survival, this Government is focused on transforming the education sector, premised on the notion that we live in a digital world.

To ensure the full and meaningful participation of our citizens, the bedrock of it all is “E-education.” “E- education” is seen as the catalyst that will transform Saint Lucia’s economic fortunes and facilitate the attainment of the social conditions necessary, for bettering the quality of life for our Saint Lucian citizens, in a world that is changing and in some sectors changing fast. Investing in education, injecting resources in E-education in particular therefore, is

Interventions The vision necessitates the creation of an environment that facilitates the comprehensive integration of ICTs through; a. Institutionalization of the supporting policy and legislations b.The provision, installation, implementation, of the infrastructural and technical framework, and backbone c. The remodeling of classrooms into e-classrooms or smart classrooms

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d.The acquisition of e-skills by students e. The training of educators to enhance their e-competency f. The availability and application of relevant software g. The provision of hardware All of which are critical components of the ecosystem of E- education.

The following are the highlights of our various interventions;

1. Endorsing and implementing the ICT in Education policy.

This Government, this Cabinet of ministers in 2019 ratified, endorsed and embraced the ICT in education policy.

2. Increasing bandwidth.

Thanks to the meaningful and fruitful collaboration of the Embassy of the Republic of China/Taiwan and Digicel we have increased bandwidth in schools through the GI NET and CARCIP projects.

3. Upgrading technical drawing labs.

Technical Drawing assessments were changed from manual drawing to the use of auto computer aided design or AutoCAD. This meant retrofitting our TD lab facilities that are now state of the art with new computers that are compatible with industry standards and software and outfitted with technological devices that allow for effective technical instructional learning. Through an EC$2.5 million grant from the Republic of China- Taiwan, the Department of Education last year was able to upgrade Technical Drawings labs in thirteen secondary schools. This intervention impacted at least 1, 366 students and more than 20 teachers.

4. Introducing digital literacy courses.

The recently introduced digital literacy curriculum, for example, is one that is premised on the fact that the careers of the future are in areas that requires digital competences. With CXCs move to online testing, at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate level, we note that students digital fluency, will affect their ability to successfully complete their exams. The Department of Education Innovation and Gender Relations, has since developed a digital literacy curriculum guide, that will help provide the framework for digital literacy.

The Department of Education is moving towards the creation of smart classrooms, to facilitate this and other such programs or classes. The intent is to establish these classrooms at the primary and secondary school levels, to foster opportunities

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for teaching and learning by integrating learning technologies such as computers, specialized software, audience response technology, assistive listening devices and networking and audio visual capabilities.

The Government has therefore committed to an investment amounting to EC$3.8 million dollars for the computerization of schools. If this isn’t putting our money where our mouth is, I don’t know what it is.

5. Establishing a digital academy at Sir Arthur Lewis Community College.

Already Sir Arthur Lewis Community College students are being exposed to a suite of online course and digital media programs, which will expand with the full establishment of the digital academy for which we have already identified grant funding to the tune of US$1million. This effort will go a long way in facilitating the realization of the dreams of our students who wish to pursue careers in animation, design gaming and music mixing for example.

6. Training of Teachers.

Curriculum development on its own is of little significance. To ensure that curricula are effective and serve the purpose for which they were created, there must be the accompanying teacher training and equipment that supports curriculum development.

Recently implemented

1. Computer coding and robotics.

The department has over the past year been introducing various initiatives into schools and monitoring students’ responses.

Last year hundreds of our secondary school students were introduced to aspects of coding and robotics as part of a pilot project done with the kind assistance of our USAID partners.

This sparked a creative interest in our students, and the plan is to continue this engagement that saw not only students being able to build functional robots and to code but also to improve students attendance, punctuality and academic performance. The pilot program in computer coding and robotics was launched at four secondary schools; Beanfield Secondary, Bocage Secondary, Grande Riviere Secondary and Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary. This endeavor was valued at over $326,000 and included laptops, robotics kits, projectors, mobile charging stations and Wi-Fi access points which were all supplied to the participating schools by USAID.

2. ProFuturo Education Thanks to the great advocacy on our part and that of Saint Lucia’s embassy in Washington a generous contribution of XCD $150,000 from the ProFuturo foundation provided the opportunity to implement a technology in education initiative at twelve primary schools on island. This projects aims to promote access to quality education through the use of digital satellite content, reduce the education gap through the use of ICT, promote digital education to the most disadvantaged sectors, empower teachers to bring innovation to their classrooms and prepare children for the new digital society.

3. E-Books Sometime ago, under the previous Labour administration, the Ministry of Education had introduced the one laptop per child initiative. However, the dynamic technological environment, within which we operate, rendered this initiative no longer relevant, as it missed out many key components necessary for the successful integration of technology in education.

Today after a revisit of this exercise, the department has launched a more all-encompassing “E-books” initiative. This project targets the third form students who would have chosen their CSEC subjects at the end of form two. The target group comprises thirteen secondary schools; 1002 students, 220 teachers and 50 support staff.

important. Thus far the department has provided training in many areas which should allow for the smooth transitioning into digital instruction methods.

Training has been provided in the following areas; Raspberry pi and STEM teaching. We know that our children struggle in the area of Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Through the intervention of technology instruction we can make learning more effective. And the department therefore, through a series of workshops, introduces the Raspberry pi to fifteen teachers, 60 students and 16 secondary schools.

5. Digital Leadership Education Pilot Initiative It has already been established that training of educational leaders is germaine to the ICT integration efforts. Further training has been provided through a Commonwealth Digital Education Leadership Training in Action (C-DELTA). Some 150 teachers and 375 students, from 22 secondary schools received skills training and were exposed to C-DELTA.

The beauty of this device is that it comes pre-loaded with content aligned to the CXC or CSEC syllabus. This device can be accessed offline, making it easy for students who may not have internet access at home, to still get great utility from the device. This presents a major cost savings factor for parents and educational institutions as not only is it in this case being provided to the students free of charge, it also means content for six subject areas are available in one place.

The virtual labs provide a safe space for students to conduct experiments over and over without incurring any costs for the procurement of material which they may need and or the school may have to procure on their behalf.

Teachers can customize and push additional content including open educational resources to students; text, video, image pdf, web url links and audio resources can be added for students access.

The introduction of “E-books” at schools is one of the education reform processes. The total investment in this initiative is XCD $2,540,301.50.

4. Training and Professional Development We will all agree that infrastructure and equipment alone are not enough for the full integration of technology into the education system. Investing in the training and professional development of our education administrators is equally

6. Leveraging ICT for Administrative Efficiency The efforts at information and communication technology integration are not limited to the classroom environment but has been incorporated into the philosophy of work within the administrative area of the department. To this end, through the work of the IT department, no longer does the department need to incur cost associated with the marking of our minimum standards test in Barbados. This can now be undertaken through the newly developed, exagram national assessment system developed in-house by our own technicians.

In closing, the department of Education, continues to make significant strides, at improving educational outcomes through the use of ICT. While resources remain scarce, the department has managed to be very creative and has taken the initiative to seek assistance, from external donor agencies and friendly Governments, to support its respective programs. Our education system must embrace ICTs, if it is to remain relevant in this 21st century. The real value of technology will always be determined by how well we can use it. As such, capacity development remains a main theme and a critical outcome of many of the department’s ICT in education or E-education “initiatives.”

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H.E. Anton Edmunds, ambassador of Saint Lucia to the USA and permanent representative to the Organization of American States (OAS) (center).

Schools Benefit From ProFuturo Digital-Education Program

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.E. Anton Edmunds, ambassador of Saint Lucia to the USA and permanent representative to the Organization of American States (OAS), on October 29, 2019 signed the ProFuturo Education Program Agreement, which brings digital education to 12 schools across Saint Lucia, benefiting 160 teachers and almost 3,000 primary school students.

The ProFuturo Education Program is a collaborative initiative between the OAS and the ProFuturo Foundation of Spain.

It aims to provide access to digital education using technology, and through teaching-learning methodologies designed to empower teachers, and to provide students with training in skills and competencies for future personal and career opportunities.

Tablets and other equipment valued at almost 50,000 Euros has been provided by ProFuturo as well as access to the “Weclass” Educational platform, where content is available on courses that focus on linguistic and STEM skills.

While the Program is being implemented across the globe, it is new to the Caribbean.

The Embassy of Saint Lucia played a key role in facilitating the partners coming together to ensure Saint Lucia was one of four Caribbean countries participating in this regional component.

Experts from the Ministry of Education, working closely with ProFuturo, will be coordinating and implementing activities over the next year, ensuring that the digital education program fits seamlessly into the Saint Lucia national policy on integrating ICT into education.

Hackathon Displays Saint Lucian Students’ Robotics Skills In 2018 Saint Lucian students from four schools participated in a two-day hackathon event to showcase their new skills as part of a United States Government-supported Robotics and Coding pilot program. The program relates to a branch of engineering and science that allows students to design and use robots through computer programming.

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Hon. Gale Rigobert with students, Min. of Ed. and USAID officials

The Robotics and Coding initiative was implemented by the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Community, Family and Youth Resilience Project in collaboration with Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Education. During the Hackathon, held under the theme “Code4Fun-Programming the Future”, students competed for individual and team prizes much to the delight of parents, teachers, and peers who supported them.

Mr. Kipp Sutton, General Development Office Director, USAID Eastern and Southern Caribbean and the Minister of Education, Dr. Gale Rigobert, lauded the initiative during the official ceremony to launch the Hackathon. Mr. Sutton told the audience that the U.S. Government was honored to partner with the Ministry of Education to support the exciting initiative that promotes science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or “STEM”, as it is more widely known.

Two hundred and eighty secondary school students from Beanefield Comprehensive in Vieux Fort; Bocage in Castries; Grande Riviere Secondary in Dennery; and Soufriere Comprehensive in Soufriere, have learned to build, customize, and program robots using computer equipment and Lego Mindstorm kits provided under the pilot project. A total of 12 teachers and five mentors were also trained to deliver the customized curriculum with plans for its eventual integration into Saint Lucia’s secondary school curriculum.

Minister of Education with Taiwan ambassador and Min. of Education officials

Taiwan Assists With Smart Nation Initiative!

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he Government of Saint Lucia proposed its new “SMART Nation Initiative” project to the ambassador of Taiwan just over a year ago. The project which includes the fields of education, network infrastructure, “smart community”, “smart heritage”, and “smart identity,” has seen a number of components coming to fruition.

Through the Taiwan ICDF Poject for ICT in Education in Saint Lucia, the Taiwan Technical Mission here has focused on “smart education” after what has been described as a comprehensive analysis of problems faced by the island in delivering the quality of innovative education using ICT in Education.

As a result, this project proposed using ICT in Education at vanguard schools to develop a featured curriculum and establish a replicable model for “ICT in education” and will be rolled out across the country. The first step was to train teachers to ensure they have the skills to use ICT and, after producing a diverse range of related teaching materials, establish an education portal and an online learning platform.

By the end of December 2019, the following activities had been completed: •

A teachers’ training of C-DELTA Course (Commonwealth Digital Education Leadership Training in Action), and students of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) joined in on sharing sessions.

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Five promoting events of project concept Three workshops for Saint Lucian teachers

The Benefits from the Project Include • • •

Improving the teacher training courses and the effectiveness of advanced on-the-job training Creating a friendly environment for the use of ICT in education Developing long-term onsite counseling partners and networks for education

In February of this year Hon. Gale Rigobert, Minister for Education remarked; “Over one year ago, officials from the Republic of China (Taiwan), The Ministry of Education, Innovation & Gender Relations and the Ministry of the Public Service met to discuss the “Smart Nation Project.” Further, under the Smart Nation Project, the component of Smart Education was derived for implementation by the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations & Sustainable Development.”

On Friday February 21, 2020, the ICT in Education project was formerly launched.

This project will run for three years, with the first 2 years dedicated to equipment allocation and teacher training and the final year focusing on the development and training of the Online Education Platform.

Students representing participating schools

The first 6 schools to benefit from the donation of equipment are: 1.

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Entrepot Secondary School Patricia B. James Secondary School Sir Ira Simmons Secondary School Gordon and Walcott Memorial School Camille Henry Memorial School Soufriere Secondary School

Later this year, a Taiwanese consultant will be arriving in Saint Lucia to assist with the introduction of Robotics in the six schools which were mentioned.

The main goal of the project is to deepen and strengthen the department of education’s ICT in Education thrust.

“I must make mention, that this is only one component of a comprehensive plan which is currently being implemented for Smart Education in Saint Lucia. Other components include the distribution of E-Books, Smart Classrooms, the conversion of Technical Drawing classrooms into state of the art digital classes, the development of more Computer labs in schools and communities among several other initiatives,” Hon. Gail Rigobert says.

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Groundbreaking year for ICT in Saint Lucia!

The year 2019 saw some major developments taking place here in Saint Lucia, which helped to bridge the digital divide and bring the island closer in line with the developing world in terms of ICT and E-Education.

• The Adoption of a policy framework for the ICT in Education Policy and Strategy On Monday January 28, 2019, the Cabinet of Ministers endorsed the ICT in Education Policy and Strategy for Saint Lucia (2019 – 2022). The realization of this new ICT in Education Policy and Strategy for Saint Lucia came as a result of an important cooperative effort of the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development and the Commonwealth of Learning (COL).

The development process for this policy framework began in 2017 with both technical and financial assistance from COL. The consultation process involved engagements with a broad cross section of stakeholders that included but was not limited to Ministry Officials, Public Service Officers, representatives of the corporate sector, teacher educators, principals, teachers and students.

It is expected that this new policy and strategy will provide structure to the implementation of plans and activities related to ICT in Education. The ICT in Education Policy and Strategy for Saint Lucia (2019 – 2022) is designed to support both the goals of the National ICT Strategy and the broader vision of the Government of Saint Lucia for leveraging ICT as a driver of growth and development.

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• Decade of research and technology launched

• Saint Lucia Public Libraries Now Online

In February of 2019 the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations, and Sustainable Development partnered with key stakeholders within the public and private sectors to formally launch the Decade of Research and Innovation (20192029) under the theme: “Unleashing our Creativity, Crafting Our Destiny.”

The overarching aim of this Decade of Research and Innovation is to stimulate and develop a culture of innovative scientific thinking and analysis with nationally driven research studies designed to offer sustainable solutions to socio-economic issues within our local context, and foster apolitical, sustainable and evidence-based decision making.

In April of 2019 it was announced that following the completion of a computer room at the central library and the development of the library’s website, that the library was now interactive via the internet.

“We were able to fit the library with software to help with online cataloguing,” said Joshua Vernor of the ICT Unit in the Ministry of Education.

This Decade of Research and Innovation aims to reduce our prolonged reliance on metropolitan countries to offer solutions to issues that impact us as Small Island Developing States, as well as maximize opportunities for infusing innovations across the national economy that foster sustainable national development and visionary problem-solving.

“What this now means is that users can go to the website www.slupl.edu.lc and search for a book. Once it is available it will show up and indicate which of the libraries in Saint Lucia has that book available. If you are a member you can then reserve that book and go pick it up,” Vernor explained.

The library software, he said, also allows for the printing of membership cards. The Saint Lucia Public Library website also has a number of resources for students including Common Entrance, Common Middle and CXC past papers, and database research tools.

Government Ministry of Education

Functionality of ICT

Wider Community/Private/Public Sector

Policy (ICT)

Community Access to ICT

Connectivity

Students

(broadband)

(Teaching)

Content

Teacher Training

(Access)

Hardware

(Computers-Tablets-E-Books)

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ICT IN EDUCATION INITIATIVES SMART Classrooms DIGITAL LITERACY CURRICULUM

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ICT in Education Policy SMART Classrooms Digital Literacy Curriculum E-Learning Computer Coding & Robotics ProFuturo e-books Training & Professional Development Raspberry Pi in STEM Teaching Digital Leadership Education Pilot Initiative C-DELTA Leveraging ICT For Administrative Efficiencies

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A framework for digital literacy education at the lower secondary level.

Outlines the critical computer and productivity software skills, keyboarding proficiency as well as Internet Safety.

CAMDU Unit developed and designed the course Technology in Sport.

UPGRADE OF TD LABS Converted Traditional TD Rooms to TD Computer rooms

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Profuturo Education •

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Student can be trained in the use of Computed Aided Design (CAD) CXC will no longer be testing for traditional drawing @CSEC TD.

12 participating primary schools

Objectives include:

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Development of ICT in Education Policy and Strategy Document

Improved students’ attendance, punctuality & performance were observed.

Schools involved: Beanefield Secondary, Bocage Secondary, Grande Riviere Secondary and Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary

promote access to quality education through the use of digital standardized content reduce the education gap through the use of ICTs promote digital education in the most disadvantaged sectors empower teachers to bring innovation to their classrooms and prepare children for the new digital society.

LERNBOOK (E-Books)

E-Learning Robotics • • •

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Process commenced in 2017 Collaboration between Commonwealth of Learning (COL) & DOE Ratified in January, 2019

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Partnered with USAID through CFYR program Students learnt basic computer coding skills Students programmed robots and developed problem solving skills

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Currently being tested at 13 secondary schools 10 e-books for 6 subject areas are on the devices Contains interactive lab simulations and interactive content

Information Technology Unit – Ministry of Education

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The material is in sync with CXC syllabus The material can be update/edited in real time The devices can work offline

LEVERAGING ICT FOR ADMINISTRATIVE EFFICIENCIES Exagram

Training & Professional Development Raspberry Pi in STEM Teaching

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15 teachers, 60 students at 16 schools participated in the program Teachers were trained in the use of the Raspberry Pi Platform as a tool to support STEM learning Significant increase in Annual Science Fair Computer Coding and Robotics projects Broad aim is to encourage more students to take up STEM courses

Online candidate registration Local electronic testing/grading platform Answer sheets prepared and graded locally Real time reporting & analytics Cost saving realized Management of School Bursaries application process

Mathematics Online Assessment Bank Pilot

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Digital Leadership Education Pilot Initiative (C-DELTA) • • • •

Comprehensive program to improve the digital education of both teachers and students Trained teachers to become Digital Education Leaders in their schools.

150 teachers and 375 students in 22 to the C-Delta platform.

Provides valuable data on the extent to which the digital divide has been bridged in the education sector

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In collaboration with Hodder Education Piloted at 12 schools Evaluate the assessment bank platform online Search for items that are matched to specific learning outcomes Organize appropriate test and evaluation instruments for students

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he IT Unit Department of the Ministry of Education was initiated to manage the process of implementation of ICT in our schools.

The Unit was also instrumental in giving guidance and perspective to the implementation of the “ICT in Education Policy”.

The Unit is manned by several IT Coordinators and ICT specialists. In recent years it has been fully upgraded and facilitated with the tools and personnel required to bring about the changes necessary to lead the education system into the 21st century.

The IT Unit remains committed to a comprehensive approach to “E-education,” while providing quality service to the Department of Education and by extension the schools and public libraries on the island.

Some of the functions of the IT Unit Includes: • Installation, servicing and maintenance of equipment • Consulting • Procurement • Training • Setting and maintenance of standards In recent years, the IT Unit has embarked on a number of innovations.

Among them was the development of “exagram” a national assessment system. Through this system no longer will the Department of Education incur costs associated with the marking of Minimum Standards Test (MST) which was done in Barbados. This can now be undertaken here at home using exagram which will be used to grade the multiple choice component of the MST. The Department of Education expects to realize better efficiency with the grading of papers, data entry of scores and more timely and flexible reporting of results and analysis.

Minister for Education Hon. Gale Rigobert praised the work of the IT Unit, hailing its personnel as “true champions of E-Education”. “You breathe true meaning to the holistic and comprehensive E-education drive,” the Minister added.

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WITH ROBOTICS, SAINT LUCIA SCHOOLS LAUNCH NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

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small robot made of Legos rolls its way across the stage at the Grande Rivière Secondary School in Dennery, bringing with it new learning opportunities for some 240 high school students on the island.

“This computer coding and robotics pilot program is a very exciting and meaningful endeavor for the ministry,” she said.

“We live in a digital world … Our students, therefore, if they are to maximize on the opportunities available in this information age, or in a knowledge economy, or e-economy, must be outfitted with the skills that will enable them to do so.”

In addition to providing schools with the required hardware, CFYR also assessed school information and communications technology infrastructure, developed the curriculum and trained educators and volunteers on how to teach the material.

The program is expected to reach 240 high school students, and the ministry hopes to formally incorporate it into the school curriculum in the future.

The program is also benefitting from a partnership with Caribbean-based telecommunications company Flow, which increased bandwidth and Wi-Fi coverage to the schools to improve students’ internet access.

A pilot coding and robotics initiative was launched in four Saint Lucian schools on March 28, 2018 with support from the United States Government. It falls under the aegis of the United States Agency for International Development’s Community, Family and Youth Resilience (CFYR) Program, which is implemented by Creative Associates International.

The USAID program delivered Lego Mindstorms robotics kits and laptops to the four secondary schools, which will allow students ages 12 to 13 to build their own robots by hand and then program their movements.

A highlight for launch attendees, which included USAID Mission Director Christopher Cushing, government officials, school principals, teachers and students, was a student demonstration of their coding skills. To crowd applause and excited whispers, the student-led robots successfully lifted blocks, navigated around barricades, responded to traffic signals to stop and go, and even spoke a few words.

U.S. Ambassador to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States Linda Taglialatela underscored the importance of science, technology, engineering and math education to the region and its children.

“Education is the key to unlocking potential and is vital in creating a society that offers young people opportunities to excel at the highest levels,” she said. “This new robotics initiative … reflects our commitment to advance innovation and to bring excitement into the classroom.”

In her address to the audience, Gale Rigobert, Saint Lucia’s Minister of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development, said that the initiative will allow schools to prepare students for an increasingly tech-driven economy.

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A student demonstrates his robot’s navigation of an obstacle course. Photos by Lydia Adjoha.

The program focuses on positive youth development, including social and leadership skills training, workforce readiness initiatives, community activities and activities to challenge gender norms.

Minister Rigobert said she is excited to see how the students grow with the curriculum, which she said has the potential to develop skills like critical thinking, creativity, problem solving, teamwork and self-confidence.

Original story on www.creativeassociatesinternational.com

by Evelyn Rupert (April 6, 2018) with additional reporting and editing by Kathy McClure.

SALCC Student gives nod to an Ongoing Coding Robotics Pilot Project A female student of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) has been singing the praises of an ongoing Coding and Robotics Pilot Project on the island.

ROBOTICS Activated!

Reshul Narhari with Team Saint Lucia as they prepared for the first international robotics Olympics.

Reshul Narhari, who spoke when the program was first launched here, is a member of the Saint Lucian Robotics Team that participated in Saint Lucia’s first ever robotics competition in 2017, and a youth mentor in the STEM programme being delivered to 281 secondary school students from the four schools selected for a pilot program to introduce coding and robotics to secondary schools.

Impressive Robotics Project

The department of education has helped facilitate some of the very talented students in participating many local, regional and international technology competitions.

Narhari, who has gained recognition for her contribution to coding and robotics and a “Girl in ICT”, encouraged the participating students to “Keep coding, keep building, keep innovating,” as they continue to be given immeasurable support to develop the skill under the Coding and Robotics Pilot Project.

“Coding and robotics,” Narhari said, “cultivates innovative, analytical and creative thinking in the youth of Saint Lucia, as well as teaching them important life skills such as logical thinking and team building.”

She said, through the programme students have been given an opportunity to dream, to learn, to think big, to innovate and to implement. She said a chance to blossom in the programme is a chance for students to develop a great future in STEM.

Robotics pilot project underway at secondary schools

Our students participated in the first global Robotics Olympics championships in Washington DC in the summer of 2017. Team Saint Lucia placed 51st among well over 160 nations and our team featured some of our best young minds. “Saint Lucia’s participation in this event is particular relevant as it provides an avenue for young people to explore their potential, apply technology and gain experience in using technology to help solve real world problems, such as pollution and a wide variety of climate related challenges.” - Hon. Gale Rigobert, Minister of Education Robotics 6:

Learning introductory skills to robotics

STEM is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — in an interdisciplinary and applied approach.

Rather than teach the four disciplines as separate and discrete subjects, STEM integrates them into a cohesive learning paradigm based on real-world applications.

TEACHERS TAKE A SUMMER LESSON OF THEIR OWN TO LEARN ABOUT CODING AND ROBOTICS

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News in Education Ten Teachers Complete Junior Life Programme

special Music programme for Saint Lucia.

Details of this programme are expected to be unveiled in the coming months.

Special Education Teachers Training Seminar

With the help of the Government of Japan through its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects, the Piaye Combined School will seek to build new washroom and lunchroom facilities, as well as renovate the staffroom with a grant of US$62,189.

In a ceremony on January 16, the acting principal of the Piaye Combined School said the health and safety of students and staff is paramount.

Ten teachers who were the recipients of scholarships provided by the Government of Saint Lucia for a junior life program at Servol (Service Volunteered for all) in Trinidad are now back on island. The program ran from September –December 2019. Recipients were chosen from C.A.R.E, Balata Combined School, Carmen Renee Memorial Primary School, Dame Pearlette Louisy Primary School and the lady Gordon Opportunity Center.

Having completed the Junior Life Programme (JLP), the awardees shared their experiences in a debriefing session in February at the Office of the Prime Minister.

The Department of Education looks forward to their transfer of the knowledge garnered as we continue to work towards the overall enhancement of our nation’s education sector such that it caters to the needs of our diverse students - in particular, those who are at risk.

Special Music Programme for Schools Coming In February Hon. Senator Fortuna Belrose Minister with responsibility for Culture, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Information, Broadcasting, Culture & Creative Industries Donalyn Vittet and Education Minister Hon. Gale Rigobert met with Goodwill Ambassadors Gordon “Commissioner” Williams and Brand Ambassador “Stixx” Mitchell to discuss a

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The Special Education sub-sector in Saint Lucia sought to find wholesome solutions to a wide range of issues currently affecting the sector, when it hosted a National Training Seminar in Special Education recently at the Finance Administration Centre, Point Seraphine, The activity, held under the theme FACING THE CHALLENGE with Effective Behaviour Solutions, trained persons who care for learners with challenging behaviours, to provide support in a manner that preserves human dignity, while maximizing opportunities for achievement and self-governance.

The seminar consisted of two days of training for all teachers supporting learners with Special Educational Needs.

Another priority is to promote a healthy eating environment and reduce risks of infectious diseases. In keeping with this, a lunch area with lunch tables will be constructed under the project.

Minister Sings the Praises of Students Who Run SALCC Restaurant.

Minister of Education Hon. Gale Rigobert have urged her colleagues and others to sample the special lunches on offering at La Forte Restaurant. The initiative is that of the students of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) with the assistance of the hospitality students.

These included teachers at Special schools, as well as special ed teachers in mainstream schools. A small group of parents were also in attendance, as potential beneficiaries of the training that teachers will receive for continuity of behaviour management.

Renovations in order for Piaye Combined School A project which seeks to improve the environment for children and teachers at the Piaye Combined School has taken flight.

“Please take some time to go support their development and training. The restaurant is open daily for lunch, Minister Gale Rigobert says.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ENGAGES MINISTRY OF EDUCATION ON PREVENTION MEASURES AT SCHOOLS IN Light of Coronavirus

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he Ministry of Health in Saint Lucia asserts that to date there is NO known cases of persons with the coronavirus-COVID-19.

However, continuing efforts to bring awareness about coronavirus and its prevention, the Department of Health and Wellness recently hosted sensitization sessions with primary and secondary school principals.

Medical Officer of Health Dr. Glensford Joseph says this session was extremely important as it provided principals with the opportunity to review and update their response plan for COVID-19 in the schools.

School Safety Coordinator in the Department of Education Bernez Khodra says he is very pleased with the collaboration between the Department of Education and Department of Health to sensitize the principals given that coronavirus can have a significant impact on the schools.

The sensitization exercise is an ongoing partnership with the Ministry of Health as it relates to the coronavirus and health generally.

The professionals within the Ministry of Health were available to impact the correct ways and the correct information to our principals so that when they get to the schools, they will be able to go back and give the teachers information again through the school safety plans to deal with any eventuality.

It is hoped that great focus will be placed on intensive health and hygiene exercises at the schools.

According to the Ministry of Health officials it is well known that children tend to play and put their hands in their mouth and touch their face. Therefore schools are being encouraged to continue emphasizing and educating the students on proper hygiene and also that information will be sent to the homes where it will be reinforced at the home level.

The Department of Health and Wellness appeals to all schools to heighten the promotion of good hygiene practices such as frequent hand washing and cough etiquette.

Teachers, principals, students and parents are asked to follow these guidelines: 1.

2.

3.

4.

wash hands as often as possible with soap, for at least 20 seconds cough and sneeze into elbow blow nose in tissue and throw away immediately and wash hands after.

Keep children who are coughing, sneezing, have a headache, body aches, colds at home until fully recovered. Those with fever should also be kept at home.

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News From Micoud North Patience Pre-School moves into temporary accommodation at the Mon Repos community centre.

On Monday February 17th 2020, the students administrator, teachers, facilitators and parents of the Patience pre-School moved to a temporary home at the Mon Repos Community Centre. The SSDF, corporate sponsors, citizens, the M. Sachs day care centre, the Ministry of Education and well wishers all partnered with the Micoud North Parliamentary office to make the “return to school” and “the Patience preschool rehabilitation campaign” a success.

Design for new wellness center

build the country’s resilience to climate change impacts, including enhanced disaster risk and varied health sector impacts.

The 4,000 square foot modern facility will features triage, nurses’ station, pharmacy service area, dental services, auxiliary water supply, generator house and is climate controlled to effectively deliver health services.

Work on Micoud Playing Field Underway

Social Development Fund held a contract signing ceremony for the Patience, Micoud Water Supply Improvement. The scope of this project includes the replacement of a 50,000 gallon water tank and repairs to the water tank at Lombard.

Young People Recognized

Minister for Education Hon. Gale Rigobert with facilitators

The Patience pre-school was destroyed by fire on February 4th 2020 and according to Parliamentary representative for Micoud North Hon. Gale Rigobert “officers from the SSDF have already visited the original site of the school and have began the technical work in preparation for the reconstruction of the preschool”.

New Micoud Wellness Center On The Way On January 7, 2020, the contract for construction of the new Micoud Wellness Centre was signed, heralding a new, modern era of health care for residents of Micoud and neighbouring communities.

The construction of the Wellness Centre is being funded and implemented through the Government’s Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project (DVRP) which aims to

Micoud North MP Gale Rigobert and Hon. Guy Joseph turn the sod

December 2019 saw the official ground breaking for the commencement of work for the upgrading of the Micoud Playing Field. “This is a project which I promised my constituents whilst in opposition and one which I have worked hard along with officials from the Ministry of Youth and Sports to make a reality for the last three years, “MP for Micoud North Gale Rigobert says.”

Contract Signed for the Patience, Micoud Water Supply Improvement Project On Monday November 25th, 2019, officials from WASCO and the Saint Lucia

Amiera Serieux

The parliamentary representative for Micoud North continues to applaud the efforts of the young persons in the community for making an impact not just in Micoud North but on the national stage as well. The efforts of leading sportsmen and women continue to be recognized as well as the many young people of Mon Repos who excel in various activities. In December the students who participated in the national lantern festival were celebrated as well as the winner of the Courts reading competition Amiera Serieux who hails from Mon Repos.

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News Bites CARPHA Raises COVID-19 Alert to Very High CARPHA has upgraded the risk of transmission of COVID-19 to the Caribbean Region to Very High.

The revised risk level is based on international risk assessment guidelines, particularly in keeping with risk assessment for MERS-COV and pandemic influenza. CARPHA Executive Director, Dr. Joy St. John stated: “CARPHA’s decision is also informed by reports of COVID-19 cases in non-English speaking Caribbean countries in close proximity to CARPHA member states. Another factor is sustained transmission of the disease in countries with direct flights into the Caribbean region.”

Additionally, multiple countries outside the original epicentre of Wuhan City are reporting an increasing number of confirmed cases; while significantly more new cases are being reported from countries outside of China, than there are new cases in China.

These recent situations are clearly of concern and CARPHA Member States (CMS) are strongly urged to increase their surveillance mechanisms and to be ready to implement their national pandemic preparedness plans, which have been modified to address COVID-19.

Equipment to Test for Coronavirus in Saint Lucia is Here!

of the necessary equipment to test the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Saint Lucia, that the equipment has arrived on island.

The island was among countries in the region which the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) said did not have the capacity to test for the infamous virus which originated in China and has swept the globe, even reaching here in the Caribbean.

Cast Your Vote Now: Saint Lucia Nominated for AFAR Travelers’ Choice Awards

The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) is delighted to announce that Saint Lucia has been nominated among 17 islands for “Best Destination in the Caribbean” in the AFAR Travelers’ Choice Awards. Now into its fifth year, the prestigious AFAR Awards reflects the tastes of the AFAR audience — the most affluent, influential, and welltraveled across all travel media.

“Saint Lucia continues to be named among the best for experiential travel and winning this award would add to the numerous accolades that testifies of Her undisputed greatness, so be inspired to vote daily for Saint Lucia as AFAR Travelers’ Choice for Best Destination in the Caribbean,” said Tourism MinisterHonourable Dominic Fedee.

Encourage your friends, family, neighbours and associates to vote on the public platform by logging onto the official link. https://www.afar.com/surveys/afartravelers-choice-awards-2020 Winners of AFAR Travelers’ Choice Awards will be revealed on July 3, 2020 on AFAR.com and in the Fall issue of AFAR Magazine.

Saint Lucia PM Pays Tribute To The Late Sir Royston

The Prime Minister of Saint Lucia Hon. Allen Chastanet has announced that after giving the go ahead for the sourcing

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Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Allen Chastanet has called on Caribbean nationals to build on the solid foundation laid by iconic Caribbean hotelier, the late Sir Royston Hopkin, who was laid to rest in

Grenada Thursday March 5, 2020.

After paying tribute to the decorated Caribbean businessman at a moving homegoing celebration, the Prime Minister said Sir Royston Hopkin’s life was an example that the region, especially its youth, should never forget.

“While many tributes have been shared about Sir Royston, what cannot be forgotten are the countless numbers of hours, days, months and years that he invested not just in the people who make up Spice Island Beach Resort, but also regional institutions such as the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, the Caribbean Tourism Organization, the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism, and the Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association,” said Prime Minister Chastanet, who remarked that it was “the aggregate of all of these efforts that made him the giant that he was.”

Minister Tours Seven Crop Project Sites The months of January and February 2020 were earmarked for a series of site visits of agriculture, farm and production facilities being utilised under the Import Substitution Program. The initiative, more commonly known as the Seven Crops Project, has picked up momentum since its official launch last October, having hosted a number of farmers markets around the island.

Minister with responsibility for food production, Hon Ezechiel Joseph, led the contingent of agriculture leaders in assessing the progress of the project on the ground.

More importantly, the activities were opportunities for the agriculture minister to interface with the farmers who have thus far demonstrated their commitment to producing the designated seven crops in keeping with the standards set by the Ministry of Agriculture.

Guy Joseph

www.facebook.com/guyjoseph March 2 Yesterday afternoon, a long awaited dream of the residents of the community was realized, as we officially held the ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the completion of the Forestierre Road Rehabilitation project.

Dr. Gale T C Rigobert

www.facebook.com/galerigobert758 February 28 / This morning, Hon. Fortuna Belrose, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Information, Broadcasting, Culture & Creative Industries Donalyn Vittet and I met with Goodwill Ambassador designate Gordon “Commissioner” Williams and Brand Ambassador designate “Stixx” Mitchell to discuss a special Music programme for Saint Lucia, prior to meeting with Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet to discuss this special initiative.

Lenard “Spider” Montoute

www.facebook.com/lenardspidermontoute March 6 Please be informed that as promised, work on the La Retriate Road and bridge shall commence within the next few days. There WILL BE SOME inconvenience to pedestrians & motorists during the construction period.

Herod Stanislas www.facebook.com/herodstanislas March 7 / Saint Lucia hosts the Regional Workshop for Senior Maritime Administrators, organized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The Division of Maritime Affairs of the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) executed plans for the Regional Workshop to be held from 5th to 6th March 2020, at the St. James’s Club.

Allen Chastanet

www.facebook.com/allenmchastanet | www.twitter. com/allenmchastanet

Dominic Fedee

www.facebook.com/dominicfedee

Edmund Estephane

Fortuna Belrose

www.facebook.com/edmundestephane758

Sarah Flood Beaubrun

www.facebook.com/heremenegild.francis

www.facebook.com/fortunabelrose758 www.facebook.com/sarahfloodbeaubrun758

Bradly Felix

Hermangill Francis Ezechiel Joseph

www.facebook.com/ezechieljoseph758

www.facebook.com/bradlyfelix758

Mary Isaac

www.facebook.com/maryisaacslu

Stephenson King

www.facebook.com/stephensonking

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Coronavirus is a type of virus that causes diseases of varying severities, ranging from the common cold to more serious respiratory disease. A novel coronavirus is a new strain of coronavirus that hasn’t been identified before in humans.

HOW IS IT SPREAD? Through coughing and sneezing

Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands

Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands

People who have travelled to or from China since December 1, 2019 or any other country with cases, could have been exposed to the virus.

Seek medical care if you travelled to China and develop a fever and cough or respiratory systems within 14 days of your return.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF WHEN I TRAVEL? 1. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

3. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.

Throw the tissue in the trash.

4. Avoid unprotected contact with sick people (including spitting in public, touching one’s eyes, nose or mouth) and with live farm or wild animals.

For more information, please contact the Bureau of Health Education at telephone number 468-5349/468-5347/468-5350

Facebook: Bureau of Health Education (MOH SLU)

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