– The government of Saint Lucia will allocate over $148,000 monthly towards school fees for the first term of the 2024 academic year.
CASTRIES, St Lucia – Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre announced on September 5, 2024, that the government will subsidize school fees by $50 for more than 2,500 children enrolled in private preschools every month of the first term in the 2024/25 academic year.
This initiative aligns with the government’s Early Childhood Education policy as outlined in budgetary estimates.
“A one-time payment of $2,500 will be provided to each of the 93 registered Early Childhood Centres to assist with purchasing educational supplies. This support will commence on August 1, 2024,” as stated in the budget address ‘Building Our Infrastructure for a Resilient Economy 2024/2025.’
The budget also proposes: “A total of $47.3 million, representing 9.8 percent of the development budget, dedicated to the department of education for various projects including:
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- Saint Lucia Human Capital Resilience Project: $16.4 million;
- Major Repairs/Rehabilitation of School Infrastructure: $14.2 million;
- OECS Skills and Innovation Project: $4.8 million.
Key financial estimates indicate:
“Grant receipts are anticipated to reach $108.0 million, a $15.8 million increase compared to the previous fiscal year. Major grant contributions include $2.1 million from the United Nations International Children’s Education Fund.”
Prime Minister Pierre emphasized:
“Pre-schools are vital to our education system. By investing over $148,000 to support preschool expenses, the government affirms its commitment to ensuring our youngest learners have access to quality Early Childhood Education services.”
In a bid to preserve Saint Lucia’s cultural heritage, the education policy will also introduce Kwéyòl classes in schools starting this September.
“The Kwéyòl Curriculum Programme will be piloted in 15 schools for the 2024/25 academic year,” the government announced on September 4, 2024.
“Kwéyòl is more than a language; it embodies Saint Lucia’s history and identity. By integrating Kwéyòl into the national curriculum, we demonstrate our commitment to preserving our cultural heritage for future generations.”
This initiative to include the Indigenous Kwéyòl language in the curriculum has been in development for four decades. On Emancipation Day in August 2022, the government made a significant announcement regarding its inclusion in the school system.
As the new academic year begins, Prime Minister Pierre encouraged students to “focus on your studies and enjoy your school experience. Set personal goals and seize every opportunity to contribute positively to your community.”
He assured, “We will continue to foster opportunities that enable students to realize their full potential and support educators in creating a conducive and calm working environment.”
The government of Saint Lucia is anticipating improvements in its fiscal strategies aimed at enhancing early childhood education, boosting enrollment in private preschools, improving educator wages, and facilitating smoother transitions for parents into the workforce.
“The government understands the importance of every dollar for families on tight budgets. We are committed to supporting parents with preschool expenses,” concluded the announcement.
