The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) on Friday said it is providing US$13.7 million to St. Vincent and the Grenadines for new and improved facilities under a major schools’ improvement project.
It said that the funding will allow for two schools – Kingstown Anglican Primary and Sandy Bay Secondary – to be completely reconstructed and seven others significantly upgraded or rehabilitated.
More than 6000 students are enrolled at the nine institutions and the CDB said that the schools will also be outfitted with new and upgraded furniture, equipment and ICT learning resources under the project and there will be capacity building to train teachers and staff to effectively integrate technology in teaching.
In addition, the project provides for temporary facilities for the relocation of school operations during the planned infrastructure works.
Division Chief of the Social Sector Division at CDB, Deidre Clarendon, said that upgrading the physical spaces for learning is key to creating an overall improved educational experience.
“By improving these learning spaces, this project will provide a more stimulating and challenging environment for both teachers and students, resulting in higher motivation and productivity in the classroom.
“The upgrades will also include customization to support vulnerable learners such as persons with disabilities and to meet the requirements of increasingly diversified modern school curricula,” noted Clarendon.
The CDB said that the funding for the project will be a combination of a loan and a grant with the government providing the additional funding required for the US$17.25 million project.
It said the project is aligned with the strategies outlined in CDB’s Education and Training Policy and Strategy 2017, including providing appropriate resources to meet learning needs and gender-responsive infrastructure responding to the needs of male and female students and teachers.
CMC
