The Saint Lucia National Youth Council joins its Student Branch in expressing concern for the welfare of students at the Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary School, who returned to school this month under unfavourable conditions.
On Monday, January 9th, 2023, students were dismissed early due to insufficient teachers at the school and on Tuesday, students were left unsupervised.
As the principal non-governmental body charged with ensuring the well-being of youth in Saint Lucia, the SLNYC supports the student body at the Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary School in its efforts to restore normalcy at the institution.
Student representatives are gravely concerned by what is described as a dejected staff and
student body due to a lack of proper management and poor infrastructural conditions such as leaking roofs, lack of furniture, holes in classroom ceilings, and other hazards.
Furthermore, students are in general disagreement with a proposal to discontinue the offering of CVQ-certified programmes at the school.
We believe that at all times, students must be guaranteed an educational experience of the
highest standard.
Therefore, the Saint Lucia National Youth Council inclusive of our Student Branch, the National Students’ Council and the wider SLNYC membership stands with staff and
students at the institution in calling on the Ministry of Education to urgently address the
conditions at the Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary School for a safe continuation to the
school term.
The SLNYC is actively monitoring this situation for the best outcome for students.
SOURCE: Saint Lucia National Youth Council
The youth is one of our most important resources and their education is paramount. It is not acceptable for students to be in buildings that are not conducive to learning. The Ministry of Education needs to urgently intervened to remedy the the situation at the school. The focus in Soufriere should not be primarily on tourism.