The Organization of American States (OAS) in collaboration with Profuturo has made a significant contribution to the advancement of education in Saint Lucia by donating state-of-the-art electronic devices to twelve pilot schools on the island. This initiative aims to boost digital education in the region and enhance the learning experience for students.

Lilly Ching-Soto, OAS representative in Saint Lucia, spoke enthusiastically about the project, highlighting the careful selection process that brought it to fruition.

In 2019, the Ministry of Education in Saint Lucia collaborated with OAS to identify twelve schools as pilot participants in this transformative endeavor. Now, the organization is following up on the effectiveness of the implementation in these chosen schools.

“The project encompasses twelve pilot schools, and we have delivered suitcases filled with laptops, tablets, routers, projectors, etc. Each school now boasts its own server and Wi-Fi infrastructure to facilitate the implementation of digital education in Saint Lucia,” Ching-Soto explained.

The OAS aims to equip teachers with the tools they need to assist students in learning more efficiently, as well as to enable greater interaction between educators and students through the use of these electronic devices.

The timing of the project is noteworthy, as it was initiated just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019.

This foresight proved to be invaluable, as it addressed the growing need for digital education and helped students become more comfortable with using electronic devices for their studies.

“Everybody says it’s much needed. It came in 2019, right before COVID-19. The interest in digital education and the imperative to make children more adept at using these devices is undeniable, so there’s no question that this initiative is truly essential,” Ching-Soto emphasized. The pandemic highlighted the importance of digital education tools, and the OAS/Profuturo contribution is poised to play a pivotal role in ensuring educational continuity in the face of unexpected challenges.

The project’s primary focus is on students in Grades 3 to 6, as these formative years are crucial in building a strong foundation for their educational journey. By providing schools with laptops, servers, and Wi-Fi infrastructure, the OAS/Profuturo is helping students and teachers adapt to the digital age, fostering a more interactive and engaging learning environment.

This generous donation by the Organization of American States and Profuturo represents a remarkable step forward in Saint Lucia’s commitment to providing quality education and ensuring students are well-equipped for the challenges of the modern world.

Tablet devices which formed part of the donations to the various schools

“As the world continues to evolve, access to digital education resources becomes increasingly vital, and the OAS’s support is a clear testament to their dedication to the development of education in the region,” the OAS representative said.