HCRP, SALCC PARTNER ON TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AS A PILLAR OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.

Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology, and Vocational Training, proudly celebrated the graduation of approximately 300 participants from the Human Capital  Resilience Programme on Thursday July 17, 2025.

This milestone event marks the culmination of a program launched in 2024 with funding from the World Bank under the Saint Lucia Human Capital Resilience Project (HCRP). The initiative was designed to equip learners with practical and technical competencies aligned with industry standards across the Caribbean.

Graduates were trained and assessed in multiple occupational areas, including:

●      Level 1: Food Preparation, Motor Vehicle Maintenance, Carpentry, Wall and Floor Tiling
 

●      Level 2: Plumbing, Painting and Decorating
 

While some students await the completion of portfolio assessments for full CVQ certification, all were recognized for reaching an important stage in their educational and professional journeys with certificates of completion or participation.

Dr. Madgerie Jameson-Charles, Principal of SALCC, addressed the audience with heartfelt congratulations:

“Excellence is not the final destination, it is an ongoing journey. This is a journey of learning, perseverance, and growth. You have demonstrated the pursuit of excellence that Sir Arthur Lewis Community College is known for.”

She reminded graduates that their CBQ and CVQ certifications represent not only technical knowledge but also employability and life skills, opening doors both locally and across the Caribbean.

Delivering special remarks, Mr. Cletus Springer, Chairman of the SALCC Board of Governors, reflected on personal stories of resilience, self-sufficiency, and national pride.

“Your stories are stories of resilience. To get to this graduation required courage, sacrifice, determination, and vision. You have proven that no circumstance can define your potential.”

Mr. Springer also emphasized the value of hands-on skills in building independence and contributing to national development.

“The more things you're able to do for yourself, the richer you will be. This is what independence and self-sufficiency are truly about.”

The HCRP programme underscores SALCC’s commitment to technical and vocational education as a pillar of sustainable development and workforce readiness. Graduates were encouraged to continue striving for excellence, complete their remaining assessments, and contribute meaningfully to their communities and industries.

The College extends its deepest appreciation to all instructors, assessors, mentors, support staff, and partner organizations whose dedication made the success of this initiative possible.