Technical and vocational training institutions in Saint Lucia are receiving new electric-vehicle diagnostic tools and other equipment to help them prepare young people for jobs in sustainable development and renewable energy.
This programme is part of the Green & Blue Skills and NDC-Tec projects. It is funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment through the International Climate Initiative (IKI) and carried out by GIZ, Germany’s agency for international cooperation.
The projects have started delivering equipment to four TVET institutions in Saint Lucia: the School of Innovation and Technology, the Stanley Jon Odlum School of Arts, Media and Design, the School of Sustainable Agriculture and Culinary Arts and the School of Construction and Heritage.
The package includes two photovoltaic trainers to teach students how to install solar power systems, training kits to introduce students to basic electrical installation and two smokers for agro-processing training.
“So, they will be able to make smoked food products like smoked fish, smoked meats,” TVET Education Officer Delthia Naitram told St Lucia Times. “We also got a pulveriser to grind things like cocoa, coffee and grains.”
A chocolate melanger was also donated, and the School of Innovation and Technology received green-cooling equipment.
“You know, the classrooms are hot and uncomfortable, so we’re looking at green cooling systems that are more environmentally friendly,” Naitram said.
According to GIZ Head of Programme Ina De Visser, some of the equipment has already been installed, while the rest is expected to arrive this week.
“We hope these items will be used extensively and contribute to preparing the students for modern jobs,” De Visser stated during an equipment handover ceremony at the School of Innovation and Technology in Anse Ger, Deruisseaux.
GIZ Technical Advisor Sarah Stadler added that in addition to the project aligning with Saint Lucia’s national priorities, the donation also supports a broader push to strengthen and expand TVET programmes across the country.
Augusta Emmanuel, principal of the School of Innovation and Technology, echoed a similar sentiment during a speech at the handover ceremony. “This investment will allow us to offer recognised training programmes and award certificates that align with the current and emerging opportunities in a sustainable, green and blue economy,” she said.
Minister in the Ministry of Education Danny Butcher said the initiative comes as rapid technological change is reshaping industries worldwide.
“The world of work is changing rapidly,” Butcher stated. “New technologies are transforming transportation, energy systems and industries; electric mobility is no longer a distant concept; it is becoming a reality. And, as these changes unfold, our responsibilities become clear; we must prepare our young people not for the jobs of yesterday, but for the opportunities of tomorrow.”
As part of the NDC-Tec (Nationally Determined Contributions Technology) Project, similar equipment will also be given to institutions in other CARICOM member states.
