Saddlers Secondary School – St. Kitts
Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
January 23, 2010 (SKNIS)
The investment in education over the past 14 years has significantly transformed the professional landscape in St. Kitts and Nevis producing doctors, engineers, business persons, accountants and technicians.
“I remember the days when we had one black doctor in St. Kitts,” recalled 84-year-old Stanley Morris. “Now most of the doctors are black and they come from right here (in St. Kitts and Nevis).”
Morris, was referring to the fact that a number of ordinary, young people have sought to better themselves by taking advantage of scholarships and concessionary loans established by Government to empower locals, particularly the youth.
One example highlighted is the fact that five students between the ages 17 and 22 left the Federation on a scholarship to study medicine in Cuba, last year. The scholarship is just one of many offered free of cost, or partially to locals, from various universities in the United States, West Indies, U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Taiwan.
Figures reveal that in the last 14 years, 1,821 loans have been approved for young people to pursue tertiary level education. However, Government has outlined its commitment to developing nationals of all ages and dramatically expand career opportunities.
The establishment of the technology-based Saddlers Secondary School was an important step in this process. The utilization of computers and related applications will help to boost the skill of the workforce to ensure they possess the necessary knowledge to build substantial careers in technical fields. Plans are being reviewed to expand technology courses to other primary and high schools.
Beginning this year, the Ministry of Education will introduce an after-school character development programme to help steer young people away from antisocial influences.
Additionally, commitments have been made by Government to add 250 additional childhood spaces, establish new daycare centers and move the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College to full university status.