Taiwan boosts SVG’s Education Revolution with Learning Centres

The days of community centres where the occasional party or wedding reception is held is quickly fading away, and is evolving into Republic of China on Taiwan sponsored Learning Resource Centres (LRC) being constructed nationwide.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves made it clear that his vision was to see a Learning Resource Centre constructed in every community as part of the much-touted “Education Revolution” which is a major hinge in his Government’s objective during it’s tenure in leadership. {{more}}

According to the vision, these centres’ main difference from their “community centres” predecessors is their learning component. Each centre constructed will be equipped with a computer room and library. This is in addition to the meeting rooms with stages and kitchens.

Since the construction of the very first centre in South Rivers in 2002, it was clear that these centres were going to make a tremendous impact on our communities. The United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) sponsored an information technology programme soon after its construction, coordinated by a Peace Corp. volunteer stationed in the area. School children, police officers and the community at large were exposed to basic computing skills.

These centres are so equipped that they are ideal for seminars, workshops and have also been used by the National Literacy Crusade for their programmes. In Sandy Bay, another UNESCO project is in operation, and the Secretary General of UNESCO’s National Commission Lafleur John, told SEARCHLIGHT that she is pleased with the level of success of the special programme.

UNESCO has launched a regional community Radio and multi-media programme which is being run out of their field office in Jamaica. The programme, “Integrated Community Media for Social Inclusion and Sustainable Human Development of Isolated Indigenous Communities in the Caribbean”, is in operation in Suriname, Belize, Dominica and Guyana along with St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The programme is geared at promoting the culture of the Garifuna people.

“I am quite pleased to see the success of this project which is managed by the people in the community,” stated an excited La Fleur John. She also expressed her appreciation to Taiwan for their great contribution. “Well done Taiwan, we appreciate the funding, these centres are crucial to the development of our people,” she added.

According to the plan of the Prime Minister, 16 centres are to be constructed throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines, 14 of which are to be funded by Taiwan.