St. Lucia minister visits Windsor School of Special Education in Jamaica

St. Lucia's Minister of Education with responsibility for Early Childhood Education, Special Needs, Continuing Education, Technical Education and Digital Transformation, Hon. Danny Butcher (right), observes a student living with special needs, Antwain Scott.

St. Lucia’s Minister of Education, Youth Development, Sports and Digital Transformation, Hon. Danny Butcher, visited the Windsor School of Special Education on Wednesday, March 18, after being inspired by the school’s handmade wooden Jamaican gift boxes showcased at the inaugural Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) Regional Education Conference and Ministerial Forum held at The Jamaica Pegasus in New Kingston from March 16–18.

Speaking to JIS News following the visit, Minister Butcher said he came to observe best practices that could be adapted for St. Lucia’s special education system. “The big takeaway for me is how authentic learning is. It’s not that a student cannot learn — students learn differently. It’s ensuring that when a student leaves here, they leave with a particular skill set, especially with the certification that comes with it,” he said.

The Minister praised the school for its comprehensive curriculum, which includes agriculture, technical education, life skills, numeracy, and literacy. He was particularly impressed that students at Windsor School can graduate with a Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ), a CARICOM-approved, competency-based certification, and gain work experience in preparation for the workforce.

“Just from the tour, you could gather the passion of the principal and teachers, and the diversity of what’s being offered. These children are receiving a very quality education, and we must be very proud of that,” he added.

Minister Butcher also noted that special education is gaining attention in St. Lucia. He highlighted a recent parliamentary resolution to borrow US$17.1 million to improve learning infrastructure, expand facilities, and provide teacher training for special needs students.

Principal Kimela Jarrett-Johnstone welcomed the visit and emphasized the school’s commitment to practical and functional learning. “We offer functional literacy and numeracy, ICT training, integration within the community, and opportunities to build skillsets so that students can become contributing members of society and earn for themselves,” she said.

During the visit, Minister Butcher toured the vocational and skills training rooms, the woodwork shop, and the school’s vegetable garden. The Windsor School of Special Education currently enrolls 128 students.