The Babonneau Secondary School is among the most recent educational institution on island to receive a multimedia smart classroom, thanks to the Government of Taiwan.
On Wednesday, October 12, the newly-reconfigured classroom at the school was officially opened, symbolizing the strong commitment by the Government of Taiwan to facilitate access to cutting-edge learning methods by Saint Lucian students.
In his remarks, His Excellency Peter Chia-yen Chen, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Saint Lucia, said the establishment of multimedia smart classrooms is a crucial component of ICT in Education Project, a joint collaboration between the Governments of Taiwan and Saint Lucia. He noted that the initiative can only work through a clear understanding of the objective and close collaboration.
“It cannot be successful without identifying students’ needs and differentiating the education and resource gap among each community,” Ambassador Chen stated. “Only when every constituency representative clearly acknowledges the demand from the local community, invests those resources and fosters collaboration among students, teachers, government officials, and the private sector that the programme will be successful. For that, I would like to commend Hon. Minister Dr. Poyotte, a former principal and educator, for always putting students and education in the forefront.”
Ambassador Chen added that since today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders, it’s only right that investments are made today to afford them a better tomorrow, including in digital education. He said Taiwan will continue to work with the Government of Saint Lucia to build a more inclusive and competitive education system in Saint Lucia.
Hon. Dr. Virginia Albert-Poyotte, Minister for the Public Service, Home Affairs, Labour and Gender Affairs, thanked the Government of Taiwan for ensuring that Saint Lucian students benefit from 21st century methods of learning. She also encouraged students to make the most of the opportunity they have been given.
“Students, you need to be hungry for knowledge,” she told the students. “You need to be determined and put your all (into your efforts) because Government is investing a lot in education. We want you to do your best. I want you to utilize this facility to the best of your abilities.”
Meanwhile, Principal of Babonneau Secondary School, Terrence Fernelon, was thankful to the Government of Taiwan for the new multimedia smart classroom. After implementing the use of technology in the Biology Lab at the school in the past, Fernelon said students’ grades went from 32% to 72%. The new classroom, he said, offers endless possibilities for students.
“I know the value of ICT and I know what this is going to do for the students of Babonneau Secondary School,” said the school principal. “I know the teachers are anxious to use it so that we can enhance the level of instruction. Today my heart is filled with joy and I’m extremely happy and, Ambassador Chen, we will put this to good use.”
For his part, Education Officer for District One, Cyrus Cepal, said Government will continue to bring 21st-century methods of instruction to students and teachers.
“There’s a statement that goes that way: ‘If you are teaching today’s children yesterday’s method, you are depriving them of their tomorrow,’” he said.
Cepal added: “We thank you very much, Ambassador, for gracing us with this opportunity to be in a smart classroom because we have smart children and a smart school. Therefore, there’s a perfect synergy as we continue to move forward.”
As part of its mandate to assist the socio-development of Saint Lucia, the Government of Taiwan has pledged to equip primary and secondary schools in Saint Lucia with smart technology.