THE newly renovated Learning Resource Centre at the New Beginnings Transit Home for Children, located in Cas-en-bas, is set to significantly enhance the educational experiences of the youth in transitional care.
This modernised facility marks a major achievement under the Safety Nets for Vulnerable Populations Affected by the Coronavirus Project, which is funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
This project, designed to protect and empower the most at-risk groups in Saint Lucia, has successfully transformed the Learning Resource Center into a safe, technology-enabled, and inclusive space dedicated to supporting the educational development of children in need.
“This center expresses a powerful message to the youth at New Beginnings: they matter, and their future matters. We deeply appreciate the unwavering support from the Caribbean Development Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank. Your commitment to human-centered development is turning our vision into impactful action, ” Permanent Secretary Dr. Charmaine Hippolyte Emmanuel stated.
This week’s opening ceremony was attended by representatives from the CDB, the IDB, implementing agencies, contractors, and community members, all of whom underscored a shared commitment to child development and inclusive progress. The event featured cultural presentations, stakeholder remarks, and a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Elbert Ellis, Senior Operations Officer at CDB, emphasised the importance of the project as a long-term investment in Saint Lucia’s human capital.
“This enhanced Centre is not merely a safe space; it is a place where dreams of at-risk residents and students will be nurtured, unlocking their potential,” he asserted.
Michael Hall, Sector Senior Specialist at the IDB, praised the collaborative spirit that propelled the project forward.
“At the IDB, we are committed to financing initiatives that yield effective results for the communities we serve; this embodies our mission to improve lives,” he affirmed.
The upgraded facility now boasts structural improvements for safety and accessibility, new furniture and educational equipment, digital tools, and IT infrastructure to support modern learning, and a welcoming atmosphere that fosters academic growth and well-being.
The Learning Resource Center will serve as a critical hub for academic support, digital literacy training, and personal development, effectively bridging the learning gaps faced by children in state care.
This renovation represents one of the final impactful interventions under the CDB-funded Safety Nets for Vulnerable Populations Project, reinforcing Saint Lucia’s social safety net in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Learning Resource Center stands as a lasting legacy of our commitment to inclusion, resilience, and long-term impact.
Minister for Equity, Social Justice, and Empowerment, Joachim Henry, emphasized that this initiative transcends the renovation of a physical space; it manifests a renewed commitment to support deprived youngsters.
“This Learning Resource Center epitomizes our shared vision of providing every child, irrespective of their background, with the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. Together with our partners, we are resolutely building a future where no one is left behind,” he declared.
The Ministry, which oversees the Transit Home, expresses gratitude to the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for their steadfast support.
Recognition is also due to Trim’s Construction, supervising consultant Mae St. Clair, the dedicated Project Team, and the committed staff at the New Beginnings Transit Home, whose tireless efforts brought this initiative to fruition.
The New Beginnings Transit Home is a temporary residential facility designed to provide safety for children aged 2 to 16 who are victims of child abuse or severe neglect and need care and protection.
This service collaborates closely with the National Foster Care and Adoption Services to ensure that children are returned to the environments where they can thrive best.