Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Leiff Escalona commenting on the visit of a group of Saint Lucian teachers to Venezuela, highlighting the outcomes of the First Academic Music Training Workshop held in Caracas, Venezuela, which involved twelve music teachers from Saint Lucia.
This workshop, part of a bilateral cooperation program by ALBA-TCP, responds to a request from Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Education to enhance music educator training.
“After over three years of collaboration with Saint Lucian institutions and the Ministry of Tourism, we have successfully implemented this initial phase for the first group of music teachers, who are already positively impacting their communities,”Ambassador Escalona noted.
The training was conducted by Venezuela’s National System of Youth and Children’s Orchestras and Choirs (El Sistema), known for its transformative social impact and academic excellence.
Participants received specialized instruction in choral conducting, music pedagogy for early childhood and special education, choral techniques, and inclusive teaching strategies in a rigorous yet collaborative environment.
The ambassador added : “Upon their return, the enthusiasm of the teachers was palpable—they gained new teaching tools and a renewed commitment to apply their learning in local educational settings. This workshop marks the first phase of a broader academic exchange program set for 2025, aiming to significantly enhance music education in Saint Lucia.”
Upcoming phases include El Sistema instructors visiting Saint Lucia, expanding opportunities for exchange. This initiative has been made possible through the support of various institutions, including ALBA Bank, the Executive Secretariat of ALBA-TCP, and the Ministries of both Venezuela and Saint Lucia.
Ambassador Escalona concluded : “It underscores the importance of cultural cooperation as a means of social transformation, reinforcing our commitment to regional integration and equitable access to education through the power of art.”