Students at Castries Anglican Infant School are enjoying key infrastructure upgrades this school year following an investment of over XCD $100,000 by the Sandals Foundation in their digital learning and playground facilities.
As part of a Caribbean-wide investment in renewable energy and closing the digital divide, the Sandals Foundation has installed a solar-powered system at the Castries Anglican Infant School – providing its approximately 200 students with an uninterrupted source of energy to power its computer lab.
The renewable energy infrastructure which is valued at just over XCD $30,000 is complemented by a donation of some 10 desktop computers from Sandals Resorts loyal guests – The Tarrs family, bringing the total value of the digital learning investment to just over XCD $62,000.
“The 2025-2026 academic year has been a great year for our students here,” says Principal Christine Merville, “Any school operating without a furnished computer lab is operating in another century. We all know how important technology is to us as a society. Today’s children are very verse in using digital devices and it is important for schools to be able to reach them in that medium. These new computers will help us greatly.”
In speaking to the support of the solar system, Merville says, “The electricity bills that schools face are extremely high. Although the Ministry of Education covers the cost of our light bills, this solar system will allow the Ministry to save money on energy costs and hopefully invest that into other programmes.”
The project stands as one in a series across the Caribbean that will benefit from a wider mission of the philanthropic organisation to strengthen the region’s energy security.
Heidi Clarke Executive Director at the Sandals Foundation says the direction is strategically aligned to support the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. “In 2024 to commemorate our 15th anniversary, we launched a campaign to raise funds towards the installation of solar systems at key locations within the islands we operate. By tapping into the power of the sun, we could help our local institutions regulate and manage their energy costs- allowing for them to focus on their primary services.”
“Caribbean schools serve as critical spaces for bridging the digital divide as many are the only access students have to computers and other digital devices. In preparing today’s students for the world ahead, knowledge in the efficient use of technology is vital. By having computer labs powered by solar systems, there will be uninterrupted access to the tools and skills sets needed by students to confidently navigate the world. This project represents an investment in education for the future.”
In addition to the digital literacy support provided to students, the academic year has also brought an improvement to the school’s playground, making it possible to facilitate improved experiential learning through play.
With an investment of XCD $47,000, students will now enjoy a resurfaced area and covered water drains, allowing for a safe space to play.
“When it comes to language and confidence development, understanding how to navigate the world, improving motor as well as social and emotional skills – play is the activity that fosters this growth,” says Karen Zacca, Director of Operations at the Sandals Foundation.