Teachers and students from Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary School hosted a special assembly on Thursday, November 20, 2025, in observance of International Children’s Day. The event was held under the theme, “Empowering Children, Enriching Lives: 45 Years of Learning, Health and Harmony”.
The event was organized by the Ministry of Health Wellness & Elderly Affairs, Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary School, and Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) in Saint Lucia.
The event commenced with a praise and worship session by the alumni band, followed by brief remarks from various speakers. Later, 15 students were presented with awards for their participation in the 56th World Schoolchildren’s Art Exhibition, which is hosted by Taiwan, while some of them also received medals. One of the students will now participate in the regional competition. Another highlight of the special assembly was a roll call for past students of SCSS who were in attendance at the ceremony, many of whom are now members of staff at the school.
After the special assembly ended, the students went for their lunch break, following which they received health talks and health checks. They also received free items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, caps, pens, pencils, tote bags, and key chains.
Ms. Chrisentia Combie, Principal of Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary School, thanked the Taiwan Technical Mission and the Ministry of Health Wellness & Elderly Affairs for partnering with the school to host a health fair. She told the students that while education is important, so too is their health.
“I want you to celebrate the ability to walk, breathe, and learn,” she said. “Many children do not have that privilege. We want you to understand that when we create healthy children – physically, emotionally, and mentally – they grow up to become strong adults. Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary School has done that for many years, and we have testimony from the alumni who are here with us today.”
Dr. Shana Cyr-Philbert, Senior Medical Officer for Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs, explained to the students that non-communicable diseases are diseases that are not transferred from one person to the next, and are generally called lifestyle diseases. Major non-communicable diseases include cancer, diabetes, heart diseases (such as hypertension or high blood pressure) and chronic respiratory diseases.
“The problem with these diseases is that they are the leading causes of death in the world, actually 75% of deaths in the world,” she told the students. “In Saint Lucia, unfortunately, 82% of the deaths are from these diseases. One of the sad things about those diseases is that they are increasingly affecting our younger populations.”
Dr. Cyr-Philbert said many teenagers are now being diagnosed with Type II diabetes. To counter that trend, she said targeting young children and sharing the information about prevention early enough is essential.
Mr. Daniel Lee, Chief of the Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) in Saint Lucia, also offered brief remarks at the ceremony. He noted that the health fair was especially significant as it coincides with International Children’s Day and World Diabetes Month — two observances that remind us of the importance of health, education, and prevention.
“International Children’s Day calls on us to protect and uplift our youth,” Lee said. “Children are not only our future — they are our present. Their well-being must remain central to our development efforts. World Diabetes Month highlights a growing public health challenge. Diabetes affects families across all communities, and its impact reaches far beyond clinics. Awareness, early detection, and education are keys to prevention and care.”
Lee added that health brought vital services — such as screenings, nutrition guidance, and others — directly to the community, thereby empowering individuals to take charge of their health and make informed choices. Through its public health initiatives, he said, the Taiwan Technical Mission is proud to support these efforts.
“Our work focuses on chronic disease prevention, capacity building, and outreach — not just delivering services, but fostering resilience and long-term health equity,” said Lee. “As we move forward, let us continue to work together — with empathy, with purpose, and with a shared vision for healthier communities. The Taiwan Technical Mission remains a committed partner to Saint Lucia. Together, we can build a brighter, stronger future — especially for our children.”
Mr. Stephen “Stevaco” Joseph, a past student of SCSS and recently retired as a teacher at the school, delivered the featured address. He highlighted the outstanding teachers and students who have contributed to the school’s success over the nearly five decades. Joseph urged students to trace the school’s rich history and legacy as they, too, aspire for greatness.
“Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary School has a long history of being champions,” he told the students. “There should be a bold sign somewhere saying, ‘The school of champions’.”
From winning debate competitions and sports meets from the early 1980s to outclassing other secondary schools in the present day, Joseph said Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary School continues to be a shining example of an educational institution where students thrive.