Reinforcing the deep-rooted bilateral ties between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Saint Lucia, two milestone handover ceremonies were held recently to bolster the “Post-Pandemic Economic Recovery and Youth & Women Empowerment Project”.
The two events, hosted on February 20, 2026, at the Belle Vue Human Resource Centre in Vieux Fort, and on March 13, 2026, at the Youth Economic Agency (YEA) head office in Castries, marked a significant advancement in local educational and administrative infrastructure.
At the YEA head office in Castries and the Belle Vue Human Resource Centre in Vieux Fort, the Taiwan Embassy in Saint Lucia officially handed over a state-of-the-art Smart Classroom.
Designed to meet the demands of modern vocational training, the facility includes high-definition interactive screens for collaborative learning, camera systems specifically integrated for high-quality online instruction, and professional sound systems to ensure a seamless hybrid learning environment. These tools are set to revolutionize how local residents access training, allowing remote participation and more engaging, technology-driven curricula.
The partnership has yielded remarkable results through the Angel Fund programme, where the Taiwan Technical Mission and the YEA have worked in perfect synergy. While the TTM provides the overarching support framework, the YEA has efficiently managed proposal evaluations, secured funding pathways, and coordinated complex logistics.
This collaboration has empowered 343 participants to receive entrepreneurial grants over the past year. Notable surges in activity occurred in late 2025, with 169 grants awarded in October and 57 in November, providing critical capital to micro-enterprises across the island.
This project aims to empower human capital and promote youth entrepreneurship by integrating vocational training with business development support, thereby enhancing participants’ employability and entrepreneurial capacity.
On the vocational training front, the project supported the National Skills Development Centre (NSDC) in delivering a range of practical, skills-based programmes across areas such as information technology, technical trades, and culinary arts. In parallel, in collaboration with the Youth Economy Agency (YEA), a series of business-oriented training programmes were conducted, covering topics such as costing and pricing, business planning, bookkeeping, and sales and marketing, along with related opening and closing ceremonies to reinforce participants’ commercial knowledge and market readiness.
Furthermore, an angel funding mechanism was introduced to support promising participants in launching their own businesses, facilitating a transition from skills acquisition to entrepreneurial practice, and contributing to local economic development and youth employment opportunities. In addition, the project facilitated knowledge exchange and youth engagement through the organization of the Youth Investment Forum and the Global Youth Trends Forum, providing valuable platforms for dialogue, innovation, and forward-looking perspectives among young people.
H.E. Nicole Su, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Saint Lucia, is pleased to note the successful completion of this project, which has made meaningful contributions to skills development, entrepreneurship, and capacity building in Saint Lucia. Through the joint efforts of all partners, the project has not only enhanced participants’ practical competencies but also strengthened their readiness to engage in economic activities and pursue sustainable livelihoods.
Building on these positive outcomes, Ambassador Su says she looks forward to further opportunities for collaboration to advance youth and women’s empowerment in Saint Lucia.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kendel Emmanuel, Acting CEO at the Youth Economy Agency (YEA), commended the partnership, noting that the combination of physical infrastructure and the financial support from the Angel Fund has created a robust ecosystem for young Saint Lucians to thrive as Saint Lucia continues its journey toward sustainable economic growth.