The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Saint Lucia has made a generous contribution of more than 500 copies of the “Let’s Learn Mandarin” textbooks and workbooks to Form 1 students from St. Mary’s College (SMC).
The official handover ceremony was held on the morning of Thursday, September 17, 2026, in the school’s Assembly Hall. Those in attendance included nearly 120 Form One students who are now learning Mandarin, which is spoken by over 730 million people worldwide, and is a doorway to a rich culture and a rapidly growing job market.
Speaking at the ceremony, H.E. Nicole Su, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Saint Lucia, told the students that learning Mandarin is not only just about the language, but also about culture and heritage. She said that in addition to oral conversation, the writing system they will be learning is the traditional Mandarin, quite different from the simplified writing system.
“With this traditional writing system, it will be much easier to understand the logic of how those Chinese characters were developed, and to appreciate the beauty of the civilization,” Ambassador Su explained. “So, students, if you are interested in it, after this year, you will be well prepared to read some of the ancient scripture written thousands of years ago.”
Since 2016, the Mandarin Programme has been extending from the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College to St. Mary’s College, St. Joseph’s Convent, and Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School, as well as the public service, including the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, the Immigration Department, and other officials. The Mandarin Programme has now expanded beyond classrooms. For instance, the National Television Network (NTN) is now airing new episodes of “Fun Mandarin” on television and on YouTube, for everyday conversation in Mandarin.
Ambassador Su encouraged the students to make great use of the textbooks and workbooks, noting that they are the gateway to a new language, a different culture, and possibly, more opportunities in the future.
“In the coming year, we are planning to organize some public activities, or maybe a competition to make the language learning more fun,” she said. “If you’d like, you can also sit our Foreign Language Test, the TOCFL, to demonstrate your proficiency in Mandarin. Further, if you continue to develop your language skills, it may also facilitate and compliment your preparation when applying for scholarships.”
This year, 48 Saint Lucian scholars went to Taiwan to begin their higher academic journey. Presently, there are around 200 Saint Lucians studying in Taiwan. Ambassador Su told the students they could also be among the scholarship recipients in the future.
Ambassador Su thanked the Ministry of Education, especially the team at the Curriculum Department, for their continued support in promoting Taiwan’s Mandarin language. She also thanked the principal, teachers and supporting staff of St. Mary’s College, for their guidance and dedication in providing students with the opportunity to engage with Taiwan’s language and culture.
Mrs. Criscel Augustin, Modern Languages Curriculum Officer in the Ministry of Education, Youth Development, Sports and Digital Transformation, noted that the partnership between Taiwan and Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Education continues to provide meaningful opportunities for Saint Lucian youths.
“Mandarin classes are currently offered at three secondary schools, giving students the opportunity to learn a new language while developing an appreciation for Taiwanese culture,” she said. “This support extends beyond the classroom. The Taiwanese Government has generously provided textbooks and other resources to facilitate the teaching and learning of Mandarin. We are, therefore, especially grateful to receive this latest contribution.”
Mrs. Augustin explained that the many scholarships offered annually by the Government of Taiwan to Saint Lucians was another significant aspect of this partnership shared between Taiwan and Saint Lucia. She added that the scholarships are highly sought after and provide valuable opportunities for further study and professional development.
Mr. Neal Fontenelle, Principal of St. Mary’s College, thanked Ambassador Su and the Government of Taiwan, for the very noble gesture. He also spoke of the partnership with the Taiwan Embassy that has borne tremendous fruit over the years, not just for the school, but for the country.
“The Taiwanese have supported our robotics programme and many other different programmes that we have embarked on here at St. Mary’s College,” he stated. “Now, with the contribution of these textbooks, our Form One students will be well placed to become more versed in the Taiwanese language. This is not in isolation because a number of our students, after leaving St. Mary’s College, gain scholarships to study in Taiwan. That is a very big help for Saint Lucia, not just for our economy, but for the continuation of the cultural exchange between the two countries.”
Meanwhile, Ms. Weili Hsu, Mandarin Teacher attached to the Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) in Saint Lucia, thanked the Government of Taiwan, the Government of Saint Lucia, TaiwanICDF, and St. Mary’s College, for supporting Mandarin education and making this all possible. She noted that language learning is truly a team effort, and that their encouragement helps to keep that door open and welcoming for the students.
Ms. Hsu said the textbooks are not just for lessons, but are a wide open door for students to discover Taiwan. Through this door, she said they will step into a whole new world of language, culture, and fresh perspectives. She also advised the students that while the Chinese characters may look like secret codes at first, and the tones might sound a bit tricky, they should not be afraid of making mistakes.
More copies of the “Let’s Learn Mandarin” textbooks and workbooks will also be offered in other schools, including St. Joseph’s Convent and Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School.