In the Mabouya Valley, where generations once depended on the land to provide for their families, the focus is now shifting toward cultivating knowledge, skills, and opportunity.
Education Minister and Dennery North MP Shawn Edward recently led the delivery of support payments to residents, with the backing of the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF).
Edward underscored the government’s commitment to investing in people rather than limiting development to physical infrastructure.
The minister highlighted upcoming educational initiatives, including 22 economic cost awards for young Saint Lucians to pursue studies at the University of the West Indies campuses in Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad, as well as 75 scholarships for Monroe University later this month.
Explaining the philosophy behind the programs, Edward stated: “We believe there can be one university graduate in every house of this country. We will do our best in the circumstances to help everybody. We’re no longer from the banana belt. Education has taken the valley from one level to another, and we must continue our upward trajectory to make the valley one of the greatest communities in Saint Lucia.”
Executive Director of the SSDF, John Victorin, reinforced the importance of the initiative, describing the Educational Assistance Program as one of the agency’s most impactful.
“We do not simply support the parliamentary reps, but we also target those who are most vulnerable to go through the process of accessing educational assistance at various offices throughout the island or at the Ave Maria,” he explained.
He stressed that education is central to breaking the cycle of poverty.
“Most families who have elevated out of poverty it is because somebody in the household was able to attain a level of education that secured an employment opportunity for them. From there, they were able to build what we call generational wealth. Education is key.”
The program reflects a growing emphasis on ensuring that every household has the tools to succeed, with education positioned as the cornerstone of community transformation.