Adult Education Assumes New Focus

Contact: Primus Hutchinson

Friday, October 19, 2001 – The Ministry of Education, Human Resource Development, Youth and Sports is taking a comprehensive new approach to adult education with the launch of its new  National Enrichment and Learning Unit.

The Unit, which takes over the former Adult Literacy Programme, is expected to expand the range of courses as government moves to make education more relevant to the needs of Saint Lucians to meet the demands of  a changing global economy.

Curriculum Development Officer, Mrs. Lucy Alternor Joseph, said the restructured adult education programme will offer basic courses, enrichment and continuing education courses, as well as income generating and employable skills.

“Modules and worksheets have been developed in basic language and mathematics,” she said. “In the technical area, courses are offered in information technology, carpentry, electrical installation, cake baking and decorating, flower arranging, music and garment construction. For the enrichment courses, the focus was directed in crop production, flora and fauna, water resource management, healthy lifestyles, human relations, managing self, communications and livestock production.”

“All courses are at the basic level…,” Alternor Joseph said.

The core dimension of the  programme is more academic-oriented and consists of basic pre-CXC and CXC courses.

At the launch of the Unit on Wednesday, Minister for Education Hon. Mario Michel, who spoke via video, promised a programme whereby St. Lucians will be able to master basic skills and knowledge.

When one is equipped with the tools of information and knowledge, learning becomes a natural process,”  he said.

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