Kwéyòl language to be incorporated in Saint Lucia’s curriculum and taught in 15 local schools

Saint Lucia: The Kwéyòl language is officially all set to roll out in 14 primary schools and 1 private institution in the 2024/25 academic year. This decision has been undertaken by the authorities with a vision to safeguard Saint Lucia’s intangible cultural heritage.

While shedding light on the inclusion of a Kwéyòl curriculum within the national educational system, the Government of Saint Lucia stated that it is more than just a language. They noted that Kwéyòl forms part of the history and heritage and is the language of Saint Lucian consciousness.

The Government of the island nation continued to say that the push to include the Kwéyòl language in the school curriculum spans four decades. Notably, the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Philip J Pierre, made an announcement during the Emancipation Day in August 2022 about introducing Kweyol in the school curriculum.

And after a gap of two years, the Minister for Education, Shawn Edward, has finally confirmed the Saint Lucia Kwéyòl Curriculum Pilot Programme to roll out in 15 local schools in the 2024/25 academic year, and students of grades k, 1, and 3 will be receiving 2 hour 30 minutes lessons per week.

This historic step marks the culmination of decades of advocacy and highlights a profound commitment to preserving and revitalizing Saint Lucia’s rich cultural heritage.

For the first time, the students of Saint Lucia will receive Kwéyòl instructions in school. They noted that by including Kwéyòl instructions in the national school curriculum, they are committed to preserving the rich cultural heritage for future generations to come.

While emphasising the importance of incorporating Kwéyòl language in Saint Lucia’s curriculum, Giannetti George, the Education Officer of Curriculum and Material Development Unit (CAMDU) noted that this program will give a huge opportunity to Saint Lucia to safeguard their linguistic history and also to integrate their culture into a curriculum.

Moreover, a training and orientation session was also conducted for all the educators of the Kwéyòl language where the facilitators provided instruction on several pertinent areas including the pre all writing system, grammar, difficult sounds, as well as lesson planning and assessment.

The formal writing system for Saint Lucian Kwéyòl was developed around 43 years ago in 1981. The introduction of Kwéyòl instruction is expected to provide students with an additional tool for cognitive development, enhancing their language capabilities and cultural literacy.

As per the workshop facilitator, Lindy-Ann Alexander stated that such shift is hoped to assist youth in connecting with their community and heritage while engaging in traditional practices which are integral to Saint Lucian culture.

She added that they will have to be patient as they have waited 43 years to have Kwéyòl to be considered in entering the schools.

With the introduction of the language in the curriculum, Saint Lucia is standing as a symbol of progress, unity, and respect for the island’s vibrant heritage, stated the Primary School Teachers.