Special Education Needs survey launches in Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia: The Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training Ministry, in collaboration with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, through the Programme for Educational Advancement and Relevant Learning (PEARL), announces the launch of the Special Education Needs (SEN) Survey on September 19th, 2022. The overarching goal of the SEN Survey as part of the OECS PEARL is to “increase accessibility and reduce disparity for students with special education needs and disabilities” in Saint Lucia so that “Every Learner Succeeds”.

Saint Lucia has five special education centres catering to students diagnosed with various developmental disabilities and special learning needs. In addition, every infant and primary school and approximately half of the secondary schools on the island have special educational needs (SEN) teachers who support struggling learners.

Education Officer responsible for Special Education Dale St Juste expressed his support for the initiative, saying the national SEN survey is an important tool that will benefit learners with special needs in multiple ways.

“For the most part, it will provide the Government with a clearer view of the level of need in this subsector and will serve as a basis for developing an action plan to address the critical needs of struggling learners, including identifying areas for teacher training, and sourcing equipment and other resources needed to support learning,” St Juste said.

Children with disabilities and those who require special support in their educational development have the right to adequate interventions to ensure their success in school and beyond. Help the Ministry locate children who have special educational needs but are kept at home. Join the Ministry as it forges ahead in gathering vital information to meet these children’s needs. If you care about children with disabilities and special needs, join the survey campaign and contribute by completing the survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/NationalStarSEN.