SALCC Students and Staff Celebrate Jounen Kwéyòl with Vibrant Cultural Showcase
The Sir Arthur Lewis Community College came alive on Wednesday, October 22, as students and staff gathered to celebrate Jounen Kwéyòl under the theme S.A.L.C.C. Kwéyòl Sé Fòs Nou: Anba Gwo Pyébwa-A: Koté lIstwa Nou Yé.
Organized by the Student Experience Unit in collaboration with the Student Council, the event celebrated Saint Lucian culture through music, dance, storytelling, and traditional dress. The lively afternoon brought together members of the College community to honor and enjoy the island’s rich Creole heritage.
The programme featured Carlton ‘Coaks’ Cyril, setting the tone for a spirited and lively celebration. Performances by the College’s Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) group captivated the audience, with a traditional masquerade dance and engaging Creole storytelling pieces that highlighted the vibrancy of Saint Lucian traditions.
The event also included interactive Kwéyòl trivia, a performance by ARK, and music by SOLO Band, which had attendees singing and dancing along. The celebration was well-attended and enthusiastically received, reflecting the College’s commitment to fostering cultural pride and community spirit among students and staff.
The full gallery covering the event can be found here.
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In support of efforts to remedy Saint Lucian students’ struggles with Mathematics, the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) has returned as a partner for Math Camp 2025. This third iteration of the annual summer camp includes an expanded cohort of students and teachers, extending beyond secondary school to Grade 5 students and primary school educators. This expansion aims to break ineffective teaching methods in primary schools while also addressing students' lack of motivation towards mathematics.
“When we teach a child to push through a problem, we're not just helping them pass a test — we're teaching perseverance. We’re teaching them they can think critically, that they can grow. That changes everything,” said Tracy Pilgrim-George, Acting Director of SALCC's Internationalisation, Advancement & Partnerships Unit.
Ms. Delia Samuel delivering her remarks.
This year’s Math Camp, which runs from July 7-18, serves over 300 students (132 secondary and 180 primary) from across the island. Apart from SALCC, the camp is hosting sessions at Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School, Vieux Fort Primary School and Dame Pearlette Louisy Primary School.
This initiative is about more than just grades. It’s about giving our young people the confidence to say, “I can do this.”— Delia Samuel, Founder and Head of the St. Lucia Math Camp
Furthermore, over 100 teachers are also participating in training sessions designed to strengthen instructional practices and improve student outcomes. This professional development component allows math educators from primary and secondary schools across the island to engage in workshops, co-teaching models, and strategy sessions with their peers.
“Teachers are at the heart of this movement,” said Beverly Dieudonné, Chief Education Officer at the Ministry of Education “When we empower educators, we empower students.”
Dr. Kathy Depradine delivers her keynote address. To the right are Ms. Beverly Dieudonné and Ms. Delia Samuel.
The camp has received tremendous support from generous donors including the Good News Project Inc., Ministry of Education, LUCELEC, Rotary Gros Islet and more.
This camp is about disrupting cycles of inequity. Mastery of math fundamentals is not just essential for academic success — it's also critical for financial literacy, data analysis, and technological advancement. These are life skills, and every child deserves access.— Dr. Kathy Depradine, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities & Sciences at SALCC
In her keynote remarks at the opening ceremony, Dr. Kathy Depradine, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities & Sciences at SALCC, spoke to the College's desired outcome from this partnership;