(PRESS RELEASE) — St. Lucia has been selected as one of the hosts for the yearly Introduction to Open Source workshops this time around.

Other countries chosen to host the event were Kumasi – Ghana, Udaipur- India and Baranquilla – Colombia. The event aims to educate the public on what Open Source means and its potential in business and in everyday life.

The event is targeted at:

* Individuals looking to start a business whether at home or an office
* Individuals already running their own businesses
* Business owners interested in cutting current and future operating costs of their businesses
* Freelancers
* Software Developers
* Students
* Any other interested persons (No background in business or IT required, event is open to all)

Some of the topics to be discussed at the event are:

* What is Open Source Software and what does it really mean?
* Different Open Source licenses and how they can be used.
* How free, open software can help cut major operating costs off your business and increase profits.
* How major organizations use different Open Source software to achieve their business goals.
* The WordPress Open Source CMS (Content Management System)
* How to easily build a quick and powerful E-commerce website all thanks to Open Source software.
* And More!

SPACE IS LIMITED, interested persons should reserve on the event page: https://www.meetup.com/WordPress-Saint-Lucia-Meetup/events/255749421/

Event Location: Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (Morne Fortune)

Room: Electronics Engineering Room (right next to the Computer Systems Engineering Room)

Start Time: 10AM, Refreshments will be available to attendees.

For questions on directions prior to the event; please call 1758-719-7712. Entrance to the event is displayed below (DTEMS), event will be held on the second floor of the main building.

The event is sponsored by the WordPress Foundation, a non-profit organization which aids in educating the public about WordPress and related Open Source Software.

(0)(0)

The post Saint Lucia chosen to hold ‘Introduction to Open Source Conference’ appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

(PRESS RELEASE) — The Sir Arthur Lewis Community College informs that agreed to cleaning and maintenance works, at the Morne Fortune Campus have been completed and authorization has been given by the Occupational Safety and Health Specialist in the Ministry of Labour for the resumption of classes.

The College further informs that because of major rehabilitation issues needing attention at the Goodlands Extension, the two units housed there will be relocated. Therefore, effective Wednesday, 7th November 2018, classes for the Department of Health Sciences (DHS) and the Division of Teacher Education and Educational Administration (DTEEA) will be relocated to the UWI Open Campus and the SALCC Campus at Morne Fortune.

The Ministry of Education and Cabinet, as promised in August this year, have released the first disbursement of funds. On Monday, 5th November the College collected a cheque of $1.5 million.

This money will be used to address some operational shortfalls and most importantly allow for commencement of the rehabilitation of two buildings on the Morne Fortune Campus.

When rehabilitated, these two buildings will better position the College to accommodate the Divisions that have been temporarily relocated.

The Board and Management would like to thank staff and students for their patience and support during this trying time. The safety of staff and students, as well as the provision of quality instruction for students, will always be a priority of the College.

(0)(0)

The post SALCC: Cleaning, maintenance works completed; $1.5M cheque collected from Ministry appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

(SNO) — Six Saint Lucians have been selected to participate in the 2018 Vocational Training Project for the Caribbean in Taiwan.

The project runs from November 12, 2018 to January 22, 2019 in the Asian country.

The participants from Saint Lucia will leave the island on Friday, November 9, 2018.

The programme is funded by the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (Taiwan ICDF) and designed to offer training courses in hospitality services.

In addition, the programme will foster and equip the participants with advanced professional skills to further develop and strengthen the human resource, vocational training system in Saint Lucia.

(1)(0)

The post Six Saint Lucians to participate in Taiwan Vocational Training Project appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

(PRESS RELEASE) – To ensure that the spirit of Christmas is extended to all Saint Lucians, including those less fortunate back home, New York City-based Project Education is hosting its “Giving Back, Giving Smiles” Toy Drive throughout the month of November.

The event kicks off with the “Weekend of Giving,” Saturday, November 10, and Sunday, November 11, 2018, beginning at 11:00 AM on both days.

Saint Lucians and friends of Saint Lucia are asked to bring their contributions of new, unwrapped toys to 719 Remsen Avenue, between Avenues A and B in Brooklyn.

Saint Lucian food and beverages will also be on sale.

The organization will continue to receive toys at this same location up through November 30.

For more information regarding the Giving Back, Giving Smiles Toy Drive, or to inquire about making a donation, please contact Jeremiah Hyacinth, at 917.539.1607 ,or via e-mail at projecteducationint@gmail.com.

(0)(0)

The post Project Education to launch “Giving Back, Giving Smiles” Toy Drive appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

Students of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College who are expected to graduate in December 2018 are hereby notified that information on the Graduation Ceremony is now available for collection at the Student Services Unit, Morne Campus and the Southern Extension Centre in Vieux Fort.

This information should be collected no later than Friday, 9th November, 2018.

(0)(0)

The post SALCC Notice: Graduation Letters appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

Bovell, Marie-Reine and the students following the completion of the training course

(PRESS RELEASE) — Ten boys from the Lycée Professionel de Chateauboeuf, a vocational school in Martinique, recently benefitted from a one-day training course in information communication and technology (ICT), courtesy of LightSparc Training.

During the workshop, held on Monday, November 12, 2018, at LightSparc Training’s High Street, Castries location, the students learned more about computers: how to set up motherboards, hardware, and other related functions.

Accompanying the students was Charles Marie-Reine, who teaches English at the school in Fort-de-France. He said the boys are all studying digital systems back in Martinique as part of their media studies and ICT syllabus. Aged between 16 and 17 years, they are now in their second year of secondary school.

Each week, since last year, the boys have been receiving two extra hours of English lessons in digital systems at their school in Martinique, meaning their teachers teach them their digital systems classes in English.

This is the second consecutive year that LightSparc Training has offered the free courses to students from the French school. However, Marie-Reine says he hopes that future collaborations last longer. Nevertheless, he said the students thoroughly enjoyed what they learned during the course.

“We’re really thankful to Bernard and Lightsparc Training for giving us this great opportunity,” Marie-Reine said. “Next time, we would like to at least pay a small fee for the training. But we are very appreciative to LightSparc Training for what they have done through this collaboration.”

He added: “We are also working to develop the relationship between Saint Lucia and Martinique in terms of, maybe, a collaboration between the Ministry of Education in Saint Lucia and (its counterpart) in Martinique.”

Meanwhile, LightSparc’s Managing Director, Bernard Bovell, who was the workshop facilitator, said the students got the chance to break down and set up computers and learn more about the machines’ components and how they work together.

Last year’s group, he said, numbered fifteen youths, adding that he is already looking forward to welcoming other groups to the free training course.

“It’s always good to work with these organizations that do so much,” Bovell said. “These boys are coming from overseas, and we are part of what they see Saint Lucia as, especially in the field of ICT. We want to be part of that, to influence them to go in the right direction. Hopefully, this motivates them to continue pursuing their goals.”

While some of the students were already familiar with the information they received from LightSparc Training, others were not. But they were all able to complete the exercise, following which they each received a certificate from LightSparc Training.

LightSparc Training, which was established in Saint Lucia in 2011, offers courses in Project Management, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Marketing, Human Resource, and Accounting, Microsoft, Quick Books, among others, and focuses primarily on globally-recognized certification.

(0)(0)

The post French students get free training from ‘LightSparc’ appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

The new executive

(PRESS RELEASE) — On Tuesday November 13th, 2017, a new executive of the Saint Lucia National Students’ Council was elected during its Annual General Assembly at the Pastoral Centre in Marisule, Gros Islet.

The General Conference was attended by fourteen (14) students councils from schools around the island.

The assembly seeks to foster unity throughout the national student body through networking and is held yearly, on or around the 17th of November to commemorate the global observance of “International Students Day”.

The program commenced with remarks from the 2nd Vice President of the National Youth Council, Ajani Lebourne.

He expressed gratitude to the students present at the organization’s highest decision-making forum and encouraged participants to appreciate the opportunity to exercise student rights.

This was followed by a panel discussion with the outgoing NSC executive members who shared some of their experience during the year in office and advised potential candidates.

Following an exciting program which saw addresses from Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire, member councils and the outgoing NSC President, the General Assembly proceeded to elect a new executive for the year 2018-2019.

The new executive of the National Students’ Council is as follows:
-President – Desray Desir (Sir Arthur Lewis Community College)
-Vice President (Districts 1-4) – Sasha Polius (Sir Arthur Lewis Community College)
-Vice President (Districts 5-8) – Deshawn Augustin (Sir Arthur Lewis Community College)
-General Secretary – Zannicka Emillien (Sir Arthur Lewis Community College)
-Assistant Secretary – Faith Earnest (Castries Comprehensive Secondary School)
-Treasurer – Sara-Anne Fletcher (Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School)
-Public Relations Officer – Alens Plante (St. Mary’s College)

The executive elections were eagerly contested with a total of 24 candidates vying for positions.

The executive was sworn in by Mr, Ajani LeBourne 2nd Vice President Of The St. Lucia National Youth Council.

The election process was conducted by the Electoral Committee comprising of Returning Officer Mr. Nyus Alfred, NYC First Vice President, NYC Second Vice President, Mr. Ajani Lebourne and Ms. Saralee Williams, Youth and Sports Officer attached to
the NYC.

The elections were supervised by Alymphia Lionel, Civic and Voter Education Coordinator at the Electoral Department.

(0)(0)

The post National Students’ Council elects new executive appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

(PRESS RELEASE) — Children of Helen Alliance Inc., a registered nonprofit entity founded by St. Lucians based in West Palm Beach Florida, continues to give back, and help to better the lives of St. Lucians, in particular the socio-economically deprived.

The organization embarked on its annual Back to School backpack and school supplies distribution for the fifth consecutive year, under its SCHOOL MATERIALS & RESOURCES FOR TOMORROW’S FUTURE (SMART). In 2016, the local chapter was registered with the main focus on empowerment of youth through education and recreational activities.

For 2018, SMART was activated in three parts. The first came by way of a collaboration with the Hewanorra Project of Vieux-Fort, delivering eighty (80) backpacks with school supplies to the children of Grace.

A subsequent collaboration with the Youth Empowerment Leading to Positivity (YELP) also had four (4) primary schools in Vieux-Fort North, namely Pierrot Combined, Vigier Primary, Belle Vue Combined and Grace Combined benefit from more school supplies.

Children of Helen further identified a number of secondary school students are unable to afford their annual registration fees.
Therefore, contributions of $1,000 were made to five schools including Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary School, Piaye Secondary School, Beanfield Secondary School, Anse Ger Secondary School and Clendon Mason secondary School.

It is hoped that the two initiatives will go a long way in assisting parents and students in defraying some of the expenses associated with purchasing back to school supplies and school registration fees.

(0)(0)

The post Children of Helen Alliance gives back appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

(PRESS RELEASE) — The National Cultural Centre will come alive on November 21 and 22, with an incredible theatrical experience.

Youth in Arts (YIA), will host its annual production and for 2018 features ‘Masquerade Master’, a Musical by Drenia Frederick, directed by Michelle Theobalds with music adapted and arranged by Barbara Ann Cadet.

YIA works to contribute to the preservation of St.Lucia’s rich culture and tradition through the arts, and affirms that developing skills in the performing arts is developing skills for life. The group features a dynamic, talented and skilled Cast. In addition, the creative Miss Theobalds is ably supported by Assistant Director Shakira Roberts-Sankar, Jamie Forde- Musical Director and Roxanne Didier-Nicholas- Dance Director.

‘Masquerade Master’ is presented in two showings. The grand opening on November 21 features a cocktail reception hosted by Kiedel Sonny, priced at $65 and is followed by the second showing on November 22 at $45.

Michelle sums up ‘Masquerade Master’ in this way. “While the production pays homage to a unique part of our cultural identity by way of the ‘masquerade’, it ultimately speaks to a much bigger message. It resonates a powerful message of freedom, and the many interpretations of the concept of freedom. I think the audiences will have many takeaways and moments of delight, so we encourage people to come live that experience.”

Tickets for Masquerade Master are available for purchase at The Cell outlets.

For more information and daily updates, follow Youth in Arts on social media.

Facebook: Youth in Arts-YIA Theatre Company and Instagram @youthinartslu.

(0)(0)

The post Youth in Arts to host annual production appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

The first (interim) Executive of the Gros Islet South Youth & Sports Council

(PRESS RELEASE) — The Gros-Islet Youth and Sports Council is in the process of restructuring, and has completed phase 1, which is the establishment of an interim executive for a Gros-Islet South Youth and Sports Council. Phase 2, which is well on the way, involves the same for the North, all pending final ratification at the General Assembly of the National Youth Council during mid-2019.

Over the past decade, the Gros-Islet Youth and Sports Council has found it increasingly difficult to efficiently and effectively represent and manage the entire span of the constituency, due to its large geographical and population size and the diverse and unique issues, and varying needs of the several communities therein. Consequently, a proposal to restructure was tabled for youth consultation, whereby a split, into a Gros-Islet North and Gros-Islet South Youth Council, would be established.

The suggested boundary is the divergence of the main road from Mongirod into the Monchy Gap, up until the River Mitant Junction. The youth, youth groups, clubs and organizations living and functioning in communities which are situated (southwardly) below that road , until Union / Choc (where the Gros Islet and Castries Boundries meet) would unite to form the Gros Islet South Youth and Sports Council. At that junction the road splits into two where they lead to either, River Mitant or Monchy proper. Youth in River Mitant will be a part of the south council and those of Monchy proper and other surrounding communities, the North.

Whiles this is not the first attempt to achieve this, it is encouraging to note that after several months of continuous youth consultation, the young people unanimously agreed on the proposed restructuring.

Members of the newly formed councils assure the youth that this process has not divided Gros Islet, but instead encourages and created the environment for increased inclusion, participation and collaboration of everyone in order to mitigate the issues affecting the young people of the district. Although both sectors would be represented by two separate councils, they ultimately represent the entire Gros Islet District, as they are expected to collaborate and rely on each other to plan and organize events which will highlight the talents, gifts and achievements of all its youth. Both councils will be overseen by The National Youth Council as is done for every other district council of the organization, once ratified at the next General Assembly.

Sunday November 4th 2018, marked the date on which General Elections was held for the Gros Islet South Youth and Sports Council. The General Assembly commenced with a conference, with presentations on intriguing topics such as team dynamics, leadership and good governance, event management, public relations and branding, advocacy and financial management. The council sincerely thanks the presenters who played an integral role in making this event a success. Following the presentations, the members for the council were elected democratically, following the same process as other district councils.

The first (interim) Executive of the Gros Islet South Youth & Sports Council is as follows:
(left to right)

President: Jeshurun Andrew
1st Vice: Shanice Francis
2nd Vice: Malua-rae Jones
General Secretary: Daniel Defraites
Assistant General Secretary: Tara Auguste
Treasurer: Sheralee Simon
Assistant Treasurer: Sherwin Alexander
Public Relations Officer: Jardelle Auguste
Assistant Public Relations Officer: Crystal Morille

The electoral committee for the election was as follows:

Ajani Lebourne – 2nd Vice President on the National Youth Council
Lisa Joahil – PRO, Castries South Youth and Sports Council
Joshua Harrow – Secretary, Castries South Youth and Sports Council

The (interim) executive of the Gros Islet South Youth and Sports Council, thanks the electoral committee, presenters and delegates, for their unwavering support during this time. We would also like to encourage other young people to get on board, and indicate their interest to serve as we place efforts into the establishment of the North Council.

(1)(0)

The post The Gros-Islet Youth and Sports Council completes Phase 1 of restructuring appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

Some of the young people at the event

(PRESS RELEASE) — The Youth Power Group (YPG Saint Lucia) held its first ever Night Vigil on Friday 16th November,2018.

More than 200 youths along with their parents attended the YPG Night Vigil which began at 10pm and ended at 5am to pray for the youths in the country.

Youths from all over Saint Lucia attended this Night Vigil namely Gros Islet, Castries, Trois Piton,, Dennery, Soufriere and Vieux Fort.

The primary objectives of the organizers of this Night Vigil was to create an awareness among the youths and their families the significance of having a relationship with God .Faced with the challenge to bring out this message in an innovative and fun way, rather than the traditional services.

The organizers depicted this message to the youths and their families through numerous activities such as singing, drama, dancing and african dance challenges which was presented by each team.

This was very successful as the main purpose of spreading the message of God was received by the youths and their families.

Great efforts were done by the youths in their presentation which made this event a success, they not only enjoyed themselves , but were able to generate lasting friendships among themselves.

This great event could not have been a success without our kind and dedicated sponsors such as: Tenderoni, Blue Waters

And all our well wishers who in some way aided in this event in being a tremendous success.

You can learn more about the YPG on our Facebook page or call / Whatsapp at 730-4040.

(12)(0)

The post Two hundred youths gather to pray for Saint Lucia at night vigil appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

(PRESS RELEASE) — Digicel’s Festival of Fun was a day to remember for hundreds of persons with special needs across St. Lucia, as the complete communications and entertainment company hosted the inclusive event for the seventh consecutive year.

This event, which is geared at bringing smiles to persons with special needs across the country, was this year held at the Beausejour Indoor Facility and saw a large turnout from a number of institutions, including the Lady Gordon Opportunity Centre, Dennery Child Development Centre, The Special Education Centre Vieux Fort, Soufriere Special Education Rehabilitation Centre, Dunnottar School, Educare Learning Centre, St. Lucia Blind Welfare Association, Autism Resource Centre and SDA Academy all coming together for a day of fun, laughter, food and games.

Additionally, the children were pleasantly surprised by the appearance of a number of Disney mascots including Elsa and Olaf from Frozen, along with Bugs Bunny, Peppa Pig, Transformers and Santa and Mrs. Claus, among others. Another highlight of the day was the presentation of personalised gifts to the hundreds in attendance by the Digicel team.

Digicel’s Call Centre Manager, Coletta McDonald, in her address, expressed the company’s excitement at hosting the event year after year.

“Each year, we get to bring joy to so many people, including this special community and the entire team at Digicel looks forward to this annual event. We’d like to thank the Ministry of Education, the Sacred Foundation and all of our other partners who help us make this festival happen year after year.”

(1)(0)

The post St. Lucia special needs persons treated to day of fun with Digicel appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

(STATEMENT) — For the first time in a long time this year, young people across all backgrounds were engaged in our Independence celebrations. Sports events have been a staple of course, but Youth Expose, which was arguably one of the best events on the calendar, provided an opportunity for young entrepreneurs, artists (both visual and performing), designers and many more to showcase their talent.

The event was a hugely successful one, and received rave reviews from the prime minister and all the government ministers and parliamentary representatives who were present. Many of the young people involved credited the event for providing a timely boost to their business ventures.

After such massive success, it is indeed sad to see that Youth Expose has been scratched off the calendar for the celebration of our 40th anniversary next year. The calendar is instead dominated by sports events, and youth parliament is thrown in there. What message are we sending to the young entrepreneurs and youth in the creative industries, who were looking forward to the event next year?

With the massive investment already being pumped into sports, are we saying that the only way that a young person can receive adequate opportunity is if they turn to sports? I hope that the Independence Committee sees the importance of the event, and the need to belatedly add it to the calendar of events for next year.

Young people have undoubtedly contributed to the growth of this nation over the past 40 years, so that it is only fitting that these contributions are recognized across the board through such a platform.

(5)(0)

The post No respect for the arts, says Choiseul youth leader appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

Des Barras Combined School- Cash Prize Winner (1)

(PRESS RELEASE) — Piton Malta and Supermalt gave students, parents and schools an opportunity to win big this year with Back At School Promotion.

From August to October, customers who purchased a Piton Malta or Supermalt 6-Pack at participating outlets qualified for a chance to win fantastic grand prizes including a Smart TV, gaming system and cash.

At a draw which took place on November 9th, 2018 at Windward and Leeward Brewery Ltd.’s (WLBL’s) commercial office, Mr. Warner Sidney emerged as the grand prize winner of a Smart TV plus $500 Grocery Shopping Vouchers.

As a result of his winning, his daughter Kerwarner Sidney received a Play Station Virtual Reality System plus $1000 towards School Supplies. And since the promotion also included schools, the rewards were also extended to the school Kerwarner attends- Des Barras Combined School- who received $3000.

WLBL’s Jr. Category Manager Fern Wilson-Jean stated: “The promotion was a great way to kick off going back to school this past September with prizes to be won for both family & schools. We know that a happy and healthy family is an important influence in a child’s life and our Piton Malta and Supermalt brands serve as nutritious and wholesome beverages that can be enjoyed by everyone. Both malt brands are packed with nutrients, including a range of vitamins that young and old family members enjoy. We wish to congratulate all the winners of our Back At School promotion and would also like to thank everyone who participated.”

Piton Malta & Supermalt are both produced and distributed by Windward and Leeward Brewery Ltd.

(0)(0)

The post Piton Malta Supermalt announces Back at School grand prize winners appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

I was born and grew up in Castries with both parents. My family always worked hard to give me the best. My sisters and I never lacked food or clothes. My mother always woke up early and prepared our breakfast and made sure I didn’t go to school with an empty belly.

Everything was well until I got to secondary school, there I faced my dilemmas. I knew I should be strong and say NO to the wrong friendships but I was under peer pressure and I succumbed. They offered me alcohol, they invited me to parties, and they taught me how to smoke. Unfortunately, by 14 years old and I was already involved in all these and my parents were clueless.

Trying to live a ‘big man’ life, I started following the advice of my bad friends and forgetting the good advice my mom used to give me. To hide my red eyes after smoking marijuana, I used to reach home late and go straight to my room, and if my mother asked me why I reach so late, I just say I was by my friend’s house playing video games. The smell of the marijuana on me was hidden by perfumes and I always had a mint/sweet in my pocket to use it after smoking.

I used to say I was going to my neighbour or friend’s house but I ended up in Gros Islet partying and drinking. My neighbours thought I was a good boy. I became disrespectful to my parents and I stopped listening to them. I had an answer for everything they said. Out of nowhere I developed anger against my mother.

In the house, my sister and I were like two strangers, we never got along, and once I punched her. I wished I had a family that didn’t care about me; I wanted to do whatever came into my mind. At school I was disobedient. I used to break school rules, didn’t do my school work, and many times I was suspended. I was there just giving trouble.

I saw the sadness in the eyes of my mother and once she even cried but I didn’t care. I was in need of a change but didn’t know how to find help.

One day a friend told me about a youth group in Castries and I came only because there was football. I wasn’t interested in their meetings. I heard my mother talking a lot in my head already.

At the football match, the pastor, before starting the game, always prayed and gave us some advice on how to be a better youth. The advice that I left behind, one day was coming back to me. I decided to give my life to God, I got baptized, I asked forgiveness for my behaviour.

I love my mother and my sister and today we love each other, today I ENJOY being in the Youth Power Group (YPG Saint Lucia) and helping other youth that are in need of help. If you have a son or daughter giving you trouble, please don’t give up on him or her because my mother never gave up on me. And today, if I have changed, your child or children can change too.

– Stanice Cenac

The life story displayed here is real and if you want to meet Stanice Cenac he is available every Friday to talk to you. It is free and private. Contact us at:

YPG Office

Address: #25 Brazil Street opposite Derek Walcott Square

Phone Numbers: 730-4040/724-8041

Find us on Facebook: YPG Saint Lucia

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: YPG ST. LUCIA

(23)(0)

The post I made my mother cry but I didn’t care! appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

(PRESS RELEASE) — In order to give a group of young students from Saint Lucia a leg up on the competition, Writing Legends, in tandem with Flow and the Curriculum and Materials Development Unit (CAMDU) in the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations, and Sustainable Development hosted the island’s first Christmas Coding Camp.

The five-day camp got underway on Monday, December 17th 2018, at one of the Information Technology (IT) laboratories at St. Mary’s College. 16 young people, aged 10 to 15, took part and were introduced to the rudiments of programme design, computer programming, datatypes, variables, conditional logic, memory management, and the basics of app development for fixed and mobile devices. Additionally, the youngsters were exposed to careers and opportunities in Information and Communications Technology, in a session led by Flow IT Director, Tim Dantzie.

“Intervention like this are absolutely essential if we want our young people in Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean to play major roles in the emerging global economy. We at Flow are delighted to be able to play our role in the growth and development of these future coders and software engineers, as they transition from being passive users of the technology, and really begin to gain an appreciation for how their devices work, and how they can build programmes of their own. It’s really exciting to see how eager they are, because that passion could be the keystone to their future careers,” explained Tim.

You are more than likely reading this on your desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or even smartphone, using software developed by a team of talented and inventive engineers. That field of work is opening up for young people from around the world, including Saint Lucia

Jonathan Charlery of Writing Legends was one of the principal instructors for the camp, which he is hopeful of spreading to the rest of the island. An alumnus of St Mary’s College, and a senior software engineer with Bloomberg, he has already been in talks with the Government of Saint Lucia, through CAMDU, with a view to expanding the scope of the camp to encompass hundreds of potential coders.

“This has been a great experience for these kids. They are asking questions, they are really into it, and that’s the first step. Flow has been helping a lot. They gave us the resources we need for this. They gave a lot of swag for the kids: bags, pencil cases, water bottles and so on. CAMDU, and the Ministry of Education by extension, has been helping. They reviewed the curriculum, and it matched one of the initiatives they had already been looking into, so we are using this sort of as a pilot programme. If this all takes off, then is it hopefully, we can scale up all across the island,” Said Jonathan.

Other facilitators for the weeklong camp included Choiseul native Christy Butcher of Writing Legends, and CAMDU representative, Germain Anthony, Curriculum Specialist for Technology Integration in the Ministry of Education.

(1)(0)

The post Kids build computer programming skills for Christmas appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

Des Barras students celebrate Christmas with OECS Commission Staff

(PRESS RELEASE) — Students from the Des Barras Combined School have received an early Christmas treat at the Commission’s annual gift giving celebration.

The children were presented with their gifts from staff members before singing Christmas carols and partaking in a dancing competition and other fun activities.

OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules said the Commission’s annual gift drive was eagerly supported by staff, friends and families keen to not only spread the Christmas message and cheer but to affirm and support the students in their studies.

The end of the day saw lots of smiles in the true Christmas spirit!

On behalf of everyone at the OECS Commission we wish you the very best for Christmas and the New Year.

(0)(0)

The post Des Barras Combined School celebrate Christmas with OECS Commission staff (video) appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

(PRESS RELEASE) — In the spirit of giving year round, it was no surprise to find Santa’s favourite helpers, the Renwick team, already spreading Christmas cheer.

On Friday, December 14, 2018, a jolly group of Renco volunteers assembled at the Children’s Home in Ciceron, a well-known charitable organization, which provides housing and support to vulnerable, disadvantaged and at-risk youth.

Previously, the Activities Committee at Renwick and Company (Renwick Employee Activities Committee), guided by pointers from the home’s officials, had sought donations of food items including school snacks, house-hold items, clothing, books and stationery to provide much needed support to the home’s residents.

Among the team members who rallied to make the presentation was Renwick and Company’s Managing Director, Cheryl Renwick who met the excited and grateful children and home officials — an appropriate homage on the eve of the late founder, Christopher Renwick’s passing.

The team will continue to be directed by the spirit of benevolence of its late, great leader and champion, Chris Renwick. Continue to rest in power!

(0)(0)

The post Renwick & Company Limited makes Christmas stop at Children’s Home in Ciceron appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

University of Manchester

(PRESS RELEASE) — The University of Manchester has a fully-funded scholarship available for the MSc Management and Information Systems distance learning programme (starting in February 2019).

This scholarship is only available for applicants from the following Commonwealth small states:

Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Botswana, eSwatini, Lesotho, Mauritius, Namibia, Seychelles, The Gambia; Fiji Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.

Applications are now being accepted from those who fully meet all eligibility criteria, and the deadline for completion is 2 Jan 2019.

Full details at: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/masters/funding/opportunity-search/display/?id=00000406

(0)(0)

The post Calling all Saint Lucians and OECS nationals: Fully-funded UK scholarship application now open appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

(PRESS RELEASE) — SLUDTERA would like to inform interested persons in St. Lucia, the Caribbean and Latin America that the fully-funded Westerwelle Young Founders 2019 Program to Germany is open and accepting applications until Tuesday January 8th 2019.

Twice a year (Spring and Autumn), 25 entrepreneurs start the program by attending the Young Founders Conference in Berlin. During this time, they have the unique opportunity to meet and interact with successful entrepreneurs, investors and political decision makers. CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW

Throughout the program, the Young Founders will have the chance to develop their businesses and discuss challenges with a personal mentor as well as with fellow Young Founders in a peer mentoring group. Moreover, Young Founders will receive further support through regular expert webinars that cater to their needs.

What Is Offered:

* The Westerwelle Young Founders Conference – a week-long conference in Berlin to get to know fellow Young Founders, the German startup scene, and strengthen their entrepreneurial skills by attending workshops and meetings (travel and accommodation will be covered by the Westerwelle Foundation);

* A personal mentor who is an experienced entrepreneur and will function as a sparring partner with whom you can discuss upcoming challenges and new opportunities;

* Monthly peer mentoring calls with the other successful Young Founders of the cohort to share knowledge with and support each other;

* Expert sessions on relevant topics (e.g. OKRs, investor KPIs, marketing & sales);

* The Young Founders Network — a strong alumni network that functions as a platform for all Young Founders to connect with each other, exchange ideas and find support for existing challenges;

* Exposure to the Berlin startup scene and the public for you and your startup via our social media channels and our networks,

* Assistance beyond the program as we remain a contact person for the Young Founders and will help you to find suitable experts for challenges, offer possibilities to share learnings with current cohorts or celebrate successes.

Program requirements

– You have recently (in the last 5 years) started a for-profit company with a scallable business model that has achieved Product-Market Fit and has ideally secured first external funding (if you run a business model that requires external investment);

– your company is based in a developing or emerging country or has a strong business focus on developing and emerging economies;

– you possess a good working knowledge of English;

– you are available to attend the Young Founders Conference in Berlin and can make time to participate in monthly mentoring and peer mentoring calls for the 6-month program.

Please note that foreign applicants must possess valid travel documents (including a visa, if necessary) to enter Germany, and valid travel medical insurance.

Application Process WYFP Spring 2019

1. Online application (Deadline: 8 January 2019, 1 am CET or 8 am AST previous day)
2. Notification of application status to all candidates (23 January 2019)
3. Skype interviews with shortlisted candidates (24 January – 12 February 2019)
4. Jury decision and final selection of candidates (18 February 2019)
5. Notification of application results to shortlisted candidates (19 February 2019)

The Network

One of the highlights of participating in the Westerwelle Young Founders Program is that every participant will also join the Young Founders Network — a strong network of outstanding entrepreneurs from emerging and developing countries who had participated in the program themselves. The Young Founders Network is a place to look for expertise, develop synergies with other Young Founders and support each other.

(0)(0)

The post Calling Saint Lucians: Fully-funded Westerwelle Young Founders 2019 Program to Germany appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.