Dominica to spend over $23 million in 2021 on education: Minister of Education

Dominica: The People’s Republic of China gave a commitment to support Dominica schools construction after hurricane Maria. The agreements were signed between the Ministry of Education in May 2020 to construct the following schools. 1. The New Goodwill Secondary school2. Bellevue Chopin Primary School 3. Neku Primary School4. Thibaud Primary School 5. Calibishie Primary School 6. Tete Morne Primary School “These advanced schools meet the demand of high-quality teaching; these resilient teaching facilities would provide a safe learning environment for all our children. All schools will have room for teaching and training, including early childhood learning units,” said Minister of Education Octavia Alfred during a Cabinet press briefing. Read More: Dominica-China friendship hospital has 7 operation theatres: Health MinisterApart from this, Minister also announced the reconstruction of Dominica Grammar school and Mahaut Primary school.She also extolled the Dominica government and said, “Despite the challenges of COVID-19 pandemic in the year 2020, the government of Dominica spent over $22 million on the education sector. For the year 2021, the government intends to spend over $23 million more.” Average students lost 180 class days due to coronavirus lockdowns, and Dominica is committed to providing quality education to the students. “Dominica was the first country in the English-speaking Caribbean to return to full-time in-person classes following the outbreak of the global pandemic,” she added. Read More: Dominica government has increased information dissemination: PM SkerritFurthermore, she also announced some major project upgradations listed below: 

1. Morne Prosper primary school and sports upgrade ($476k): the primary components of this project are - installation of perimeter fencing to enclose school and pre-school, construction of the security hut at the main entrance, installation of two access gates, and upgrading of the court will new concrete overlay including fencing and lighting of the court.

2. Caste Bruce secondary production facility ($632k): Construction of a poultry coup, slaughterhouse, a washroom and installation of two greenhouses.3. The Dominica community high school extension ($1.22 million): construction of the two-floor building to the north of the existing school building with internal reinforced concrete stairs including a timbre roof walkway. However, about 50% of the construction is already completed.4. Grand Bay Primary School ($3.2 million): Block 1, there would be a 3 storied block to house 10 classrooms, early childhood development unit, auditorium, kitchen, cafeteria, storerooms and washrooms. Block 2 - two stories building administrative office kitchenette, library/computer lab, 4 classrooms, storerooms and washrooms.5. WS Stevens Restoration ($2.17 million): Block 1 - 14 classrooms, library/computer room and auditorium. Block 2: kitchenette, Cafeteria Guidance & Counselling room and storage. Block 3 - New Early Childhood Development Unit. Block 4 - Students and Staff Washrooms. Block 5 - New administrative building. Read More: Medical professionals to be re-licensed every two years in Dominica: Dr...