The Government of Dominica, in partnership with the People’s Republic of China, broke ground on Wednesday, September 6 for the construction of the new Goodwill Secondary School (GSS).
China will also fund the construction of five primary schools- the Sineku, Calibishie, Bellevue Chopin, Thibaud and Tete Morne Primary Schools under the China Aid Project for the reconstruction of schools post-Hurricane Maria.
“I want to stress that this is a gift of significant proportion. The schools are valued at US$30 mil (EC$81 mil), a substantial investment in any currency; and certainly a major injection of funds into the development of Dominica’s education infrastructure,” Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit told the groundbreaking ceremony.
“The investment underscores this Labour Government’s ongoing commitment to advance its human development as part of a long-term strategy for productivity and growth.
“Education, we know, is one of the most important factors in national development and the prosperity of a nation. This administration has, therefore, spared no effort to educate our children to the highest standards and create avenues for them to access lifelong learning,” he declared, adding that the new GSS would serve as a Center of Excellence for Technical Vocational Education and Training upon completion.
He said Dominica’s youth would be able to select a trade, build on their competencies and prepare for high-paying, competitive jobs in Dominica and the region.
“I want this to be a place where the young men and women of Tarish Pit, Yampiece, Stockfarm, Fondcole, Gutter, can sign up to learn a skill to create new streams of income for themselves and their families. Here, we will grow our CVQ programmes; up-skill and re-skill our young people for tomorrow’s economy; and certify our citizens to find and indeed create decent work wherever they live,” Prime Minister Skerrit said.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit addresses groundbreaking ceremony for construction of six schools in Dominica.
In his remarks, Chinese Ambassador to Dominica, H.E Lin Xianjiang said once completed, the Goodwill Secondary School (GSS) and the five other primary schools will be the most advanced educational institutions in Dominica and the region.
He said the project is another representation of the deep-rooted friendship between China and Dominica.
Parliamentary Representative for the Roseau North Constituency, Hon. Miriam Blanchard welcomed the commencement of works, noting the institution would serve as a hub for skills training and development for young people across Dominica.
“The new School in Goodwill will help meet the goal of this Labour Government to empower our young men and women with in-demand, marketable skills for Dominica and the region.
“With a renewed focus on TVET, our youth will be exposed to the latest technology and industry developments, allowing them to remain competitive in their fields and to help drive economic growth and development. We want to develop a cadre of young, skilled individuals who will contribute to the creation of jobs and increased productivity for a more prosperous Dominica,” she said.
Representatives of the six primary schools participate in ceremonial groundbreaking
Education Minister, Hon. Octavia Alfred said the six schools are designed with all the amenities for the modern classroom.
“We have designed our new school buildings with spaces for the development of talents and to promote sports, and culture. All the new primary schools will have spaces for early childhood centers, and special access and washroom facilities for students with special needs.
“The Goodwill Secondary will have state-of-the-art technology, enormous capacity, and magnificent spaces, which will enable us to rethink education, as we use this center of excellence for TVET education in Dominica,” she stated.
China’s Civil Engineering Construction Corporation will construct the six schools.
