BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Washington Archibald High School is among eight learning institutions across the Federation to benefit from an EC$270 000 hospitality development project funded by the Republic of Korea.
Today (June 2) at the school’s compound, several pieces of equipment were handed over to Foreign Affairs Minister the Hon. Mark Brantley and then to Education Minister the Hon. Shawn K. Richards for use in the school’s Home Economics and Hospitality Programmes.
The list of equipment, which is to be shared among the six high schools on St. Kitts and the two on Nevis, includes nine demonstration tables with mirrors, nine commercial gas cookers, nine 23-foot stainless steel refrigerators, nine microwave ovens, 18 pedestal fans, cutlery, frying pans, food scales, 10 commercial food mixers, nine commercial food blenders, 15 24-pack beverage glasses, 15 food covers and 15 measuring cups.
It was explained that the project began months ago when the Korean Government indicated its interest in providing substantial funding for a project in St. Kitts and Nevis, and the local Government was asked to identify an area in which the investment would be the most impactful.
After consultation, it was determined that the hospitality sector, specifically the Home Economics Programme which is taught in the high schools, would be the best area as it would not positively impact the tourism sector but allow for enhancement of the skill sets of the Federation’s youth.
In handing over the equipment to Brantley, Consular of the Republic of Korea Jung Ho Pak said he was happy to be a part of the process and noted that the initiative is an expression of the Governments’ passion for education.
And Brantley, in handing over the equipment to Richards, said he was heartened by the fact that the Republic of Korea continues to demonstrate its commitment to small island developing states such as St. Kitts and Nevis.
He described the country as a most-valuable partner, noting that “throughout the years the development of Kittitians and Nevisians has been enhanced through the provision of school busses on different occasions for the nation’s youth and ophthalmic equipment for the Federation’s main hospital…”
Richards applauded the Korean Government for its support and admonished the students to treat the equipment with care.
“As Minister of Education, I recognise the significance of such cooperative effort and I applaud the Korean Government for this form of support. As we make strides in the development of tourism and hospitality, CVQ and CSEC programmes, our secondary school students who are our future leaders and citizens of tomorrow, will be better positioned. They will receive practical workplace training using industry standards and quality equipment.
“I call on the students and teachers who will be using the equipment to take good care of them, not only for your continued use but also for those who will come behind you. This is a substantial investment in your future, appreciate and use them well.”
It is expected that within the near future, the various schools would receive their pieces of equipment.
