On Tuesday, 18th March 2025, the Opening Ceremony of the Girls’ High School (GHS) Home Economics Lab took place at the GHS temporary Campus in Arnos Vale where funding provided by the Mustique Charitable Foundation (MCF) supplied the lab with essential tools, appliances, pots, pans, measuring utensils, and more—creating an environment where students can fully engage with their coursework in a hands-on manner.
For over two (2) decades, GHS has been unable to offer any Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses due to a lack of appropriate facilities. As a result, students were required to travel to the Kingstown Technical Institute (KTI) to take part in these subject areas. Since the school’s temporary relocation to the outskirts of Kingstown in 2021, there has been significant challenges in facilitating students to attend the TVET courses at KTI. This new initiative, however, brings TVET education directly to GHS students and provides them with the opportunity to explore practical skills even before advancing to tertiary education.
During the opening ceremony, Hon. Curtis King, Minister of Education and National Reconciliation, emphasized the importance of TVET education, stating that it goes beyond simply developing practical skills; it fosters the overall mental and physical competency of individuals, preparing them for the modern workforce.
Headmistress of the Girls’ High School, Latoya DeRoche-John, thanked MCF immensely and shared that their support has been a pillar of strength throughout this project.
Natalia Gill, Project Director – Mustique Charitable Foundation, highly commended the Girls’ High School on this initiative and urged students to take full advantage of the new lab, highlighting its value as an accessible resource right on their doorstep. “If you’ve ever been curious about learning a new skill or exploring TVET opportunities, now is the perfect time to do so,” she encouraged.
