Published 17 May 2024
Basseterre, Buckie Got It Media Source
SCHOOLS RECEIVE AWARDS FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN SCHOOL SAFETY
Basseterre, St. Kitts, Friday, May 17, 2024: The Model Safe School Programme hosted an
award ceremony to celebrate the efforts of schools in St. Kitts and Nevis to create a secure and
conducive learning environment. The award ceremony held on Thursday, May 16, also marked
the closing of the Safe School Programme launched on February 15, 2024.
Dr. Tricia Esdaille, Senior Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Education, gave an overview of
the Programme.
“Through the Model Safe School Recognition Programme, a series of tools have been developed
to help guide schools to think about ways to plan for emergencies and disasters and to ensure that
the essential things that are needed are present in the schools so that when they practice and they
do drills, they can improve on it.”
Mr. Fiaz Shah, Education Officer, UNICEF, shared.
“Safe School is the UN’s life ship programme and we are trying to promote the safety and
security of children in the long run through a strategic programme. I am so grateful for
CDEMA’s and the Ministry of Education’s efforts. Some of the needs that arise because of the
plan can be included in the school’s improvement plan and can also be included in UNICEF’s
support.”
Education Officer, Lester Richards, reported on Safe School Recognition and Assessment and
noted that the schools have recognized the need for safety and have ensured that the safety
protocols are put in place.
The ceremony honoured schools across four levels of achievement, recognizing their dedication
to safety and emergency preparedness.
Level 4 Awards:
Charles E. Mills Secondary School
Saddlers Primary School
Violet O. Jeffers Nichols Primary School Gingerland Secondary School
Level 3 Awards:
Washington Archibald High School
Cotton Thomas Comprehensive
St. Thomas Primary School
Level 2 Awards:
Newton Ground Primary School
Sandy Point Primary School
Tyrell Williams Primary School
Charlestown Primary School
Cecele Browne Integrated School
St. John’s Preschool
Level 1 Award:
Tucker Clark Primary School
Gratitude was expressed by Mr. Oronde Lambert, Representative for CDEMA and UNICEF.
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our partners including the Ministry of
Education, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), UNICEF, and the numerous
stakeholders who have played a pivotal role in advancing the safe school programme. Your
unwavering commitment, collaboration, and support have been instrumental in supporting school
safety and resilience across the Caribbean region.
The Safe Schools Recognition Programme, a joint effort by the Ministry of Education St. Kitts
and Nevis, CDEMA, and UNICEF, aims to foster secure learning environments through
comprehensive assessments and targeted interventions.
