St. Lucia introduces the Kwéyòl in the school curriculum as part of a new pilot programme that will be effective in 15 selected schools. Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre publicly announced the idea on Emancipation Day in August 2022. The St. Lucia government confirmed on 4 September that the programme would now be effective in 15 schools for the academic year 2024-2025.
The programme is to include Kwéyòl, the Indigenous name, also called Creole, in schools. A mindset to have Kwéyòl taught in schools has been an ongoing struggle since the 1970s, with the indication given by Education Minister Shawn Edward that the St Lucia Kwéyòl Curriculum Pilot Programme will go into implementation.
Kwéyòl is one variety of Antillean Creole. It combines African language structures and Latin-based vocabulary, mostly influenced by French. Education Minister Shawn Edward was equally excited about the programme, adding that this was important for the St. Lucian educational landscape. “This is a historic moment for our educational system and our nation to bring Kwéyòl language into the school teaching system. By this, we are trying to save a culture while keeping our language alive,” he further added.
For the first time, the hard work of many years will pay off as the students of St. Lucia will be taking classes in the Kwéyòl language. This new curriculum will be introduced within the 15 selected schools as a pilot phase. Introducing Kwéyòl into the curriculum of any school is not just a policy. It is an important cultural milestone. With this teaching of Kwéyòl, the government will ensure that future generations are closer to their linguistic and cultural origins.
“The new curriculum teaches the language and emphasizes its historical and cultural relevance. Hence, students’ understanding of their heritage becomes more enriching,” Minister Shawn added.
The lessons will be designed to engage students actively, using various teaching methods to make learning Kwéyòl enjoyable and educational. The curriculum will include activities highlighting the language’s role in local traditions and daily life. The introduction of Kwéyòl into schools is expected to impact the community positively.
Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industries, Culture and Tourism, Guibion Ferdinand, speaking at the launch of Creole Heritage Month, children must learn their Kwéyòl history and traditions and the greater history of Saint Lucia and the Caribbean. Ferdinand emphasized that the curriculum would not be centered around the history of Great Britain and Europe but would also emphasize Kwéyòl traditions. “If we don’t teach the next generation, the culture will die,” he further added.
