In Saint Lucia, high youth unemployment has posed significant challenges, contributing to social instability and limiting opportunities for young people.
Youth, in particular, face hurdles in accessing vocational training, making it difficult to gain the skills needed for stable employment. To address this issue, the India-UN Development Partnership Fund, alongside the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Government of Saint Lucia, launched the project “Upgrading Saint Lucia’s Capacity to Provide Impactful Vocational Training for Marginalized Youth.”
Rooted in the principles of South-South cooperation to build mutual benefit, among others, this project aims to build pathways for Saint Lucian youth to acquire in-demand skills and access better job prospects.
A major achievement of the initiative is the new hospitality and catering training facility at the Center for Adolescent Renewal and Education (C.A.R.E.) in Castries.
“This is more than just a building; it’s a symbol of our commitment to ensuring every young person in Saint Lucia has the chance to build a better future,” said Prime Minister Hon. Phillip Pierre, highlighted the impact of the new facility.
Inaugurated in September 2024, this state-of-the-art center offers training programs that align with the needs of the local economy, particularly in the tourism sector, a key driver of Saint Lucia’s growth.
The success of the C.A.R.E. vocational training center is a result of effective South-South cooperation. India’s support, through financial contributions and shared expertise, played a crucial role in bringing this project to fruition. The partnership allowed for knowledge exchange and the adaptation of best practices to meet Saint Lucia’s specific needs. Local support also played a key role, providing the land and overseeing the work; with the Department of Physical Development contributing technical expertise to ensure the project’s success.
“This project shows the power of South-South cooperation,” said Lars Johansen, Deputy Director of ILO Saint Lucia, highlighted this collaborative spirit. “By working together, we’ve created a facility that directly meets Saint Lucia’s needs, giving young people the skills and hope they need for a brighter future.”
For students like Jada Charles, the new facility has already made a difference. Jada, currently enrolled in the Office Skills program, expressed her excitement: “With the new space, more of us can access the training we need. It’s a real chance to learn skills that are in demand here in Saint Lucia.”
The facility not only improves access to vocational training but also creates a direct link between training and job opportunities in the tourism industry.
Ongoing partnerships with the Youth Economy Agency and other stakeholders ensure that the project’s impact extends beyond the new facility. Through this collaborative effort, Saint Lucia is building a model for inclusive vocational training that can inspire similar efforts across the Caribbean. The India-UN Development Partnership Fund and its partners are committed to helping create an environment where young people can thrive, showing that each project can have a lasting, positive impact.
The success of the C.A.R.E. vocational training center is a result of effective South-South cooperation. India’s support, through financial contributions and shared expertise, played a crucial role in bringing this project to fruition. The partnership allowed for knowledge exchange and the adaptation of best practices to meet Saint Lucia’s specific needs. Local support also played a key role, providing the land and overseeing the work; with the Department of Physical Development contributing technical expertise to ensure the project’s success.
“This project shows the power of South-South cooperation,” said Lars Johansen, Deputy Director of ILO Saint Lucia, highlighted this collaborative spirit. “By working together, we’ve created a facility that directly meets Saint Lucia’s needs, giving young people the skills and hope they need for a brighter future.”
For students like Jada Charles, the new facility has already made a difference. Jada, currently enrolled in the Office Skills program, expressed her excitement: “With the new space, more of us can access the training we need. It’s a real chance to learn skills that are in demand here in Saint Lucia.”
The facility not only improves access to vocational training but also creates a direct link between training and job opportunities in the tourism industry.
Ongoing partnerships with the Youth Economy Agency and other stakeholders ensure that the project’s impact extends beyond the new facility. Through this collaborative effort, Saint Lucia is building a model for inclusive vocational training that can inspire similar efforts across the Caribbean. The India-UN Development Partnership Fund and its partners are committed to helping create an environment where young people can thrive, showing that each project can have a lasting, positive impact.
