The Tourism Enhancement Fund has made a significant investment in hands-on learning and student welfare at the Bocage Secondary School, committing EC$50,000 to support a range of academic, creative, and social programmes.
The handover took place on January 19th, 2026, and is expected to strengthen initiatives in robotics, special education, visual arts, and textiles, while also improving the school’s feeding programme and campus environment.
Vice Principal of the Bocage Secondary School, Bartholomew Eugene, welcomed the donation and highlighted the importance of collaboration in meeting the needs of students.
“Of course, collaboration with the SLHTA will go a long way in providing the help and support that our students need at the Bocage Secondary School,” Eugene said.
He noted that a significant number of students require additional support through the school’s special needs programme.
“We are looking at the special needs programme where we have the majority of a large group of our students coming in, and they are requiring the special needs help that we provide for them.”
Eugene praised the work of the school’s special needs teacher, Ms Duncan, while underscoring the continued demand for resources.
“There’s always a need to get resources, to get materials, to provide the support, other forms of support, online access to programmes that are available,” he explained.
He also pointed to the value of the school’s robotics programme, which has been in place for several years.
“The Robotics programme is another programme that we have had for some time now, and it has been basically helping our students to look at the other side of the activities of the computer programmes at the school,” Eugene said, noting that the initiative is overseen by Mr Michel.
Reflecting on the partnership with the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association and the Tourism Enhancement Fund, Eugene described the occasion as deeply meaningful. “Today is a very joyful day for us and we are very thankful for that,” he said.
Project Manager of the Tourism Enhancement Fund, Donette Ismael, said the donation followed months of engagement with the school community after the Fund was introduced to Bocage Secondary through honorary member Ronald ‘Boo’ Hinkson.
“This afternoon, we are elated to be at the Bocage Secondary School to continue a discussion that started with our honorary member, Mr Ronald ‘Boo’ Hinkson,” Ismael said.
“Through various discussions and meeting the teachers and the students, the Tourism Enhancement Fund today is very proud to be here to make a donation of $50,000 towards various initiatives at the school.”
She explained that the funding would support a wide range of programmes critical to student development.
“This funding is critical at this time and is going towards the robotics programme, visual arts programme. We’re also supporting them with the Kids Inside programme, the special education initiatives, and a feeding programme as well.”
School officials say the investment will have a lasting impact on both academic outcomes and student wellbeing, reinforcing Bocage Secondary School’s commitment to inclusive education and practical, skills-based learning.