Financing for equity in primary and secondary education
1. Education resources to subnational governments
2. Education resources to schools
3. Education resources to students and families
4. Social policies and family support programmes
Introduction
In Saint Lucia, education funding is managed centrally by the Department of Education, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training, which allocates budgets across all levels from pre-primary to secondary education. The Department oversees administrative and financial support to public education institutions, ensuring resources cover teacher salaries, infrastructure, learning materials, and special programmes.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
No information is available on funding mechanisms that allocate central government resources to local governments based on equity considerations.
2. Education resources to schools
Special Education Services in Saint Lucia provide support for students with special educational needs. Established in 2000, the Special Education Unit offers in-service teacher training, special school supervision, and academic assessments. In 2023, a National Special Needs Education Policy was launched, and the government has strengthened transportation services for students with special needs.
3. Education resources to students and families
Established in 2002, the Book Bursary Programme provides textbooks and workbooks to vulnerable primary school students. To promote equity, bursaries are awarded to two students per household. Students are required to return textbooks at the end of each academic year.
The Education Access Fund offers scholarships of USD 500 to support secondary school students. The programme is administered by the respective District Education Offices.
4. Social policies and family support programmes
The Social Assistance Programme offers public aid, skills training, and institutional support to vulnerable households through partnerships with social agencies. The Education Assistance Programme specifically supports poor and economically disadvantaged families, helping them focus resources on building sustainable livelihoods.
5. School meal programmes
The School Feeding Programme (SFP) in Saint Lucia began in 1983, initially funded by the UN’s World Food Programme to provide milk and sandwiches to primary school children, aiming to reduce hunger, improve nutrition, and encourage school attendance. The mid-day lunch replaced the snack following further WFP support. In 2000, the government took over the programme, which now serves all students in infant and primary schools across eight education districts. Secondary school meals are supplied by contracted providers and sold at EC$8.00 per meal with compensation claims managed by the Department of Education.
