Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – Schools across the Grenadines are better equipped to support teaching and learning following the handover of educational equipment provided through the EnGenDER Project, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with support from Global Affairs Canada. The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to help communities recover and build resilience in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl.

The equipment was delivered to schools throughout the Grenadines to help restore learning environments and support the safe and effective resumption of educational activities after the hurricane severely impacted communities across the islands. The support package included computers and peripheral devices, screens, fans, bins, air conditioning units, refrigerators and other essential supplies identified as necessary for schools to reopen and return to normal operations. 

The assistance was provided through the EnGenDER Project, which was implemented by UNDP with support from Global Affairs Canada and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA). Following Hurricane Beryl, the project was extended to provide targeted support to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, including assistance for the education sector. 

Speaking at the handover ceremony on March 20th, Hon. Terrance Ollivierre, Minister of Higher Education, Grenadines Affairs, Local Government, Airports and Seaports and Area Representative for the Southern Grenadines, welcomed the support from Canada and UNDP, highlighting its value to students and educators.

"It's heartening to hear the work done by UNDP through the Canadian government and what they have done for us in the southern Grenadines. I know some of the equipment would really help in improving the teaching and learning process in the schools and also create an environment in which students feel comfortable," he said.

UNDP Cluster Lead for Prevention, Recovery and Resilience, Mrs. Elizabeth Charles-Soomer, emphasized that the intervention reflects a shared commitment to supporting communities affected by disaster and ensuring that children can return to safe, functional learning spaces.

“With the generous support of Global Affairs Canada, UNDP has been able to respond to priorities identified by the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and communities in the Grenadines. By providing equipment to schools, we are helping to restore essential services while supporting longer-term recovery and resilience. Education is central to community recovery, and this partnership demonstrates what can be achieved when governments, development partners and communities work together to meet urgent needs and build forward better.”

The handover formed part of UNDP’s broader support to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines following Hurricane Beryl, which has included recovery planning, resilience-building initiatives and technical assistance to strengthen disaster recovery frameworks and preparedness systems. 

As recovery efforts continue, the partnership between the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the Government of Canada and UNDP is helping ensure that students, teachers and communities in the Grenadines have the resources and support needed to recover, adapt and thrive.