More students can stay in school, continue their education and pursue their ambitions.

The beginning of the 2026-2027 academic year marked a significant milestone for the education sector, driven by the dedication of Education Minister Honorable Kenson Kazm and supported by Minister Danny Butcher along with the senior team at the Ministry of Education. Extensive preparations were undertaken well before the previous term concluded to ensure that public schools were fully ready to welcome students and teachers from day one. However, the government's commitment extends far beyond mere infrastructure repairs and administrative planning; it involves a comprehensive strategy to make education more affordable and accessible for all families through direct financial support and resource allocation. To achieve this goal, the administration has introduced a series of targeted initiatives designed to alleviate the financial burden on students, parents, and teachers. Specific measures include providing $100 per term toward preschool tuition for every enrolled child, offering a $500 bursary to parents and guardians of form students, and supplying a new laptop to each student in that grade. Additionally, the government is covering tuition fees for five subjects for every Form 5 student and will fully fund nursing program tuition at Safal Lewis Community College for eligible candidates. Families can also access back-to-school assistance directly from their parliamentary representatives to help cover various school-related expenses. Further expanding these opportunities, the government has committed to providing bursaries for eligible students attending Safal Lewis Community College and has made a historic investment by awarding full scholarships to 100 St. Lucians for study at Monroe University for the first time. These actions demonstrate a clear message that the administration is investing in education at every level, from preschool through secondary school, college, and university. By ensuring that families receive greater support, the government aims to unlock more opportunities for students, thereby creating a pathway where more individuals can pursue their ambitions and build a better future.