Over 100 students at Ciceron RC Combined Schools are set to improve their digital literacy following the upgrade of their Multimedia Lab thanks to the provision of 25 desktop computers a suit of accessories, and operating software from the Sandals Foundation and Loyal Sandals Resorts guests.
Valued at some EC$81,000, the technological upgrade seeks to encourage a more interactive learning experience for students and teachers, building their capacity to comfortably navigate today’s digital world.
“As more of our lives and everyday activities become interwoven with the internet, apps and programmes, today’s school’s curriculum must include access to and mastery of the technology if we are equipping our young ones to not only survive but thrive,” says Jason Darius, Public Relations Manager, Sandals Regency La Toc Resort.
Speaking recently at the handover ceremony of the newly equipped Multimedia Lab, Darius noted that the infrastructure development is a key component of the philanthropic organization’s investment in education, “Schools play a critical role in balancing digital technology access amongst students of various socio-economic backgrounds. We are honored to be able to help the students and staff at Ciceron RC Combined School step boldly into this next phase of their development.”
For Principal, Yasmin Tyson, the upgraded Multimedia lab will optimize the learning experience, “This upgrade has created a more conducive environment to integrate technology into the daily academic experience, enhance teacher instruction and ultimately prepare students for the demands of a technology-driven world.”
And representing the Ministry of Education, District 4 Officer, Marie Gorge Arlain says “Facilities like these, and collaborations such as this partnership with the Sandals Foundation, are essential to ensuring the holistic development of our children. They help equip our students with the tools and skills needed to keep pace in an ever-advancing world, while preparing them to become confident, capable contributors to society.”
Across the Caribbean, the Sandals Foundation has equipped more than 100 computer labs and distributed an additional 7000 digital tablets within primary and high schools to help students develop their digital literacy.
Over 3000 residents have been served in the first staging of the Sandals Foundation-powered Great Shape! Inc.‘s 1000 Smiles clinic in Antigua.
In just two weeks, the volunteer mission which was coordinated in collaboration with the Ministry of Health served 3,575 residents with free oral care and dental education. Led by a team of 121 dental volunteers from the United States and Canada, over 1,500 patients received some 8,000 individual dental services including cleanings, extractions, fillings, restorative, urgent treatments and more.
―Everywhere we go, the need is great, but these two weeks in Antigua were especially powerful, said Joseph ‗Papa Joe‘ Wright, Founder of Great Shape! Inc. ―The response from communities across the island reminded us why this work matters — relieving pain, restoring dignity, and giving people reason to smile again.
The scale of the clinic has been described as transformational. On an island of 100,000 residents, the outreach, Wright explained, moved beyond individual sites to have an island-wide effort, ―It was as if every resident here either received a service or knew someone who did‖.
Preventative care was a central focus for the school outreach component of the programme. Close to 3,000 children across ten schools received oral health education with more than 7,000 toothbrushes, tubes of toothpaste, and floss distributed to reinforce healthy habits long after the clinics closed.
For Heidi Clarke, Executive Director at Sandals Foundation, ―This Antigua staging showed what is possible when trusted partners come together in service of community health. ―We are incredibly grateful to the Ministry of Health, the team at Sandal Grande Antigua and the army of Great Shape! volunteers who together brought a critical and essential service to families across the island.
All administrative costs, logistics, and volunteer support for the clinics are covered by the Sandals Foundation, with accommodations provided by Sandals Resorts, allowing dental professionals to focus fully on patient care.
Antigua now joins Jamaica, Turks and Caicos, Grenada, The Bahamas and Saint Lucia that also benefit from the dental mission.
Students and teachers at the Christ Church Foundation School now benefit from an expanded outdoor learning space following the construction of a new gazebo, picnic benches, valued at BBD $100,000, courtesy of the Sandals Foundation.
The new infrastructure, according to Acting Principal Dr. Wendy S. Lewis addresses operational realities and educational priorities – providing a solution to the growing need for additional student space on the school compound.
“It became evident that there was a need for an additional area where students could comfortably relax and eat their lunch, as the other designated spaces were overcrowded,” says Acting Principal Dr. Wendy S. Lewis. “Additionally, many groups found it difficult to meet indoors due to heat and limited space. The gazebo was identified as a practical solution that would help eliminate these challenges.”
The new open-air structure has since enhanced the teaching and learning environment, providing a flexible outdoor classroom that supports collaborative, experiential, and student-centered instruction.
Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation, Heidi Clarke, emphasized that modern learning environments play a critical role in student development.
“Education extends beyond the four walls of a classroom,” Clarke said. “By investing in spaces that promote comfort, collaboration, and creativity, we help students engage more meaningfully while supporting their social and emotional growth. We aim to ensure that children have environments where they feel inspired, supported, and empowered.”
The Christ Church Foundation School gazebo forms part of the Sandals Foundation’s ongoing regional commitment to strengthening educational infrastructure—ensuring schools are equipped with safe, functional, and climate-conscious spaces that support academic excellence, student wellness, and community connection.
The Sandals Foundation has completed a new solar-powered energy installation at Woburn Methodist School, advancing its commitment to strengthening energy security within the Caribbean’s education infrastructure.
Valued at EC $33,350, the milestone was formally commemorated during a handover ceremony, bringing together school administrators, community partners, and education stakeholders to mark the transition to a more energy-secure learning environment.
“Education is one of the most powerful drivers of national development,” said Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation. “When schools have consistent energy access, it strengthens everything—from digital instruction and teacher preparedness to operational efficiency and long-term sustainability. The transition to solar is both practical and forward-looking. It supports learning today while helping institutions plan confidently for the future.”
At Woburn Methodist School, the solar installation supports the growing integration of technology in education, ensuring computer-based learning, internet connectivity, and multimedia instruction remain central features of the school environment.
“As education systems across the region continue to modernize, schools continue to serve as students’ primary access point to digital tools—making reliable electricity essential to preparing young learners for an evolving global economy,” says Principal of Woburn Methodist School, Mr. Richard Japal.
Beyond the classroom, the benefits extend into the wider community. Woburn, like many other schools, often operate as community hubs, hosting meetings, training programmes, and development initiatives. Strengthening their infrastructure improves resilience at the local level and contributes to national energy security goals.
District Education Officer, Mrs. Curleen Aban-Marshal, highlighted that the project’s impact extends beyond Woburn Methodist School to benefit Grenada as a whole. “This initiative represents more than the installation of solar panels—it is the passing on of hope, sustainability, and empowerment. The system also provides valuable, real-life learning opportunities for students to understand renewable energy in action. It aligns perfectly with our national mission for a greener, more resilient Grenada,” she said.
The installation at Woburn Methodist School now joins a growing portfolio of solar-powered institutions implemented by the Sandals Foundation across the region—each representing a step toward more sustainable schools, community centers and clinics better equipped for the years ahead.
