 St. Lucia's education sector has received timely support from a United States-funded initiative that seeks to increase digital literacy and position the nation's students for opportunities in the youth economy. Harris-Hermany Mark with the details. The Ministry of Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training recently launched the St. Lucia Connected Initiative. The two-year U.S. $1 million project funded by USAID is expected to bolster youth, student and its teacher empowerment through digital literacy. The launch on Friday, September 24 saw the representation of key project stakeholders, each expressing their commitment to the advancement of their education sector. Karine Rene, Acting Curriculum Officer for Media Technology at Camdu, provided an overview of the project. The St. Lucia Connected Program seeks to amplify the strengths and skills of youth in St. Lucia by providing opportunities in digital education from which to learn and practice leadership and life skills from self-determined pathways. The St. Lucia Connected Program will work towards building resilience and improving quality of education and learning in St. Lucia by equipping St. Lucia youth and educators with digital literacy skills to transform them into digital literacy leaders in their communities. The skills to be developed will include computer skills, software skills, as well as the use of technology in everyday life. As part of the program, teachers will adopt a positive youth development approaches to teaching that please emphasis on critical life skills. Minister of Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training, Hon. Sean Edward, assured that adequate resources will be allocated to the development of their education sector. It is an imperative for every child in the school system to have a smart device and the role of technology in education delivery is well documented and has been established. It is no longer a luxury item but it is a critical instructional aid, it is a repository of information and even in the home setting after you have given a device to a child and the child takes that device home, more often than not, such a device is what keeps the family in St. Lucia connected to relatives, in some cases mothers and grandparents in the diaspora. US Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Her Excellency Linda Taglia-Latala, said that the United States of America is committed to improving the lives and experiences of Caribbean youth. The St. Lucia ConnectEd initiative demonstrates our continued commitment to the education sector. The partnership with the St. Lucia Ministry of Education created with the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, the St. Lucia National Youth Council and the United States-based Tuskegee University will greatly enhance opportunities for youth and teachers on digital literacy as well as promote the activity's sustainability. To this end I applaud, excuse me, I applaud representatives of the Ministry of Education for dedicating resources to support this initiative. I also commend teachers for your commitment and support which is essential to propel youth along a path of success. The Ministry of Education in collaboration with strategic partners will provide training digital skills, internships and volunteer opportunities for the holistic development of young people and empowerment of youth as leaders. From the Government Information Service, Lomadi Mack reporting.