Last Updated on July 5, 2025, 12:25 AM AST by Anthony Morris
St. Kitts and Nevis National Commission for UNESCO and the UNESCO Routes of Enslaved Peoples Committee hosted the UNESCO Essay Competitions. The theme of the essay contest was The Importance and Value of Students Being Taught Their African Ancestral History.
The essay competition was won by three remarkably talented youngsters Devine James; Markailer Handley and Khalaylah Maccabee. The announcement of this victory was made during a ceremony on July 2, at the NEMA Conference Room.
The winning youngsters were hailed and appreciated for their clarity and thoughts and how they expressed their feelings regarding the history and struggles of the people of St Kitts and Nevis. Dr Geoffrey Hanley, Minister of Education and Deputy Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis was also present at the announcement ceremony.
During the essay contest, the youngsters were given the opportunity to share their views on the historical struggles and triumphs of the people of African Ancestry. The young students who participated in the essay writing competition must look at the event as an opportunity for growth and mutual development.
The Minister of Education has claimed that he will continue to include elements from the culture and history of the island nation into the students’ curriculum. The Minister has shared that they are dedicated to bringing curriculum reform into the country with inclusion of history of St Kitts and Nevis in the official reports.
The officials have shared that this is a pivotal point in the education journey of St Kitte and Nevis and several new developments are under consideration. The Minister Geoffrey Hanley has shared that it is the responsibility of the education sector to make the children are aware of their heritage and histories.
Under the Ministry of Education, Minister Geoffrey Hanley and his team in collaboration with other stakeholders wants to start a conversation. The young students and people of country should be given the opportunity to voice their opinion on the existing Education structure and demand change.
The UNESCO backed essay competition was the Ministry’s way of supporting and encouraging people to start an honest conversation that can help them in making education better.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
