PHOTO ABOVE: THREE TEACHERS (from left to right) Mary Ann Hutchings, Jean Brown and Ingrid Jack are traveling to St. Lucia to participate in the St. Lucia Learning Project. The three women describe it as teachers helping teachers. Atrio of teachers has been using summer holidays to continue teaching - in the small island nation of St. Lucia.

Ingrid Jack, an educational assistant, and Mary Ann Hutchings, a Grade 1-2 teacher, both at Primrose Elementary School, along with retired teacher Jean Brown, have for the past several years packed up their belongings and headed south once the final school bell rings, to help teachers in that country develop their own teaching skills.

The St. Lucia Learning Project, a completely Canadian endeavour, is an educational initiative to help underprivileged children on the island of St. Lucia reach their full potential.

Ms. Jack explains the project has two major components, the school program and a summer camp experience for children.

Additionally, the project has continued to grow since its inception in 2004 and recently added a women's mentoring program.

PHOTO LEFT: JEAN BROWN, a retired school teacher returns to the classroom every summer in St. Lucia, as part of the St. Lucia Learning Project. Teachers volunteer their time to instruct teachers and students inside the classrooms in the small Island nation. Contributed Photo "When we are there, we see the need and then try to develop things, like the women's mentoring program, to address the need," Ms. Jack said.

The teachers arrive in Canaries, St. Lucia, during the last week of school in that country and they work alongside the teachers in the classroom, developing skills.

"Teachers in St. Lucia don't go to teachers college, so we are able to help them with techniques in the classroom," said Ms. Hutchings.

Describing it as teachers helping teachers, the women look forward each year to seeing the progress of the St. Lucia teachers and children.

Ms. Hutchings says supplies in the school are extremely limited and children learn mostly by rote and still work on slates because books, pens and paper are in short supply.

"It's a different environment and a different atmosphere but the teachers and the children are so appreciative of what we do and for what they have," Ms. Hutchings said. "It really is an incredible experience."

The day camp experience, called Camp Sylvester, is a five-week program designed with fun activities, structured programs and language instruction.

"Camp Sylvester is very popular," said Ms. Jack. "It's a chance for the kids to be kids and they absolutely love it."

St. Lucia, part of the Lesser Antilles, is a popular destination for tourists, located in the eastern Caribbean.

Its official language is English although many who live on the island speak Patois, described as creole French.

Throughout the 17th and early 18th century the island was fought over between England and France until 1814 when it became part of the British Empire, gaining independence in 1979.

Ms. Hutchings and Jack say poverty is high and it's something not all the tourists would necessarily see.

"These people are proud, but there isn't much industry or work, outside tourism jobs." Ms. Jack said.

"The have very little, there is no running water in any of the huts and they live a very simple lifestyle." said Ms. Hutchings.

"The children are so grateful for the supplies that we bring with us," said Ms. Jack.

The teachers return each year because they see a need and they also see the progress that's being made.

The women's mentoring program began simply to help the mothers' of the children at school and at the day camp.

"There is always things that we can pass on, we continue to teach, and help the women, with many different skills." said Ms. Jack.

The St. Lucia Project is funded completely by donation and the teachers fund raise or pay for their trip and lodgings. The expense for a two-week commitment to the project is about $2,000.

Ms. Jack and Ms. Hutchings are grateful for past fundraising efforts by organizations like the Shelburne and Orangeville Rotarian and Lions clubs.

Fundraising this year includes a studio art tour in Belfountain this Sunday (May 6) from 2 to 5 p.m. and a concert and silent auction at Primrose Elementary School, planned for May 30, which features Lorraine McDonald.

Contact Ingrid Jack at 519-925-6218 and Mary Ann Hutchings 519-941- 7786 for tickets and more information.