The new Goodwill Secondary School (GSS) is a major step forward for education infrastructure in Roseau, Dominica. The China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) started the project on Monday, November 13, 2023, by demolishing the old building.
This marks the start of a transformation for the region’s educational environment.
The Government of Dominica initiated the groundbreaking ceremony on September 6, 2023, in collaboration with the People’s Republic of China. It signals a partnership to bolster technical vocational education and training.
Upon completion, the GSS will be designated a Center of Excellence, offering state-of-the-art facilities for various technical disciplines.
The curriculum at the new GSS will focus on technical and vocational education. It encompasses food preparation, garment production, fabric design, auto-mechanics, visuals, technical drawings, performing arts/music, industrial arts, refrigeration, and air conditioning.
During the construction phase, residents, motorists, and pedestrians are advised to exercise caution in the vicinity of the school, especially during the demolition stage, which is anticipated to extend over several months.
The new GSS will not only serve as a hub for technical education. It will also provide essential facilities to cater to the holistic development of students.
The features include dedicated spaces for counselling, pastoral care, special education, a fully-equipped library, science labs, an auditorium, a canteen, staff quarters, and a multipurpose hardcourt.
Employment opportunities have already been generated in the pre-construction phase, benefitting several locals, with more job openings expected as the project progresses. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to stimulate economic growth and enhance the local workforce’s skills.
Several Dominicans are employed in the pre-construction phase, and more employment opportunities will become available as the project progresses.
The GSS project is part of the China Aid Project for reconstructing schools post-Hurricane Maria. In addition to the Goodwill Secondary School, China will fund the construction of five primary schools, namely the Sineku, Calibishie, Bellevue Chopin, Thibaud, and Tete Morne Primary Schools.
