Basseterre, St. Kitts, Monday, March 02, 2026: The Ministry of Education signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Cultural Service of the French Embassy in Castries in collaboration with France Education International on Thursday, February 26.
Prior to the signing of the MOU, Minister of Education, Hon. Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, met in Castries, St. Lucia, with Ambassador of the French Embassy, Her Excellency Marie-Noelle Duris, to discuss the inclusion of the Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française (DELF) for Schools in secondary institutions.
The signing, which took place in St. Kitts, resulted in the Minister of Education formalizing the agreement to pilot the DELF programme in three secondary schools: Washington Archibald High School, Cayon High School, and Verchilds High School.
Her Excellency Marie-Noelle Duris, ambassador to the French Embassy, highlighted the significance of expanding language education and formal assessment opportunities for students in St. Kitts.
“Learning the language of French is important for the people of St. Kitts, and this moment is important because we will be able to provide certification of French proficiency, which will be useful for the students of St. Kitts who want to study in a French-speaking country and provide this proof of proficiency in French.”
The initiative aims to ensure that students are given the opportunity to become proficient in the French language through internationally recognized certification. The Alliance Française is the officially accredited examination centre responsible for the organization and administration of the DELF Scolaire Examination in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Hon. Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, Minister of Education, expressed sincere appreciation to the French delegation for expanding new opportunities for nationals of St. Kitts and Nevis.
“On behalf of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, we want to thank you and your team and your government and people for this opportunity that you have opened for our citizens in St. Kitts and Nevis.”
The partnership underscores the commitment of both countries to enhancing language education, expanding cultural exchange, and equipping students with skills that will broaden their academic and professional opportunities.
In attendance at the signing ceremony were Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Lisa-Romayne Pistana, and Lucille Caulliez, Director of Alliance Française.
