Progress at St. Johns School Campus

Exciting progress is underway for the future of education on Saba with the planned construction of the new school campus in St. John's.

This project, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of OCW, Ministry of VWS, the Regiodeal, and the Public Entity Saba, will transform the learning environment for students at the Saba Comprehensive School.

The masterplan for the new campus, presented last week to Prime Minister Schoof during his working visit to Saba, outlines modern facilities designed to inspire and engage students. Key components of the project include a new gymnasium, a technical education center, and an enrichment center. Construction for the technical center and the gymnasium is targeted to commence in the second half of this year, with the enrichment center following in 2026.

The design process has been deeply informed by the voices of the students themselves. In 2024, architect Lyongo engaged in a discussion with six students from the Saba Comprehensive School to gather their insights on the existing facilities and their aspirations for the future. This feedback has directly shaped the design of the new campus, ensuring it meets the needs and desires of the students it will serve.

Addressing current challenges, the new designs incorporate solutions identified by the students. The leaky roof and excessive heat in the existing gymnasium will be resolved through features like strategically placed windows for natural airflow and improved ventilation. Furthermore, enhanced air conditioning systems are planned for classrooms across the campus.

Currently, the tender process for the construction is in its final stages, with ongoing negotiations with the potential contractor. If an agreement on project pricing within the allocated budget can be reached, the aim is to break ground on the new school campus in the third quarter of this year.

This significant investment in education infrastructure underscores the commitment to providing the students of Saba with modern, vibrant, and safe learning spaces that will inspire them to excel.

Interested in learning more about the design? Read more here.