Taipei, Republic of China (Taiwan), August 17, 2026 (Embassy of Saint Christopher (Saint Kitts) and Nevis)
The Embassy of Saint Christopher (Saint Kitts) and Nevis to the Republic of China (Taiwan) brought the Federation’s culture, heritage and vision for sustainable development to life this summer through two engaging student camps hosted at Ger-Jyh Senior High School and Nanshan High School.
Held from August 5–7 at Ger-Jyh Senior High School and August 10–14 at Nanshan High School, the camps brought together 81 students from two schools participating in the Embassy’s sister school programme. Fifty-one students from Ger-Jyh and 30 from Nanshan participated in a dynamic programme centred on the theme, “SKN LOVE – Saint Kitts and Nevis’ Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA).”
More than an educational experience, the camps provided an avenue for young Taiwanese students to discover Saint Kitts and Nevis through its history, traditions, music and national development priorities, while strengthening the longstanding people-to-people relationship between the two countries.
Resident Ambassador of Saint Kitts and Nevis to Taiwan, His Excellency Donya L. Francis, said the initiative was designed to deepen students’ understanding of the Federation while creating opportunities for meaningful interaction and language development.
“The SKNLOVE-SISA camps were organized to introduce the students to the Sustainable Island State Agenda while highlighting the culture, heritage, and historical nature of the Federation. These camps also gave the students the platform to practice their English with our students who are currently studying in Taiwan,” explained H. E. Francis.
Throughout the camps, students explored a broad range of themes, including historical sites, music in Saint Kitts and Nevis, the Sustainable Island State Agenda, the Taiwan Can Help initiative, and the Federation’s vibrant festival traditions, with particular attention given to the recently concluded Culturama.
The programme was deliberately designed to encourage creativity and active participation. Students constructed models of historical sites and notable buildings in Saint Kitts and Nevis, while also producing graphics to mark 43 years of diplomatic relations between the Federation and Taiwan and to showcase the Taiwan Can Help initiative. Their creative talents continued through the writing and performance of calypso songs, as well as the design of carnival and Culturama headpieces.
Discussion and critical thinking also formed an important part of the experience, with students taking part in debates centred on issues connected to SISA. At Nanshan High School, the cultural exchange took an especially lively turn when Ambassador Francis personally taught campers the traditional Maypole Dance, offering students an opportunity to experience a distinctive aspect of Saint Kitts and Nevis’ cultural heritage.
Behind the success of the camps was a dedicated team from the Embassy and a group of Saint Kitts and Nevis nationals currently pursuing studies in Taiwan. The Embassy extended appreciation to Second Secretary Rolhensha Henry, Executive Assistant Alice Huang and summer interns Ezrah Brandy and Ansel Lin for their work in planning and supporting the activities.
Particular recognition was given to the Federation’s student volunteers in Taiwan — Jacinth Hunkins, Desmond Maynard, Tyrique Jeffers, Jahmarley Riley, Patricia Clarke, Yohance Willet, D’Quani Clarke, Leeajah Caesar and Howard Liburd — who served as the principal facilitators and volunteers throughout the two-week programme.
“This is our second year hosting the camp, and our students continue to volunteer their time during their summer break, heading the sessions and assisting the Embassy with its people-to-people interactions, and for that I am extremely grateful,” H.E. Francis said.
Their involvement underscores the increasingly important role of young Saint Kitts and Nevis nationals abroad in strengthening the Federation’s international relationships. Through their leadership, the students helped bridge cultures, share first-hand knowledge of their homeland and create authentic connections with their Taiwanese counterparts.
As the camps concluded, the Embassy formally recognised the participating schools and students, presenting Ger-Jyh Senior High School and Nanshan High School, as well as the campers, with certificates of appreciation and participation.
The SKN LOVE-SISA camps have once again demonstrated that diplomacy extends well beyond official meetings and government-to-government engagement. Through culture, education and youth participation, the initiative created a space where students could learn from one another, celebrate shared interests and gain a deeper appreciation of the enduring friendship between Saint Kitts and Nevis and the Republic of China (Taiwan).
For Saint Kitts and Nevis, the initiative also represents an investment in a generation that will carry the Federation’s story, values and vision into the future — strengthening the bonds between two countries, one meaningful exchange at a time.
Source: SKNIS
