Condolence Message on the passing of Former Educator Rufus Khodra - St. Lucia News Now %

March 30, 2023 by Annius

Condolence Message on the passing of Former Educator Rufus Khodra

By Ministry Of Education

The education sector will join in the celebration of the life of Mr. Rufus Khodra—Former Educator and Deputy Permanent Secretary of the then Ministry of Education, Culture, Labour and Broadcasting—when he is laid to rest on Monday March 27th, 2023.

The Ministry of Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training is deeply saddened by his passing and extends deepest condolences to his entire family, especially his wife Christine and his six children, including Kendall, who is currently the Deputy Permanent Secretary with the Ministry—the same position held by his father when he retired in September of 2000.

Mr. Rufus Khodra was a visionary leader and a remarkable individual who made significant contributions to the education sector having served as a teacher between the years 1960 to 1972 at the then Methodist Primary School, and the Forestiere Combined School, before becoming Principal of the Forestiere Combined School in 1972.

After talking leave to lecture at the then Saint Lucia Teacher’s College, Mr. Khodra returned to his post as Principal of the Forestiere Combined School, where he remained until 1988, when he was made a District Education Officer in 1988. He served in that position until 1992, when he became the then Education Officer for Primary Schools and then Deputy Permanent Secretary in 1994.

Mr. Khodra oversaw many successful projects within the education sector, most notably, as coordinator of the Organisation for Cooperation in Overseas Development (OCOD) Summer workshops for teachers and module-writer for the training of principals regionally, a programme undertaken by the University of the West Indies.

Mr. Khodra continued to support many schools and children from vulnerable homes with school books and financial assistance even beyond his retirement in 2000. Mr. Khodra’s indelible contribution within the education sector locally and regionally will forever be remembered and treasured.