This summer Lynchburg College, a small private college in Lynchburg, Virginia has been making a huge effect on the schools of Saint Lucia,  The Chronicle of Higher Education reported.

Students and faculty from the college have been spending the summer on the Caribbean island assisting with various projects in education, nursing and international relations. According to the report professors from Lynchburg College provided training to almost 900 teachers and all 120 principals on the island.

Lynchburg’s press release confirmed:

In June, Dr. Roger Jones associate professor and department chair in educational leadership, and Dr. John Walker, associate professor and department chair in the M.Ed. program in curriculum and instruction, conducted a two-week leadership training program with all 120 principals on the island to improve teacher supervision.

In July, Dr. Jeri Watts, assistant professor of human development and learning, along with colleagues from other institutions, offered workshops to about 900 teachers on teaching reading.

Also this summer, Dr. Gena Barnhill, assistant professor of special education, provided autism training to 140 teachers and parents, Dr. James Patton, adjunct professor in education, continued training in the area of assessment, and Dr. Steve Nielsen, associate professor in counselor education, taught a course in addiction counseling.

“We’re really responding to what they have indicated is needed,” said Dr. Ed Polloway, dean of graduate studies. “What seems unique to me is that a small school is helping a small country meet its needs.”