Francisca ‘Teacher Sica’ Joseph
Political Candidate, Dominica

Francisca ‘Teacher Sica’ Joseph is a Dominican politician.

Early life and education

Francisca ‘Teacher Sica’ Joseph (née James) was born in Victoria, a small hamlet in the village of Delices, Dominica on 6 May, the eldest of five daughters of Paul James (a farmer) and his wife Madeleine. At age 12, she began secondary school at the Wesley High School, having had to be demoted to Grade 7 from Third Form to write the Common Entrance Examinations. Francisca began seeking employment at 18 as a teacher at the Delices Primary School. During that time, she was very involved in the life of the community, joining youth groups and leadership training courses.

She holds a graduate diploma (PGDip) with distinction in Social Protection from The University of the West Indies, Mona; certificate in Management Development with the Arthur Lok jack Graduate School of Business-St Augustine; University of the West Indies- Cave Hill – Certificate in Middle Management; Certificate in Youth Work – Commonwealth Youth Programme- Guyana; among others.

Career

Her career has included stints as an Assistant Teacher, Youth Development Officer, and District Development Officer for the South East District.  She later served as  Acting Director Bureau of Gender Affairs, Programme Officer with the Office of Disaster Management, : Organized community disaster committees, Coordinated, supervised and facilitated Field Operations Supervisor at the Adult Education Division, and Adult Education Officer.  She was also a Consultant training in school safety for principals and teachers in 10 vulnerable schools as part of the Child Fund Caribbean - East Dominica Federation.

Joseph is contesting the La Plaine seat for the United Workers' Party (UWP) in the 2019 General Election.