The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries, the Ministry of Education, and the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) have partnered to design new science resource kits for use in primary and secondary schools across the country.
Falling under the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Project, the science resource kits are designed to aid primary and secondary school teachers in conducting practical lessons about alternative energy sources.
One hundred teachers were trained by UTT in the use of the kits, and 450 kits were handed over to the Ministry of Education for distribution on Wednesday.
Impressed with the potential and practical application of the kits, Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training, Professor Prakash Persad, said UTT should take steps to monetise the project.
“Its vision and statement is to commercialise research and activities. Not only research. And some research went into this, so I think UTT, Mr. Chairman, sir, should set up a business unit to manufacture and sell these things throughout the Caribbean and Latin America and elsewhere. We import a lot of science kits.”
Minister Persad emphasised that sustainable energy will shape the world’s economic future, and this is one step to ensure that our children are poised for the change.
“The renewable energy sector is expected to create about 43 million jobs annually, globally. By the way, that’s a report in 2023 from the International Renewable Energy Agency. In the Caribbean, studies show that 60% of new jobs will be green jobs. And the new green jobs will require advanced technical and vocational training, and this ties in directly to what UTT is about.”
The partnership, which saw the involvement of teachers, university and Ministerial experts, ensures maximum usability and the sustainability of the kits’ contents.
Chairman of UTT, Professor Selwyn Cudjoe, applauded the academic institution for its contribution to the project.
“Today’s effort is just another example of our continuing to make our society more aware of the key concepts in renewable energy through engaging in experimental-based activities. I think that is marvelous and wonderful. It is hoped that these kits that were designed for teachers at the primary and secondary school levels would enhance the teaching and learning of students in the arenas of renewable energy and sustainable practices.”