The Division of Community Development and Social Protection (DCDSP), through the Diversity and Inclusion Unit, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), launched a two-day Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) Train-the-Trainer Workshop earlier today at the DCDSP Conference Hall. The aim of the workshop is to strengthen local capacity to implement the Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) Life Skills Toolkit across the island.
In delivering remarks at the opening, Assistant Secretary in the Division of Community Development and Social Protection, Councillor Ackel Franklyn, underscored the importance of having trusted persons within communities, like the participants, whom young people can confidently approach for reliable information and support. “There must still be trusted people in our communities whom young people can approach and say, Miss, Sir, I need to ask you something,’ and when that moment comes, what happens next matters,” Franklyn said.
Councillor Franklyn highlighted Tobago’s close-knit communities as one of the island’s greatest strengths, while acknowledging that this interconnectedness can also create concerns surrounding privacy and confidentiality when individuals seek information or assistance on sensitive issues like CSE. He also challenged participants to recognise the distinction between their personal values and professional responsibilities. He emphasised the importance of providing accurate information, treating persons with dignity and creating safe spaces for learning.
The Assistant Secretary further encouraged participants to ensure that the knowledge and practical skills gained through the workshop translate into meaningful community-level action. “When these two days are finished, don’t have the toolkit on a shelf somewhere gathering dust. Take the knowledge back into the schools, our villages, our organisations and our communities. Share it, teach it, multiply it and make the best use of it. Because that is where the real power of the train-the-trainer programme comes in.”
UNFPA Liaison Specialist and Head of the Trinidad and Tobago Office, Candice Wallace, welcomed the collaboration with the Division and highlighted the growing need for young people to have access to trusted sources of accurate information, particularly as many increasingly turn to online platforms and their peers for answers. “There are a lot of young people who are seeking information, and most of them find it online. Some of the information online may be true, but we have a lot of misinformation as well,” Wallace said.
Wallace reflected on UNFPA’s previous engagements with professionals in Tobago and emphasised that the initiative is designed to build upon the knowledge and experience already present on the island. “The expertise was already in the room. You know your communities. You know the real issues that young people face in Tobago, and you know exactly where the systemic gaps are. The rich experience is precisely what we are here to build on today,” Wallace said.
She also challenged participants to think creatively about potential beneficiaries, including persons operating within non-traditional community spaces, and to incorporate the tools into existing programmes, community outreach initiatives and everyday professional practice.
The presenter for the two days, UNFPA Consultant and Gender Specialist, Ms. Sommer Hunt, reinforced the importance of creating spaces where participants can confidently engage with subjects that may traditionally be considered uncomfortable. “This is going to be a courage-building exercise as much as it is an information exercise,” Hunt said.
The two-day workshop brings together 62 participants from various institutions, including educators, social workers, counsellors, community workers, facilitators and other professionals. Participants are being equipped with accurate, practical knowledge and skills to support informed engagement with young people and communities on sexuality, gender, human rights, gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health, relationships and personal well-being. The training incorporates discussions, role-playing and opportunities for participants to anonymously raise questions on sensitive topics within a safe learning environment. Through the train-the-trainer approach, participants are expected to take the knowledge and tools gained beyond the workshop and integrate them into their respective organisations, programmes and communities, extending the reach of reliable information and support across Tobago.