Music, dance and lots of excitement filled the Barataria Regional Complex as the Footprints of Love School hosted its first talent show over the weekend.
After seven weeks of rehearsals, students took to the stage to showcase their abilities through performances inspired by internationally renowned entertainers, celebrating their creativity, confidence and personal growth.
Founded in 2021, Footprints of Love provides education and support to vulnerable children, many of whom had little or no access to formal schooling before joining the programme.
Founder Thairys Lopez said the school is focused on creating a safe environment where children can learn, build friendships and simply enjoy being children.
“Our children, they did many different performances, you know, we have famous artists here this evening. We are proud to say that we have a Michael Jackson, we have two Shakiras, and you name it. It’s really a blessing. It’s priceless to be here this afternoon seeing all our children being children, enjoying themselves, doing what they like the most, which is play, have fun, talk to friends, you know, having a great time, how it should be.”
The school currently serves children from migrant and vulnerable communities and continues to operate without a permanent home after losing its facility in 2024.
Despite those challenges, the organisation remains committed to providing education and other opportunities while advocating for greater support for its mission.
“The whole purpose of our school is to give our children, for them to have the opportunity to receive an education, to get them off of the street, to give the opportunity that they deserve. To be able to have a safe place for them to be able to enjoy being children. Interacting, receiving education, playing. It’s something that every child deserves.”
Ms Lopez also expressed gratitude to Trinidad and Tobago for welcoming Venezuelan families seeking a better future, noting that the support received has had a positive impact.
“We have also a lot that we can bring to your country. Yes, we’re grateful for the opportunity, and we thank God because Trinidad is very close to our country, and many families came running away, and thanks to Trinidad, they are having, not only them but also the ones that they left behind in Venezuela, they are having a better quality of life.”
The successful staging of the inaugural talent show highlighted not only the students’ talents but also the school’s ongoing commitment to giving every child a chance to learn, grow and thrive.