To enhance the registration process through a digital approach, the Ministry of Education has launched the First-Year Infant Registration System of Trinidad and Tobago (FIRSTT).
Explaining its significance, Line Minister, Dr. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, said that with the challenges that come with the paper-based form of record-keeping, this initiative serves a greater purpose.
“We recognise that there’s much room for improvement in record-keeping and the services that flow from record-keeping. But it starts with digitising those systems, and those are at the back-end. So, they are not immediately recognisable to the public in terms of what is to be done. But those of us who serve in administration, and those of us who work in Head Office at the Ministry, we understand the shortcomings that result from the system, the paper-based system.”
Assisting 452 Government and Government-assisted Primary Schools across the country, Director of School Supervision, Aaron Ramrattan, said FIRSTT aims to simplify the application and registration process for parents and guardians.
“Some of the key features are online application submission: parents can now apply to multiple schools from the comfort of their homes. Document upload and verification: supporting documents can be securely uploaded and verified online. Real-time status tracking: applicants can check their registration process at any time.”
As described by the Ministry, this system aligns with its Digital Transformation Strategy. It promotes innovation “through a unified digital ecosystem that is seamless, functional, robust, and scalable.”
Although the traditional way of application and registration still exists, the Ministry urges parents and guardians to utilise this new system.
The registration period begins on February 17th and will close on March 28th, 2025.