Tobago will see a new initiative aimed at realising human capital development.
From June 1st, the Division of Education, Research and Technology will commence a programme titled ‘Community Impact.’ It was launched on Monday at the Shaw Park Complex.
THA Secretary of Education Zorisha Hackett explained that the programme – a $3 million investment – is not a handout but a hand-up, aimed at improving the quality of life for Tobagonians. She also shared statistics which highlighted the concerning reality in the THA’s workforce.
“Tobago, when 60% of the labour force has only secondary-level education as their highest attainment; when only 28% have tertiary education, and when 12% have primary education as their highest level of education – this is not just data. No, this is our wake-up call. A wake-up call that the way forward must not only be paved with roads and infrastructure, but with access – real, deliberate, meaningful access – to education.”
Technical Advisor Ann-Natasha Second said the programme will offer participants the opportunity to prepare for and sit CSEC Mathematics and English.
“One cohort will enhance your CSEC Mathematics or your CSEC English. Then you have computer literacy, and you also have life skills. Those life skills can be as basic as learning how to use an ATM machine.”
According to Administrator at the Division of Education, Research & Technology, Cherry-Ann Edwards-Louis, the courses will be available in all 15 electoral districts, at schools across Tobago, and will also include opportunities for the elderly.
“We fully understand that no one is too old to learn, we are also including a Senior Engagement Programme to support the not-so-young community members us who still want to be able to grow and, more importantly, to thrive. To ensure that everyone can benefit, the programme will be completely free of charge.”
The organisers said over 200 people have registered and 89 tutors have committed to offering guidance in the respective areas.