EDUCATION Minister Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly delivered an impassioned address at the Ministry of Education's recent breakfast meeting, saying Trinidad and Tobago's corporate community plays a critical role in helping drive national development objectives forward.
Against the backdrop of the country's aspirations for the future, Gadsby-Dolly called for collective action and collaboration to realise the vision set forth for 2030. Reflecting on the vision of the country's first prime minister, the late Dr Eric Williams, she invoked his legacy of nation-building and stressed his belief in the potential of the country's youth. Drawing parallels between the past and present, she underscored the importance of investing in the next generation and ensuring they have the opportunities and support needed to thrive.
The breakfast meeting, held at Hilton Trinidad, St Ann's, under the theme Education is Good Business, served as a platform for dialogue and engagement between the ministry and the corporate sector.
She painted a stark picture of the current situation, particularly crime, which she characterised as a pressing public health concern. Citing alarming statistics, she said the impact of crime on young people calls for urgent intervention and prevention efforts.
The minister said a safe and secure environment is not only essential for individual well-being but also for fostering economic growth and attracting investment.
Addressing the challenges faced by young people in marginalised communities, Gadsby-Dolly spoke about the need for targeted support and empowerment initiatives. She called on the business community to step up and play a more active role in providing opportunities for youth development and entrepreneurship, saying investing in young people is an investment in the future prosperity of the nation.
Turning her attention to the role of education in effecting positive change, Gadsby-Dolly outlined her ministry's strategic priorities and initiatives aimed at promoting equity and quality education for all.
She spoke on the importance of instilling values of tolerance, discipline and productivity in students and the need for a holistic approach to education that goes beyond academic achievement.
Gadsby-Dolly expressed gratitude for the contributions of the corporate community during the covid19 pandemic. She addressed what she called the significant impact of corporate philanthropy on education outcomes and acknowledged the generosity of businesses in providing essential resources and support to schools and students, as well as the importance of sustaining and expanding these partnerships.
She ended by issuing a rallying call for all stakeholders to come together in support of the nation's young people, stressing the transformative power of education and the need for collective action to address the crime challenges facing the nation.
The guest speaker, the Trinidad-born former president of Howard University Dr Wayne Frederick, shared his personal journey to show the impact of the country's public
