Trinidad and Tobago
Leading the Way: Advocacy and Leadership Campaign to Advance the Education Sector’s Response to HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean
November 15-16, 2005 a Ministry of Education retreat entitled “Leading the Way in the Education Sector: advocating for a comprehensive approach to HIV and AIDS in the Caribbean” was held Trinidad and Tobago. Senior level members of the Ministry of Education participated in a day long retreat held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
Working with a representative of the Office of the Minister of Education, Mr. Steve Williams, EDC planned a retreat for 60 senior level Ministry of Education staff to introduce the campaign and reinforce how important it is for the Ministry of Education to strengthen their response to HIV and AIDS.
Opening Ceremony: (From left) Professor Michael Morrissey-UNESCO, Hon Minister Manning, Ms. Cheryl Vince Whitman-EDC, Professor Carol Keller- UWI
© C.Constantine
The Hon Minister of Education for Trinidad and Tobago, Mrs. Hazel Manning, Professor Michael Morrissey from UNESCO, Professor Carol Keller from UWI, and Ms. Cheryl Vince Whitman from EDC participated in the opening ceremonies. BARCAM, Educative/Developmental Theatre Group presented various interactive scenario’s addressing stigma and descrimination Theatre in Education (TIE). Dr. Amery Brown, Technical Director, National AIDS Coordinating Committee (NACC) gave the medical perspective (view powerpoint) and Ms. Angela Lee Loy Chairperson, NACC and Managing Director of Aegis Business Solutions Limited spoke from the business perspective (view powerpoint).
Panel presentation on a Comprehensive Approach to addressing HIV and AIDS in the education sector: (From left) Ms. Madhuri Supersad-ILO, Mr. Gittens-MOE, Mr. Carlisle Branker-MOE, Ms. Allison Sargent- TTUTA, and Ms. Zena Ramatali- T&T NPTA
© C.Constantine
Other speakers included:
- Ms. Madhuri Supersad from the International Labour Organization spoke about workplace policy on HIV and AIDS. View powerpoint presentation here.
- Mr. Gittens, Ministry of Education, spoke about services, care and support to address HIV and AIDS. View powerpoint presentation here.
- Mr. Carlisle Branker, Ministry of Education, spoke about addressing HIV and AIDS in the curriculum.
- Ms. Allison Sargent from the T&T Teacher’s Union and Ms. Zena Ramatali, President of National Parent Teachers Association spoke about the importance of a healthy psycho-social and physical education environment.
In the afternoon session, Ms. Deborah Williams presented an interactive activity focusing on stigma and descrimination. Perminant Secretary, Mrs. Jack introduced an action plan and asked each Head of Division to develop an HIV action plan for their division. These plans will be submitted to the Minister of Education and copies will be sent to the Ministry of Education HIV Committee and Education Development Center. The day ended with an address by Minister Manning stating her continued commitment to addressing HIV and AIDS.
Minister Hazel Manning addressing participants. Also seen in the picture are Mr. Steve Williams, Ministry of Education (left) and Prof. Michael Morrissey- UNESCO
© C.Constantine
Click here to review the Ministry of Education retreat agenda.