30 August 2024 - Port of Spain - On Friday, August 30, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, distributed education kits to 17 refugee children who will study at national schools in Trinidad and Tobago for the first time. The distribution, including kits for seven local children, is a UNHCR-led initiative with support from members of the Education Working Group, including UNICEF and the Catholic Education Board of Management. Students entering the September 2024 school term received books, book bags, writing materials, uniforms, shoes, and other essential tools to support their academic journeys.
In June 2024, Trinidad and Tobagoโs Ministry of Education outlined the process for Venezuelan children whose families registered under the Migrant Registration Framework (MRF) in 2019 to apply for a place in national schools. UNHCR, co-chair of the Education Working Group with UNICEF, is pleased to see this policy come to fruition for the children who have been granted student permits and will find a place among peers in classrooms across the country.
Caption: A parent embraces her child during the distribution ceremony.
Photo: ยฉ UNHCR
Amanda Solano, UNHCR Head of Office a.i. in Trinidad and Tobago, said:
โIn addition to being a place of academic learning, schools provide children with core social skills, emotional support, and a nurturing environment for their well-being. For refugees, the opportunity to enter a school environment gives students the tools necessary for overall development and serves as a strong step toward their social and cultural inclusion, helping them learn, make friends, and find hope. UNHCR commends the Government of Trinidad and Tobago for opening the countryโs classrooms to children on the move and remains committed to supporting the Government on its next steps on access to education to all children.โ
US Ambassador Candace Bond said:
โThe United States has been thrilled to partner with the government of Trinidad and Tobago, the Education Working Group, UNHCR, and so many others in ensuring Venezuelan migrant students are successfully integrated into the public school system. Todayโs donation is yet another example of our joint efforts to support the educational aspirations of students across this country, no matter where they call home.โ
Caption: US Ambassador to T&T, Candace Bond, interacts with a student and UNHCR Head of Office a.i., Amanda Solano.
Photo: ยฉ UNHCR
In Trinidad and Tobago, approximately 6,000 school-aged children require access to education. UNHCR, UNICEF, and Living Water Community support the Equal Place programme, a temporary intervention helping refugee and migrant children access education through online and in-person learning opportunities. This programme helps facilitate a smooth transition for non-national children into the formal education system.
UNHCR remains steadfast in creating inclusive environments and advocating for the rights of refugees worldwide, including those in Trinidad and Tobago.
