T2S Programme critical

Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Cynthia Forde has thrown her full support behind the Transition to Secondary Schools (T2S) Programme. During the launch of the 2018 edition which gets underway this week, she described the programme as fun, interactive half- day workshops designed to providestudents with information and teach them skills, so that they can effectively make good decisions in their new school environments.

“Several obstacles might seek to derail our dear children of achieving their best, but it is programmes like the T2S which remain a guiding light and moral compass for every 11-year-old entering each of our 22 secondary schools,” she expressed.

“When we dissect the T2S programme we see that it was well thought out and the topics touch on pertinent areas to provide cohesive grounding for our children – Drug Awareness, Bullying and Conflict, HIV and STI Prevention, Gender Issues and Human Sexuality. I want to commend the team who came up with these critical areas. This is the kind of engagement we need to support the young people of this nation.”

However, Forde who is a former educator advocated for parents to be integrated into the programme, which is coordinated by the National HIV/AIDS Commission.
She emphasised that parents and guardians have an integral part to play in guiding their children to be the best citizens that they can be.

“I believe that this T2S transformation could include a similar session geared towards parents, guardians and mentors. It could be executed through the Parent, Teacher Associations (PTAs),” she suggested.

“I know it can make a tremendous difference because when a parent is empowered, a household is empowered, a community is empowered; a whole society is empowered.”

Furthermore, the Minister gave the assurance that the Government of Barbados will not allow any of its children to be left behind, “The children are the future and if they are to be exemplary elders – decades from now – the work must be done today in moulding them into decent, diligent citizens who will pass on only positive qualities to the next generation.”

The T2S Champion Award
Dr. Dawn Chesney-Bynoe, a teacher at St. George Secondary School was announced the 2017 T2S Champion during the launch held at the Warrens Office Complex.
The T2S programme Champion of the Year celebrates the unique contributions of some of the finest teachers in the Transition to Secondary School Programme, whose role it is to create a nurturing and supportive environment where learning will be embraced by those active 10-12-year-old students.

“This award honours those teachers who through their commitment and industry have not only improved the quality of the school experience but continue to be ambassadors for the National HIV/AIDS Commission education and prevention programme,” explained Behaviour Change Specialist at the Commission, Cecilia Neblett-Murray.

“The Commission decided to honour Dr. Chesney-Bynoe because of her commitment to the T2S Programme and the initiative taken to assist at all levels.” (TL)