UNHCR donates books, uniforms to refugees and host community children as refugees are welcomed to national schools for the first time

August 30, 2024 - Port of Spain

On Friday, August 30th, 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 Tobago's 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.

Amanda Solano, UNHCR Head of Office in Trinidad and Tobago, said:

"In 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 country's classrooms to children on the move and remains committed to supporting the Government on its next steps on access to education to all children."

US Ambassador Candace Bond said:

"The 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 students are successfully integrated into the public school system. Today's 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."

In Trinidad and Tobago, approximately 6,000 school-aged children require access to education. UNHCR, UNICEF, and Living Water Community support the Equal Place program, a temporary intervention helping refugee and migrant children access education through online and in-person learning opportunities. This program 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.

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For further information, please contact:

UNHCR Communications Associate, Kalifa Clyne at [email protected]or via phone at (868) 371-9836.