Global Youth Service Day in Trinidad and Tobago - 2007
an article by Gia Gaspard Taylor

Favouritism was identified by students as a major problem in our society, as the Form Four students from different schools took over San Fernando City Hall. Occupying the Mayor's Chair was Richard Assing, St. Stephen's College, Princess Town. Sherlana Jaisarie representing ASJA Girls was Deputy Mayor, while Jason Ramjohn of ASJA Boys was CEO of the Corporation in the debate.

The event formed part of the celebration Global Service Day organised by the International Education and Resource Network, Trinidad and Tobago. It was entitled "Creating holistic communities through peace education" and was organized in collaboration with the Federation of UNESCO Clubs and Associated Schools Network, ASPNet.

Mayor Kenneth Fergusson greets Richard Assing,
Mayor for the Day
(click on photo to enlarge)

The debate formed part of a simulation of a real council meeting to debate an issue and make recommendations to solve the problem. The Mayor of San Fernando said "Global Youth Service Day helped to educate the public on the year-round contributions of young people as community leaders around the world." He further stated "as future leaders they must be prepared for the responsibilities that will be thrust upon them as they become adults; this model debate would throw some light on your debating skills and your level of preparedness for the tasks ahead"

Other activities included "Earth Day" April 22nd, students of other schools prepared schools safety maps, and did a survey in and around the community to determine the readiness should there be a natural disaster. While in the rural community of Palo Seco the students of the Government Primary School were honoured for winning all the first prizes from skills to nationals Primary Schools Winners in Football both Girls and Boys team.

DISCUSSION

Question(s) related to this article:

Youth as Future Peace-Builders
What project-based learning initiatives are available?

As a reader, you are invited to join in the discussion of this article based on any of the above question(s): just click on the question, read the previous comments and add a new reply. You may also enter a new discussion topic on this article - see bottom of this page.

Thematic forum(s) in which this article is being discussed:

GLOBAL MOVEMENT FOR A CULTURE OF PEACE

Latest reader comment:

Yes! Youth can and does make a difference, if given the opportunity.

In all of our inter-action on Peace youth played a very important role.

Million Minutes of Peace: Signing of the Manifesto initiative, more than 900 signature were submitted by us.

In 2001 at 1pm. we had a young man of 10 lead the City Officials in the First Steps into the International Decade of Peace 2001 -2010

Every year on September 21st an activity led by youth is held, the last two years we planted trees in memory of those who lost their lives to natural disasters, or participated in a walk led by the Minister of Education with many schools involved.

Yes! Youth can and does play a very important role in the promotion of peace.  

iearntnt

Trinidad and Tobago

This report was posted on February 10, 2008. The moderator is CPNN Administrator.

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