In March 2013, the Parliament launched its Schools’ Outreach Programme in the Port of Spain and environs educational district with a visit to Queen’s Royal College where the Speaker of the House, the Honourable Wade Mark, delivered a presentation on “the Role of Parliament in promoting Democracy in Trinidad and Tobago”.
This visit was the first in a series targeting 5th and 6th Form secondary school students across the country between March and May 2013. The schools visited were: Queen’s Royal College, Brazil Secondary, Fyzabad Secondary, Goodwood High School, Tobago, Rio Claro West Secondary, St. Augustine Girls’ High School and San Fernando West Secondary. Each presentation was conducted by the Speaker of the House or the President of the Senate on a topic related to Parliament. These presentations also included an interactive element where students were able to ask questions to the Presiding Officer. The lectures are expected to continue in the new school year.
The primary objectives of our outreach programme are to build awareness of the role and importance of the Parliament in sustaining democracy and promoting good governance, to encourage youth participation and partnership in the decision-making process and to develop a sense of civic pride among young persons.
All presentations were videotaped by the Corporate Communications Department of the Office of the Parliament and subsequently shown on the Parliament Channel. A new lecture is broadcast on Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. See our television schedule for additional viewing times.