Youthere1 News

The Ministry of Education said it is pleased to report a successful start to Term III of the 2025/2026 Academic Year, with schools across the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), Primary, and Secondary levels re-opening on schedule today (Monday 13th April, 2026). Teaching and learning activities resumed nationwide without major disruption. In a Media Release, the Ministry said it also utilized the Easter vacation period to advance critical repair works. This includes a total of seventy-nine (79) minor repairs to facilitate CSEC and CAPE examinations, and sixteen (16) emergency repairs at both Primary and Secondary schools. The Ministry said it is “further pleased to confirm the resumption of operations by the National Schools Dietary Services Limited (NSDSL).” On the first day of service, the Ministry notes that approximately 62,091 breakfasts and 75,605 lunches were delivered to students nationwide, supported by sixty-seven (67) fully-operational kitchens across the country. Ac...

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) is reminding the public that according to the Ministry of Education, the re-opening of schools is scheduled for Monday (13th April, 2026). In a Media Release today (Sunday 12th April, 2026), the TTPS said, “As such, the TTPS wishes to remind motorists to re-adjust schedules to factor in increased traffic on the roadways as well as be extra-vigilant for school children crossing roadways and stay alert for children entering and exiting from vehicles.” Senior Superintendent of the Traffic & Highway Patrol Branch, Lincoln Daly, is warning drivers who are in a hurry and may think to “take a chance” on the shoulder that his Officers will be out in full force to help ensure persons have a safe journey across the Highway network. According to Daly, “School re-opening requires drivers to re-adjust journeys to help ensure they are still on time. Good journey management entails that persons may have to leave home significantly earlier and cater ...

The Ministry of Education said 17,573 students were registered to write the Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) examination on Thursday (26th March, 2026), at 547 centres nationwide. This cohort comprised 8,885 males and 8,688 females, across eight (8) educational districts. In a Media Release following the examination on Thursday, the Ministry said Dr. the Honourable Michael Dowlath, Minister of Education, “extends congratulations to all candidates, as well as sincere appreciation to the personnel responsible for the successful administration of the examination.” According to Minister Dowlath, “On behalf of the Ministry of Education, I commend all students who sat the SEA 2026 examination today [Thursday]. Today, you have shown not only what you have learned, but who you are becoming — focused, capable, and prepared for the future. Continue to strive for excellence.” Relief for over 18,000 Standard Five students as the Secondary Entrance Assessment (S.E.A.) exams is finally over. For...

The Ministry of Education is providing an update regarding a fire incident on Monday afternoon (23rd March, 2026) at Carapichaima West Secondary School. In a Media Release today (Tuesday 24th March, 2026), the Ministry said smoke was detected at approximately 1:50 PM in a room located on the top floor of the Form 5 building block. “The school's emergency response protocols were immediately activated, and by 1:55 PM, all staff and students were safely evacuated to the designated muster point. The Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service (TTFS) was contacted immediately, and responded promptly.” At the time of the incident, forty-two (42) teachers and one hundred and three (103) students were present on the compound. No injuries or casualties were reported, and ambulance services remained on standby throughout the incident. The Ministry is advising that Form 5 students had successfully completed their Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) mock examinations prior to the incident. ...

The Ministry of Education (MOE) said it wishes to assure parents, students, educators, and the national community that arrangements for the Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) 2026, scheduled for Thursday 26th March, 2026, have been “fully mobilized, with coordinated support and contingency plans in place, in line with established procedures that have successfully guided this national examination for many years.” In a Media Release on Friday (13th March, 2026), the Ministry said, “The administration of SEA requires the coordinated support of multiple divisions within the education system. As is customary, the Ministry has adopted a comprehensive approach, drawing on the expertise of personnel across the education sector to ensure that every child writing the examination does so in a secure, well-managed, and supportive environment.” Within this framework: Primary School Teachers voluntarily serve as invigilators and centre supervisors, helping to manage examination rooms and centres ...

“Bad behaviour must not be tolerated anywhere in our country, especially in our nation’s schools.” This from Prime Minister the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP. In a statement issued a short while ago this evening (Thursday 5th March, 2026) via X, the Prime Minister said, “I share in the national concern regarding the information provided by the Hon. Minister of Education Dr. Michael Dowlath — incidents during class time with a member of staff present increased from 401 to 544. These incidents should be addressed with expulsion, in my personal view. If a student cannot behave properly when a teacher is present, you can only imagine how much worse they behave when unsupervised. It’s time for the parents of this minority of misbehaving students to take responsibility for their children’s behaviour and find some alternative for them to do if they cannot behave appropriately at school.” Mrs. Persad-Bissessar continued, “We can’t let a small minority of children continue disrespec...

“As education continues to evolve in a rapidly changing world, the systems that guide and protect school communities must also advance.” This according to the Ministry of Education. Dr. the Honourable Michael Dowlath, Minister of Education, officially launched the Revised National School Code of Conduct on Wednesday (4th March, 2026), reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to safe and supportive school environments across Trinidad and Tobago. In a Media Release, the Ministry said, “The updated Code reflects changes in legislation, developments in technology and the realities of today’s education landscape, ensuring that schools are equipped to respond effectively to emerging challenges.” In delivering the feature address, Dr. Dowlath underscored the importance of this revision: “There can be no sustained improvement in teaching and learning without order, safety and discipline in our schools. If learning is our core mission then discipline is not peripheral, it is foundational. When cla...

Heritage Petroleum Company Limited (Heritage) has confirmed that it responded to a leak on Thursday (26th February, 2026) on a trunk pipeline located on the compound of the San Fernando East Secondary School, San Fernando. As a precautionary measure to protect students, staff and the wider community, the school remained closed today (Friday 27th February, 2026). Heritage said in a Media Release, “Upon detection, the area was secured, and emergency response protocols were activated. Heritage mobilized equipment to contain and clean up the affected area and air quality monitoring equipment was also used to ensure readings are within acceptable limits. As of 8:00 PM this evening [Thursday], the line was plugged and clamped, and the removal of contaminated material is ongoing.” The Media Release concluded by saying, “The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries, the Ministry of Education, the Environmental Management Authority, and other relevant stakeholders continue to be updated on the ...

The Ministry of Education said it is pleased to announce the successful completion of its 2025/2026 nationwide laptop distribution exercise to support both students transitioning from the Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) into Form 1 and teachers, reaffirming Government’s commitment to digital access and equitable learning opportunities. In a Media Release today (Thursday 12th February, 2026), the Ministry said a total of 18,000 laptops were procured for distribution across 154 secondary institutions. These institutions include 125 Government and Government-Assisted schools in Trinidad, nine (9) schools in Tobago, ten (10) Private Institutions, and ten (10) Junior Life Centres. The Ministry notes that a total of 17,487 students were placed into secondary schools, with 17,188 laptops being distributed “based on confirmed enrollment data submitted by receiving secondary schools. The variance largely represents students who are repeating or who opted to attend private secondary schools....

Chief Education Officer at the Ministry of Education, Dr. Peter Smith, has issued instructions for the suspension of classes on Fantastic Friday (13th February, 2026), for forty-one (41) schools within the Port-of-Spain and Environs Education District. The instructions were issued via a memorandum to relevant stakeholders on Wednesday (11th February, 2026). The strategic move is said to have been taken in anticipation of heightened traffic as multiple Carnival events are expected to take place on Fantastic Friday. The closure affects twenty-one (21) primary schools and twenty (20) secondary schools, as follows: Primary Schools Ascension AC; Belmont Boys’ RC; Belmont Girls’ RC; Belmont Government; Bethlehem Boys’ RC; Bethlehem Girls’ RC; Carenage Boys’ Government; Carenage Girls’ Government; Cascade School for the Deaf (Special); Cocorite Government; Crystal Stream Government; Diamond Vale Government; Diego Martin Boys’ RC; Diego Martin Government; Eastern Boys’ Government; Eastern Gir...

The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) and the Cyber and Social Media Unit of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), have conducted a comprehensive technical investigation into serious threats directed at the staff and students of Rio Claro East Secondary School . In a Media Release on Monday (9th February, 2026), the Ministry said, “As a result of this investigation, search warrants were executed at multiple residences. Several electronic devices, including computers, mobile phones, and tablets suspected of containing evidentiary material, were seized and have since been transferred to the Cyber and Social Media Unit for detailed forensic analysis. It should be noted that although the perpetrator(s) utilized Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to conceal their online identities, Google, TikTok, [and] the respective VPN service providers are actively co-operating with the investigation. The individuals associa...

The Ministry of Education said it continues to maintain heightened vigilance following recent threats directed at Rio Claro East Secondary School. The threats leveled against specific teachers and students at the school started in October 2025 and intensified over the Christmas holidays. It stopped after assurances were given by Minister of National Security, Roger Alexander, that arrests were imminent. However, the threats resumed in January. In a Media Release today (Thursday 5th February, 2026), the Ministry said, “In collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) and the Ministry of Homeland Security, enhanced security measures were immediately implemented. The school has since been assigned additional School Oriented Police (SOP) Officers, and additional Safety Officers have been deployed to support on-site security operations. The Rio Claro Police continue to provide a static presence in the vicinity of the school. All established entry and exit protocols remain...

The Ministry of Education said it continues to closely monitor attendance at all Primary and Secondary schools, following reports of absenteeism among teachers and students for a second day in a row. In a Media Release today (Wednesday 28th January, 2026), the Ministry said preliminary reports indicate that, “while attendance levels continue to vary by school, a number of institutions have recorded improved teacher and student turnout in several districts compared to the previous day . Schools continue to function under normal operating conditions.” In instances where challenges persisted, the Ministry said it has “activated established contingency measures to ensure adequate supervision, safeguard student welfare, and facilitate the continuation of instruction as far as practicable. These measures were applied across all affected schools in keeping with existing protocols.” The Ministry is further advising that school supervisors and district officials remain in active communication w...

The Ministry of Education is advising the public that Cabinet has granted approval for revised Terms and Conditions of Employment for members of the Teaching Service, following the ratification of the Agreement reached between the Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) and the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers' Association (TTUTA) for the period 1st October, 2020 to 30th September, 2023. In a Media Release on Monday (26th January, 2026), the Ministry said it “confirms that relevant documentation pertaining to the wage negotiations has been finalized. These documents make clear that the approved salary revisions, consolidation of allowances, and associated benefits are now to be given effect through the established administrative and financial processes of the State, in consultation with the Ministry of Finance where required. As such, these documents are now in preparation to be forwarded to the Ministry of Education for the necessary administrative processing.” The Ministry added that i...

UPDATE (28/01/26):  The Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association (TTUTA) is reporting 63% of teachers and 62% of students were absent on Tuesday (27th January, 2026). TTUTA has also confirmed a high level of teacher and student absenteeism today (Wednesday 28th January, 2026) at schools across the country — for a second day in a row. However, TTUTA insists it is not responsible for the absences. Meanwhile, the National Parent Teacher Association (NPTA) is expressing concern over these developments, and the impact on the nation’s students. UPDATE: Across in Tobago, the Division of Education, Skills and Innovation (DESI) said in a Media Release that it has “observed a low turnout of teachers at some Primary and Secondary schools under its purview. Consequently, early dismissal was authorized at affected schools. DESI continues to closely monitor the situation and will provide updates as necessary. Parents and guardians are urged to follow the Division's official communicat...

The Ministry of Education is clarifying its position on student hairstyles after an image, allegedly from a secondary school, circulated widely on social media, outlining strict grooming rules and showing examples of hairstyles deemed as “not accepted.” ( Click/Tap Image To Enlarge ) In a Media Release tonight (Monday 19th January, 2026), the Ministry said it “wishes to clarify its position regarding student hairstyles and grooming in schools. The National School Code of Conduct provides a principle-based framework for student behaviour and appearance. It does not prescribe or prohibit specific hairstyles. Instead, it requires that any school-level guidelines on grooming and appearance be reasonable, non-discriminatory, respectful of students’ dignity, and consistent with the best interest of the child.” The Ministry notes that schools are “permitted to establish guidelines on uniform and grooming to support order, safety, and discipline. However, these guidelines must be applied fairl...

Several schools under the purview of the Division of Education, Research and Technology (DERTech) will serve as polling stations for the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Elections on Monday 12th January 2026. Consequently, all schools will be closed on that day to facilitate the electoral process. To allow the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) sufficient time to prepare the designated facilities, the curriculum was suspended at 2:00 PM today (Friday 9th January, 2026). Parents and guardians were therefore asked to make the necessary arrangements to collect students at that time. DERTech said in a Media Release that all schools will re-open and resume normal operations on Tuesday 13th January, 2026. “The EBC has confirmed that classrooms will be restored in a timely manner to ensure a smooth resumption of teaching and learning.” Please be guided accordingly.

The Ministry of Education said it is pleased to report a successful start to Term II of the 2025/2026 Academic Year. Schools across Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), Primary, and Secondary Levels reopened on schedule, with teaching and learning resuming without major disruption nationwide. In a Media Release on Monday (5th January, 2026), the Ministry said, “In preparation for the re-opening of schools, the Ministry approved a total of eighty-two (82) infrastructure projects during the period December 2025 to January 2026. Of these, thirty-five (35) projects were executed under the Ministry's Vacation Repairs Programme (VRP), while an additional forty-seven (47) projects were completed as emergency works at ECCE centres, as well as primary and secondary schools. The scope of works included repairs to roofs and ceilings, sewer and drainage systems, washroom facilities, air-conditioning units, water lines, and electrical infrastructure. These repairs were successfully implem...

Minister of Education, Dr. Michael Dowlath, has announced that distribution of laptops to Form 1 Secondary School students will begin on Thursday (27th November, 2025), with 2,500 devices to be issued in the initial phase. The announcement was made by Minister Dowlath while speaking in Parliament earlier today (Wednesday 26th November, 2025), during the Question and Answer segment. He said the 2,500 laptops were received on Tuesday (25th November, 2025), while an additional 8,500 laptops are expected on 3rd December, 2025, followed by another 7,000 on 23rd December, 2025, bringing the total to 18,000 devices under the $135 million programme. The Minister noted that the initiative, which was suspended under the former PNM administration, has now been relaunched by the Kamla Persad-Bissessar-led Government, as promised during the election campaign. Dr. Dowlath also confirmed that 20,000 School Supplies and Book Grant applications have been processed and approved for payment, providing m...

The Ministry of Education said it notes recent media reports concerning the funding and continuation of the School Supplies and Book Grant initiative to students of Government and Government-Assisted Primary and Secondary Schools. The Ministry said it “remains committed to providing clear and factual information to the public regarding this initiative, which forms part of the ongoing transformation of the national education system.” In a Media Release today (Thursday 23rd October, 2025), the Ministry states, “The School Supplies and Book Grant initiative is presently under review as part of the Ministry's implementation of the Education Strategic Plan 2025 - 2030, the national framework guiding education reform over the next five (5) years. This review is part of a wider modernization effort to ensure that support for students is equitable, data-driven, and aligned with emerging learning technologies. The introduction of AI-supported textbooks and other adaptive digital resources w...