By Ms. Simone Augustus, Communications Specialist, Office of the President
The University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) and Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Education marked a new chapter in the Adopt A School (AAS) Program on October 30, 2024, with the launch of the “Bridges to Excellence” initiative at San Juan North Secondary School (SJNS). USC’s involvement underscores the institution’s mission to drive community engagement and holistic development, emphasizing the transformative role that education and community partnerships play in empowering youth.
The ceremony, held at San Juan North Secondary, showcased the collective vision for educational enhancement in Trinidad and Tobago. As the national anthem played, performed by the San Juan North Secondary Steel Orchestra, the atmosphere was filled with optimism for a future shaped by collaboration. The event program included insights from USC’s educational leaders and remarks from Dr. the Honourable Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, Minister of Education, who lauded the partnership’s potential to create a meaningful, lasting impact on the school community.
The event brought together educators, students, and community leaders, including USC administrators, staff, and students. Among the university’s administrators present were Provost Dr. Len Archer, Associate Provost Dr. Lena Caesar, Vice President of Spiritual Development Pastor Terry A. John, Vice President of Financial Administration Dr. Joel Hazelwood, and Vice President of Administration, Advancement, and Planning Dr. Barbara Reynolds. Their presence underscored the institution’s unified approach to community engagement.
Bridges to Excellence: A Pathway to Holistic Student Support
Dr. Loverne Jacobs-Browne, Dean of the School of Education and Humanities at USC, outlined the Bridges to Excellence initiative, emphasizing its multifaceted approach to student development “This program provides pathways for excellence by combining academic support, mentorship, and creative endeavors. We are creating an environment where every student can thrive,” Dr. Jacobs-Browne remarked.
The “Bridges to Excellence” initiative is an extension of USC’s broader community engagement efforts, building on years of academic support and mentorship through initiatives like the Youth Empowerment for a Stronger Society (YESS) program. Launched in 2018, YESS has reached over 500 students annually across Trinidad and Tobago, providing assistance in English, History, and Music to help students excel in their CSEC exams. San Juan North Secondary has been a core partner in the YESS program, and many of its students have since matriculated into USC, thanks to this foundational support.
USC’s involvement in San Juan North Secondary’s development extends well beyond academics. The partnership incorporates several key elements designed to provide a nurturing and inspiring environment for students, including literacy and numeracy support, mentorship, and a beautification drive that will see USC students working alongside San Juan North students to revitalize the school’s physical spaces.
Literacy, Numeracy, and Mentorship: Building a Strong Academic Foundation
Through Bridges to Excellence, USC has committed to addressing fundamental educational needs, especially for first and third-form students. An initial diagnostic assessment has already been conducted to gauge literacy levels and identify areas for targeted support. Under the guidance of USC faculty and student teachers, students are grouped based on their reading levels, and tailored instruction has begun to reinforce literacy skills. Plans for numeracy assistance are also underway, further solidifying USC’s role in providing holistic academic support.
Dr. Roland Sealy, Chair of USC’s Education Department, underscored the importance of this personalized approach: “The key to meaningful education lies in understanding and meeting the individual needs of students. Through targeted literacy and numeracy programs, we’re laying the groundwork for lifelong learning.”
The program also includes a mentorship initiative that connects students with role models and advisors who can guide them on their academic journey and assist in aligning their post-CSEC plans with their career aspirations. This mentorship aspect is integral to USC’s philosophy of not only helping students excel academically but also empowering them to envision a purposeful future.
Beautification and Early Scholars Programs: Inspiring Spaces and Aspirations
Physical learning environments significantly impact student motivation, and USC recognizes the importance of creating spaces that foster pride and inspiration. The beautification component of the Bridges to Excellence initiative will bring together USC and San Juan North students to enhance the school’s aesthetics, symbolizing a community-wide investment in the school’s future. By actively involving students in this beautification effort, USC hopes to instill a sense of ownership and pride among students.
“We want our students to learn in spaces that inspire them to dream big,” said Dr. Colwick Wilson, President of USC. “The beautification effort is symbolic of the transformation we envision—not just for the school, but for every student who walks through its doors.”
Dr. Wilson also reflected on the broader goals of the partnership: “This initiative is about more than academics. It’s about creating a culture of excellence, values, and citizenship that will uplift communities and, ultimately, our nation.”
For upper-form students, the Early Scholars Program provides a unique opportunity to transition into higher education. Qualified 4th and 5th form students with the requisite GPA will be invited to enroll in introductory university courses at USC, giving them a head start on their academic futures and a tangible connection to collegiate-level learning.
A Broader Vision for Trinidad and Tobago’s Educational Transformation
The Adopt A School Program, initiated by the Ministry of Education in 2020, aims to support Trinidad and Tobago’s Vision 2030 goals by fostering corporate and organizational support for educational transformation. The program’s third phase prioritizes curriculum reform, cultural education, and the development of values and attitudes essential for producing well-rounded, civic-minded citizens. The Ministry’s Education Policy 2023-2027 emphasizes not just academic learning but also moral, cultural, and life skills that will prepare students to contribute meaningfully to society.
Minister Gadsby-Dolly emphasized this vision, noting that partnerships like USC’s are instrumental in creating a school system where students can thrive academically and develop the values needed for national progress. “We need an education system that not only equips students for the workforce but also instills in them the values and behaviors that will drive our country forward,” she remarked.
Looking Ahead: A Model of Community-Driven Educational Reform
As the event concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of commitment to the goals of the AAS Program. USC’s partnership with San Juan North Secondary is a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives and the impact that institutions can make when they work together toward common goals. Through sustained engagement, USC and the Ministry of Education aim to create a model for educational partnerships that inspire not only academic success but also holistic development and national pride.
The Bridges to Excellence initiative exemplifies the collaborative spirit needed to shape Trinidad and Tobago’s future. As students, educators, and community leaders work together, the foundation is set for an empowered generation ready to lead with knowledge, compassion, and a shared commitment to excellence.
