In Brief
- Smooth Reopening: The Ministry of Education has confirmed that all 777 government and government-assisted schools opened on time for the new academic year, with minor ongoing repairs scheduled for after hours.
- Continued Initiatives: The government reaffirmed its commitment to student support programmes, including school feeding, book grants, and the distribution of laptops to incoming Form One students during Term One.
- A Call for Discipline: Dr Michael Dowlath welcomed the education community back to school, echoing the Prime Minister’s call for student discipline, perseverance, and increased parental involvement.
By Alicia Chamely
The Ministry of Education has confirmed that all 777 government and government-assisted schools, inclusive of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) centres, across Trinidad and Tobago opened on Monday for the start of the 2026/2027 academic year.
In a press release on Monday morning, the Ministry announced that all institutions opened on time for the start of the new term.
The Ministry stated that while most school repairs had been completed during the July-August vacation period, works were ongoing at a few schools and would be conducted after school hours and on weekends.
It reaffirmed its commitment to continuing the government’s education initiatives, including the school feeding programme, stronger nutrition standards, book grants and school supplies, digital and AI-enhanced learning, as well as student and parent support.
The Ministry further confirmed that the government’s laptop programme would continue, with incoming Form One students expected to receive their devices during Term One.
In a social media post earlier that morning, Dr Michael Dowlath extended a warm welcome to all students, teachers, parents and members of the education community.
Recognising the significance of the start of the school year, he wrote, “A new school year brings renewed purpose, fresh opportunities and, most importantly, another chance for every child to grow, discover and succeed.”
Dowlath endorsed Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s advice to students, encouraging regular attendance, discipline, and respect for their educators, as well as her call for greater parental involvement in their children’s education.
Addressing students, Dowlath wrote, “I encourage you to begin this year believing in what you can become. Success is not built in one examination or one assignment. It is built through attendance, discipline, curiosity, perseverance and the willingness to improve a little every day.”
“Use the opportunities being provided to you, respect your teachers and classmates, and never be afraid to ask for help when you need it,” he added.
Dowlath expressed his gratitude to teachers, principals and school support staff, stating, “I thank you for the responsibility you carry each day in shaping not only successful students, but responsible citizens.”
Echoing Persad-Bissessar’s calls for increased parental involvement, Dowlath addressed parents and guardians, encouraging them to remain active partners in their children’s education.
Welcoming the new school year, Dowlath stated, “Let us therefore begin this academic year together, with confidence in our children, respect for our educators and a shared determination to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn, to succeed and to build a better future.”
“I wish every student, teacher and family a safe, productive and successful 2026/2027 academic year,” he wrote.In Brief
