St. Augustine Constituency Book Drive
Member of Parliament for St. Augustine Ms. Khadijah Ameen in collaboration with the St. Augustine Constituency Executive hosted a book drive on Friday, August 25th. MP Ameen spoke about the challenges that many parents face while sending their children to school including transportation, meals and books. The Constituency Executive and MP Ameen therefore decided to intervene and provide school supplies for the less fortunate in the community due to the failures of the Government in the educational sector.
MP Ameen emphasized that education is not an equal opportunity for all students in Trinidad and Tobago. The MP expressed her concerns on teacher absence, lack of infrastructure, drugs, bullying and violence in schools which the Government needs to address urgently. She believes that every child regardless of background should have the same opportunity to go to school and pursue a career of their choosing whether it’s in academics, trade, culture or sports.
The St. Augustine MP however encouraged the students in attendance to be resilient despite the obstacles by quoting Political Leader of the UNC, Mrs. Kamla Persad Bissessar “Education is the passport out of poverty.” The event, hosted at the UNC Tunapuna Regional Office was well attended by parents, students and also featured some distinguished guests including General Secretary of the UNC, Mr. Peter Kanhai, Senator David Nakhid and Councillor Richard Rampersad. MP Ameen expresses her sincere gratitude to sponsors who were able to provide school bags, stationery and books to the students.