Real Election, Real Education in Trinidad & Tobago Politics

Over the past month 7th grade students of ISPS (International School Port of Spain) have been treated to an authentic educational experience. The theme for their latest unit is “Sense of Quality”, which asks them to explore questions like: What is quality? What is quality of life? And, what is quality literature? Additionally, with the election coming up on May 24th, the teachers of the 7th grade decided to add a question: How can the next government improve the quality of life in Trinidad?

To answer this question, students started by exploring what quality of life means. They came up with several categories connected to quality of life, such as, basic necessities, community, entertainment, education, and employment. They then looked at how a country might develop institutions to provide for these needs and how a government has to balance social, economic, and environmental considerations.

Once they had created a basis for understanding quality of life and development, they went on the hunt for information about the two major parties vying for the upcoming election: the PNM and the UNC headed coalition. This was a difficult task because they had to wade through multiple articles to find out what the parties plans were to improve the quality of life of the people of T&T. Most articles covered mudslinging between the parties, rather than the actual issues. To help them, students studied the ideas of vague vs. precise, bias vs. balance, and facts vs. opinions. The results of this were that students collected a series of articles for both parties that outlined their platforms for creating a quality T&T.

To further assist in their understanding the teachers of the 7th grade brought in guest speakers from both the PNM and the UNC. Neil Parsanlal, the minister of information and PNM candidate came in first. Mr. Parsanlal answered an hour’s worth of informed questions created by the students. The questions ranged from quality of life to crime to government expenditures on development. One week later, students had a second opportunity to question a politician, Jack Warner from the UNC. Mr. Warner answered several of the same questions in a similar format. Mr. Warner also used the session as an opportunity to publish an article about the UNC’s plans for National Security. The article in Newsday and The Guardian featured the name of the school along with a picture from the session. Unfortunately, the article did not explain that the students were seeking to get a balanced view of the issues by interviewing representatives from both major parties.

After both speakers, students reflected on which party has a better plan for how to improve the quality of life in Trinidad. Over the next two weeks students will further hone their skills and understanding by representing the parties in a mock debate. Also, students will act the part of politicians by interviewing stakeholders in the Grand Riviere area during their upcoming outdoor education turtle trip. The interviews will be used to make a proposal for a development in the Grand Riviere area to improve the quality of life for its residents.

When asked to reflect students had this to say:

“I love hands on experiences like this where I am allowed to form my own opinion. Meeting two of the biggest names in Trini politics has taught me so much of the past two weeks” Harry Carter, 13

“Honestly, I think that the politicians coming to talk to us helped me really understand what quality of life really means in Trinidad and Tobago. It also made me realize how much we need change.” Julian Azar, 13

“Hearing from both parties (UNC and PNM) has helped me get a better understanding of Trinidad and Tobago’s politics as well as its history. Having politicians from both sides gave me a fair and balanced view.” Alejandro Castillo, 13

“I thought this quarter was very interesting. It changed my perspective on politics in Trinidad. When Neil Parsanlal came to our school I thought he was a good speaker, but I was still a UNC man. When Jack Warner came it made me even more for UNC. Then after the speakers I was watching each party say their speeches at a rally on TV, it made me realize all that the PNM was going to do for our country. Even though they did do bad things they were making up for it. In Kamla’s speech, she did not really talk about what the UNC are going to do for our country. So right now I am undecided on who I want to win, but I think the PNM should stay in power.” Nicholas Laquis, 13

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