Ramroop: Equal opportunity education key for Vision 2020

EDUCATION is top on the list of priorities in Government’s endeavour to create a stronger society and economy by the year 2020. This was emphasised last Wednesday evening by Minister in the Ministry of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education, Senator Satish Ramroop, at the Eastern Credit Union’s annual Education Awards ceremony. “For my Ministry, it implies that we should focus on giving to all persons, the right to basic education and training, and more importantly, allow them to attain greater accomplishments, through tertiary education,” Ramroop declared. According to Senator Ramroop, the issues are being addressed through the development of a seamless education system which caters to the removal of barriers to education and training of all citizens at all levels, including offering second chances for those who require re-entry into the education system.

He disclosed that Government had almost finalised its policies and strategies regarding the development and governance of the tertiary education sector. Towards this end, emphasis is being placed on management of sector quality, financing, widening access and the national skills development. He referred to the establishment of the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) as a priority project. “It will commence its operations in a re-structured Trinidad and Tobago Institute of Technology campus next September, and later incorporate a number of existing reputable providers of tertiary education and training in Trinidad and Tobago,” said Ramroop. Also, the Government Assistance for Tuition Expenses (GATE) programme can be accessed at private institutions from September, provided these institutions obtain a certificate of Approval of Provisional Registration Status (APRS). The APRS certificate is designed to ensure that institutions meet basic national standards as tertiary education institutions, so that students are guaranteed a quality education.