Life skills at college

The school was established to provide a sound secondary education for boys.

One year later, in January 1959, the College became a government-assisted secondary school.

In September 1967, Trinity moved to Moka, Maraval, where 22 acres of land were obtained on a long term lease through the generosity of Gordon Grant Estates Limited.

The intention of making the college a boarding school was not approved by the Government, so it remained a regular day school.

The original vision for the scenic area where the school is located, says Wayne Williams, public relations officer of the Trinity College Alumni Association (TCAA), “speaks of three planned plateaux — the sporting grounds at the lowest level and the school at the next level have been fulfilled. However, the third level for a chapel and dormitories did not materialise.”

As the college celebrates its 50th anniversary, the TCAA organized a sod-turning ceremony last Saturday afternoon for a Life Skills Development Centre and High Ropes Course, on the third level.

The Alumni — changed from Old Boys since girls have been admitted to Trinity but only in the Sixth Form since September 1987 — described as “the quintessential twenty first century network of past pupils” is the moving force behind these developments.

The group felt family life had become endangered along with family values and traditions and felt the current crime wave sweeping the country should be of no surprise to anyone who was paying attention to what was taking place ‘in plain sight.’ The group saw the need for the creation of a facility geared toward continuously providing myriad opportunities for the college community to embrace and significantly develop qualities of character and leadership along with a range of ‘life skills’ to complement the academic training provided by the college. The two dominant themes arec oncern and compassion for one’s fellow man and concern and care for the environment. It is hoped that this will be a prototype personal development facility for life skills training that could be duplicated by all secondary schools and colleges throughout TT.

The programme at the facility will emphasise and promote self awareness, self worth and self-esteem as the critical base for participants to maximise their potential and experience fulfillment and meaning in their lives.

The High Ropes Course, says Williams, “has been very successful in other countries all over the world, teaches trust, camaraderie, overcoming fear and generally builds team work.”

“Any team which successfully overcomes the challenges becomes a stronger and closer knit team so not only the college will benefit, but corporations, sports teams, all teams will benefit as you build a trust with your colleagues,” he explained.

The Centre, which has to be maintained and staffed, will pay for itself through rentals by companies which will use it as a residential venue when the dormitories, conference rooms and dining rooms are completed.

Meanwhile, says Williams, “once Phase 1 of the Ropes Course is completed, which we hope to get done this year as it is not complicated, it can be used for daily schedules.”

“It is the First Course in the Caribbean and TCAA is in need of sponsors.”

Reverend Calvin Bess, Bishop of Trinidad and Tobago, Reverend Colin Sampson, Dean of Trinity Cathedral and chairman of the College’s Board of Governors and acting principal Janice Richards, were the speakers at the sod-turning ceremony.

President of the Alumni, Garth Thomas, gave a description of the project, Williams welcomed and also thanked those who came to witness this historical moment, not only for a secondary school, but for the country and the wider Caribbean.