For Release Upon Receipt - April 2, 2009
St. Augustine
On Friday 3rd April, 2009, students of The University of the West Indies (UWI) will take a new message to the public in a forum entitled “Nurturing a Caring Society—Pass it on”. The forum, which will take place at Atrium C (Opp. Radio Shak), Trincity Mall from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m., is a move aimed at increasing social consciousness and affecting change that will encourage the country’s transformation into a more caring society.
The forum is being organised by UWI’s Social Policy and Administration students. Straying from the usual classroom method of instruction, these students intend to translate their theories of social work into real benefits for society. The initiative is built on the foundation of Government’s Vision 2020 Operating Plan on “Nurturing a Caring Society”, which states: “In Trinidad and Tobago, our caring society will be one in which we recognize the family as the cornerstone of our communities; where we will be good neighbours, taking our personal and community responsibilities seriously, encouraging mutual respect, having zero tolerance for violence whilst ensuring that those who need help receive it.”
In this spirit, the students aim to sensitise the public to the ways in which individual actions contribute to the national deficit in positive values. The forum will also focus on young people and socially displaced groups, such as persons living with HIV/ AIDS, mentally and physically challenged persons, and the elderly.
Mrs. Merle Ali, HIV/AIDS activist and Dr. Dorrell Philip, a motivational youth speaker will offer words of advice at the forum. Local television duo Roy and Gloria will also present a skit centering around the idea of respect for the elderly. A representative from the Ministry of Social Development will present the feature address.
All interested members of the public are invited to attend.
For further information, please contact Dr. Innette Cambridge at Innette.Cambridge@sta.uwi.edu, or (868) 662-2002 Ext. 3062, or Mrs. Bernice Henry, at Bernice.Henry@sta.uwi.edu, or (868) 662-2002 Ext. 2113.
Dr. Innette Cambridge