Celebrating International Day of Education: Breaking barriers to learning for children on the move

PORT-OF-SPAIN, 24 January 2024 - “Pikachu”, a young Venezuelan now living in Trinidad and Tobago, is feeling confident and optimistic about the future. He has just joined the first cohort of children on the move being integrated into the national education system and is enjoying the experience.  “I think I like maths, because I’m good at it… I have a notebook to learn English words, science, and art… I feel happy because I have so many Venezuelan and Trinidadian friends… I have about 21 friends!” he says.

The lively seven-year-old has joined some 60 other students from Venezuela who are learning alongside Trinbagonian children after the Government - in a groundbreaking move earlier this year - amended its regulations to allow children included in its 2019 migrant registration exercise to attend mainstream schools.

Although the development is a welcome one, it still leaves many Venezuelan children outside of formal education, which may have profound effects on their life chances and their ability to fulfill their potential and lead productive lives. Children not registered in 2019 are not able to attend national schools: some 4,500 are unable to access this type of education.

To bridge the gap, UNICEF, alongside partners, is also supporting access to informal education for children on the move, from Venezuela and other countries, through collaboration with eight community-based organizations running in-person child-friendly spaces. These spaces also provide access to mental health and psychosocial support. Rocio, 16, feels he has benefited a great deal. “The child-friendly space has helped me gain more confidence in myself, and I’ve also been able to understand English better.”

In addition, UNICEF and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, are continuing to fund access to DAWERE, an accredited online programme. So far, 140 students have graduated. 

However, despite these interventions, approximately 80 per cent of children on the move in Trinidad and Tobago lack access to any education or support programmes at all. According to Pilar Gonzalez Rams, Representative (a.i) for the UNICEF Office for the Eastern Caribbean Area (ECA), all stakeholders and partners need to augment efforts to ensure this fundamental right is fulfilled promoted and protected for all children, as enshrined in the Convention of the Rights of the Child.

“Every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the right to an education. Children on the move living in Trinidad and Tobago deserve the opportunity to learn, grow, and build a brighter future. Access to formal education is a critical pathway to empowerment, success and integration into society.”

Join UNICEF ECA in wishing every child a Happy International Day of Education. 

¡Feliz Día Internacional de la Educación! - Para cada niño.

For more information contact [email protected]. Enquiries from families are especially welcome.