The Ministry of Youth Development and National Service launched the National Service Programme of Trinidad and Tobago (NSPTT), on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts.
The NSPTT facilitates opportunities for participants to acquire marketable skills, improve personal and social well-being, and develop and demonstrate good citizenship. This initiative instils values in young people while equipping them with skills for their personal and professional development.
The NSPTT delivers a cadre of structured Programmes that serve local communities and the country, such as: Military-Led Academic Training (MiLAT); Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC); Military-Oriented Youth Programme of Apprenticeship and Re-Orientation Training (MYPART), National Mentorship Programme – 40 Under 40; Industrial Apprenticeship Programme; Music and Media Production and Life Skills for Youth (AMPLIFY); Geriatric Adolescent Partnership Programme (GAPP) and Retirees Adolescent Partnership Programme (RAPP).
Addressing the youth at the Launch Youth Development and National Service Minister, the Honourable Foster Cummings stated, “National Service is about you deciding to improve yourself. Take advantage of the opportunities offered and be the best version of yourself.” The Minister also stressed on the point of volunteerism, as he implored the adults to use their years of experience and success, to mentor the young people – the future of Trinidad and Tobago.
Minister Cummings lauded the collaborative effort between the MYDNS and the Tobago House of Assembly, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of National Security, and the real leaders of communities and encouraged them to continue their endeavors to ensure the nation’s youth have a better future.
Minister Cummings highlighted that the young people participating in NSPTT will be recognized for their steadfastness to the Programme. He added, “The Government is interested in your future; we will pay for the programmes as much as we can; all you have to do is be disciplined to complete them and make your parents and your country proud.”
The National Service Programmes offered by the MYDNS also aim to empower youth with the certification under the Industrial Apprenticeship Programmes which include the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Programme (PLAR); the Drilling Rig Operations Programme (D.R.O.P.); the Industrial Mechanical Apprenticeship Programme (I-MAP); the Hoist-Crane Operation Programme; the Plumbing Skills Training Programme (PIPE); and the Introductory Linesman, Line Clearer Training Programme (FUSE).
Minister of National Security, the Honourable Fitzgerald Hinds, acknowledged that the suite of programmes offered by the MYDNS, without a doubt, delivers good values to the citizens of our Nation. He advised the youth in the audience from the Civilian Conservation Corps, MiLAT and the Trinidad and Tobago Cadet Force that, “It does not matter where you are now; every single day affords you a fresh start towards success. With all the opportunities made available to you, have the inner strength and the self-esteem to stand for what is right.” He reminded them to, “Keep away from slippery people, slippery places and slippery things.”
Chairman of the National Service Committee – Dr. Ruby Alleyne shared that National Service is community-oriented and provides opportunities to contribute to nation-building, the latter of which she advised, can be supported by corporate citizens and volunteerism. Echoing what seemed like the theme of the NSPTT Launch, Dr. Alleyne encouraged the youth to ‘write their own story – one they can be proud of.’
CEO of ODYSSEY CONSULTinc Limited, Dr. L. Anthony Watkins, presented the National Service Curriculum to Minister Cummings, as a guide for volunteers nationwide and to empower young people to participate positively in the decision-making process.
The Launch of the NSPTT, concluded with the MYDNS acknowledging individuals and organisations for their contribution to National Service. The National Service Individual Award was presented to: Austin ‘Superblue’ Lyons; Dominic Kallipersad; David Rudder; Jarren Richards; Nicholas Pooran; Ephraim Serrette; Penelope Spencer; Earl Lovelace; Robert ‘Lord Nelson’ Nelson; and Mrs. Zalayhar Hassanali. National Service Awards were also presented to Organisations that contribute to youth development: The House of Angostura; The Hunters’ Search and Rescue; Atlantic Trinidad; Digicel Foundation; NGC Trinidad; RBC (Royal Bank of Canada); Massey; Shell Trinidad; and the Unit Trust Corporation.
The Ministry of Youth Development and National Service (MYDNS) remains committed to bringing all stakeholders together to promote youth development and encourages civic-minded citizens to contribute to national service across Trinidad and Tobago.
First Lady Zalayhar Hassanali at the Launch of NSPTT
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