You are here
ODPM presents Prize Money to winners of the 2nd Annual National Primary Schools Quiz
On Wednesday 14th December, 2011, fourteen primary schools competed for the challenge trophy in ODPM’s 2nd Annual National Primary Schools Quiz. The Quiz focused on the hazards to which Trinidad & Tobago is prone, and ways to better mitigate, prepare for and respond to the hazards. It took place at the Crowne Plaza in Port of Spain, and brought together schools from both Trinidad and Tobago. Photographs from the event can be viewed here.
After about three hours of questions, answers, anxiety and smiles from the participants, the Sangre Grande Hindu School emerged the day's winner. Sacred Heart Girls R.C. School, last year’s champions, took a close second place and Caroni Hindu School rounded out the good performances in third place. Special prizes were also awarded to Sacred Heart Girls R.C. School for “Most Outstanding Essay” and to Sangre Grande Hindu School for “Most Creative Essay.”
This Quiz was an excellent complement to the theme of this year’s United Nations International Day for Disaster Reduction, Step up: Children and Young People as Partners in Disaster Risk Reduction. The ODPM firmly believes that children possess immense creativity and naturally have the will to make a positive difference. Moreover, if children are provided with the resources and opportunity to take action, they will become the catalysts of change. It is our hope that they will use simple yet effective strategies to make their homes, schools and communities safer and more resilient.
Schools Supervisor III in charge of the Port of Spain District of the Ministry of Education, Jenny-Lynn Cyrille, noted that “the Ministry of Education is honoured to be part of this initiative because it ensures that children are more aware and knowledgeable about the threats which face them.” She further stated that “it is our fervent hope that the knowledge gained will be spread to other classmates, friends, families and the communities.”
In his remarks, Dr. Stephen Ramroop, Chief Executive Officer of the ODPM, affirmed that children and young people have an important role to play in disaster risk reduction. He indicated to the young students and their teachers that the ODPM’s ultimate aim is to build a culture of safety and resilience in Trinidad and Tobago and that this Quiz was one of the ways to get the youth involved in the creation of one such society. He reminded them all that “the young bamboo plants in Asia are resilient because they bend under pressure; they never break. Therefore, after a hazard impact, you must be like those young bamboo plants which are strong and resilient able to bounce back.” He underscored that we can only be resilient by educating ourselves about our risks, taking appropriate action and being prepared and ready to act.
