Education, Research and Technology
Assemblyman Zorisha Hackett
Secretary for Education, Research and Technology
Councillor Orlando Kerr
Assistant Secretary for Education, Research and Technology
Divisional Overview
The Division of Education, Research and Technology is charged with the development and implementation of policies and initiatives related to education, innovation and energy in Tobago. The Division, which operates in conjunction with the Ministry of Education and the National Library and Information System (NALIS), is guided by the following Vision and Mission.
Vision
An effective and professional organization committed to the optimal intellectual, physical and social development of its clientele.
Mission
To provide an environment that promotes and supports holistic development and lifelong learning through relevant, innovative and well conceived educational, sporting and youth oriented programmes, thus enabling all persons to achieve their full potential as productive citizens.
Departments / Units
There are four core Departments and several subsidiary Units. The Department of Energy is still in its development stage and activities related to innovation are done under the Tobago Information Technology Limited. The Division also oversees the operations of the Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute (THTI).
Department of Education
The Department of Education is responsible for the management of all schools in Tobago in areas such as curriculum implementation, school supervision, school nutrition, special education, student support services and education extension services. All units in the Education Department fulfil the mandate of building human capital development in Tobago, whether in schools or in the wider society.
School Supervision Unit
The operational mandate of this Unit seeks to improve the effectiveness of all schools through the adoption of strategies that would positively impact on the administration and the instructional programs followed. Learn More
Sport in Education
This Unit’s mandate is to coordinate the participation of primary schools in national sporting programmes and competitions. Learn More
Multicultural Education Unit
The Multicultural Education Unit, through its varied programmes and activities, impacts the lives of children and young people in Tobago from early childhood to tertiary level education. These initiatives build capacity and hone skills in visual arts and the following performing arts: song, dance, music and drama. Learn More
Curriculum Planning and Development Unit
The Curriculum Planning and Development Unit was established to support the integration of the national curriculum in the subject areas of Modern Studies, Mathematics, English Language and Modern Languages, Business Studies and Technical Vocational Studies. The Curriculum Officers are assigned to work at both primary and secondary levels and have facilitated many training and professional development workshops and seminars with both primary and secondary school teachers. Learn More
Research Unit
The Research Unit satisfies the decision-making and information needs of policymakers, administrators, educators and other stakeholders, by providing them with research-based data and information. Learn More
Tobago Library Services
The Tobago Library Services is the premier provider of library and information services in Tobago. It is responsible for the management of three (3) public libraries, Library Media Centres in all secondary schools and library services in some primary schools through its School Library Services Unit. It is also responsible for the management and support of the Tobago Archives. Learn More
Department of Advanced Training and Advisory Services
The Department of Advanced Training and Advisory Services (DATAS) facilitates the Human Capital Development Policy for Tobago, through the THA’s financial Assistance Programme. DATAS’ activities include the administration of bursaries, grants and scholarships, the provision of career and financial guidance, and post training placement support to residents of Tobago in pursuit of improving skill-set and competencies towards personal and professional development and a more sustainable contribution to the island’s development. Learn More
Department of Energy Resources
The Tobago House of Assembly developed an Energy Resource Department in October 2019. This Department assesses how renewable energy can best be utilized in Tobago to reduce consumer cost and reduce our environmental footprint. Learn More
Tobago Information Technology Limited
The Innovation Centre has been developed as a means of a startup and growth of technologically intensive, knowledge-based businesses, and for facilitating the links between the research and industrial communities. It was designed as an incubating base for private sector ventures; as a training base for persons with new innovating skills; and as an experimental zone for new technologies and have been proven to be a useful vehicle for research industry interactions and emphasizing new and emerging technologies. Learn More
Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute
Tobago Hospitality & Tourism Institute is Tobago’s premier tertiary education institution that develops human capital for the hospitality, tourism and related sectors of the economy. Learn More
Administrative Support Services
The Administrative Support Services comprises the Human Resources, Occupational Safety and Health, Information and Communication Technology and Transportation Units.