“To teach is to touch the lives of many and to help us learn life’s lessons. But to teach well is to make a difference in all the lives you touch…” Donna Bulger.

A quick look at the data on the crime situation and that of the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases among the nation’s youth, demands that immediate measures be put in place to stem the tide.

The Catholic Education Board of Management in its responsibility to provide quality education conducted a workshop geared towards exposing the post SEA teachers, to the values of abstinence and empowering them to impart the skills necessary for its realisation.

This workshop held January 2, 3 and 4, at the Sports Facility in Chaguanas, was attended by more than 50 teachers from every corner of Trinidad and Tobago.

Cross-section of teachers at abstinence workshop in January

Despite the fact that it was during the vacation, teachers were kept highly motivated by the information being imparted and the enthusiasm of the facilitators and presenters.

The sessions were chaired by Susan Ganness along with her team that included Dr Peter Gentle and Merle Ali, certified and qualified medical representatives, who presented frightening statistics on the prevalence of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Teachers also learnt about myths concerning the diseases and were given the skills to empower them to impart the idea of abstinence as a choice. This is surely a programme that all teachers across the nation should be encouraged to participate in.

Apprehension stepped in when teachers were told that each had to teach a lesson. However, the scheme of work redesigned by Selwyn Bhajan included ideas and activities for the lessons which suit the needs of our children. This proved an invaluable tool in fulfilling that task. Presenters were pleasantly surprised at the wide variety of techniques applied.

At the end of the session teachers showed appreciation to the facilitators, the medical practioners for their valued contribution, Fr Michael Moses and Babsie Bleasdel (Aunty Babsie), whose determination it was to introduce the abstinence programme, and Hazel Reis, the Episcopal delegate for education whose presence always displays the CEBM dedication to touch the lives of the citizens of Trinidad & Tobago

Each teacher having received a certificate is now empowered to confidently deliver the message of “The New Sexual Revolution”.

Teachers can make a difference in the lives of those they touch. Teachers have the power to change society.