Migrant children school registration begins on June 25

REGISTRATION of Venezuelan migrant children for Trinidad and Tobago schools will begin on June 25. The Education Ministry said these children will be admitted to schools beginning in September 2024.

In a release, the ministry said this applies to Venezuelan nationals under the age of 18 whose parents registered with the National Security Ministry in 2019 and continue to register annually under the Migrant Registration Framework (MRF). It said the initiative is in compliance with the Immigration (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2024.

The release said parents who wish to register their children are required to visit the Education District Office (on Tuesdays and Thursdays only) closest to their place of residence to complete and sign the application form “Application for Admission of Migrants of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela into Schools”.

It said to complete the process, parents are required to walk with the original and one copy of the following documents: Minister’s permit under the MRF and Migrant Registration Card – Children whose parents are not in possession of the Minister’s Permit under the MRF are ineligible to apply for entry into schools; certified translation of birth certificate of child; immunisation record of child; proof of address (Letter from landlord with copy of a recent utility bill as verification of address must be presented); and, passport-sized photo of child.

The ministry stated that the process highlighted above includes applying for a student permit exemption from the Ministry of National Security. It said the application does not guarantee placement and is dependent on availability of space at schools. It said applications will not be processed unless all the listed documents above are submitted.

CEO of the Catholic Education Board of Management Sharon Mangroo said the board was glad that the release concerning the migrant children had been sent out.

“The Catholic schools are prepared. We have been waiting for this a long time. Our teachers have been trained, resources have been put in place, so we are just waiting for the process, for registration to start on Tuesday.”

TTUTA president Martin Lum Kin said while the organisation was aware that the ministry intended to register Venezuelan migrant children into the primary system for the the academic year 2024/2025, it was not aware of the time frame during which the registration would take place.

In a WhatsApp message to Newsday, Lum Kin said, "We were informed by the Catholic Education Board of Management that schools were identified, through dialogue with the principals, and training was provided to the teachers of those schools. We were assured that citizens of TT will not be denied places at these schools in preference to the migrant children.

"TTUTA is concerned about the effect of additional duties placed on our members, which may impact heavily on the already overburdened workload. We are yet to be convinced that the requisite resources will be forthcoming in time for the new term."

Lum Kin said TTUTA will monitor the situation and give its members the relevant advice.

List of District Offices / Registration Centres

• North Eastern Education District Office
• Savi Street, Boodooville, Sangre Grande
• St. George East Education District Office - 2A Eastern Main Road, Tunapuna
• Port of Spain and Environs Education District Office - Jerningham Avenue, Port of Spain
• Caroni Education District Office - Old Couva West Secondary School, Balisier Street, Couva
• Victoria Education District Office - Nos 16 - 22 Sutton Street, San Fernando
• St. Patrick Education District Office - No 101 Farah Street, San Fernando
• South Eastern Education District Office - No 87 High Street, Rio Claro
• Division of Education, Research and Technology - Dutch Fort Plaza, Dutch Fort, Scarborough, Tobago