Respect our children's rights

THE EDITOR: Open letter to principals, educators, parents and guardians.

I write to you with a profound sense of urgency and concern regarding the recent notification from the Ministry of Education about the TT National Learning Assessment (TTNLA) examination and survey. As members of The First Wave Movement and advocates for civil and human rights, we must critically examine the implications of this survey and the processes surrounding it.

Firstly, it is imperative to highlight the significant ethical and legal concerns raised by previous surveys conducted by the ministry. The lack of transparency in these initiatives has consistently undermined the trust between educational institutions and parents.

It is crucial to question the necessity of this new survey and why alternative, less intrusive methods of evaluation cannot be utilised. Are there not sufficient existing tools and assessments that provide insight into the educational needs and progress of our children without encroaching on their privacy?

The TTNLA survey requests that children include their name and ID, eliminating any semblance of confidentiality. This is a serious breach of privacy that should not be tolerated.

Parents have expressed significant concerns about the nature of the questions in previous surveys conducted in the first quarter of 2024. These surveys included profiling questions and invasive queries about mental health, economic status and other personal matters, which are wholly inappropriate for children.

Adding to our concerns are the partners involved in these surveys, who have questionable agendas that may not align with the values and beliefs of many families. These partners include:

• The Silver Lining Foundation: A youth organisation that champions anti-bullying in schools and promotes the developmental needs of LGBTQI youth.

• Womantra: An intersectional feminist organisation engaged in social justice actions, including initiatives to end gender-based violence.

• The Women’s Caucus of TT: A group providing peer social support and community service for women who love women.

• Say Something TT: A community action network focusing on gender-based violence and holding public officials accountable.

• TT Transgender Coalition: An organisation delivering services to transgender and non-binary individuals.

• Caribbean IRN: A network connecting activists, scholars, artists and other individuals and organisations working on issues related to diverse genders and sexualities in the Caribbean.

These organisations, while they may have commendable objectives within their own contexts, raise concerns when their involvement in educational surveys is not transparently communicated and justified to parents. The reluctance of the ministry to share the full contents of the survey with parents further exacerbates these concerns.

Transparency is not just a matter of courtesy; it is a fundamental principle that fosters trust and ensures that parents are fully informed about their child’s educational experiences.

If the survey contains sensitive topics, parents have the right to be informed so they can discuss these matters with their children appropriately. Why is the ministry withholding this information from those who have the greatest stake in their children’s well-being?

We must ask ourselves and the ministry: What is the true purpose of this survey? How will the data collected be used, and who will have access to it? Can we trust that our children’s personal information will be protected and used solely for educational improvement, and not for any other undisclosed purposes?

Given these concerns, we strongly urge all principals and parents to reject this survey unless it is conducted with complete transparency and accountability. We cannot in good conscience consent to an exercise that potentially violates our children’s rights to privacy and informed consent.

Here are specific recommendations going forward:

1. Demand full disclosure: Insist that the ministry provides a certified copy of the questionnaire to all parents and guardians before seeking consent.

2. Require parental involvement: Ensure that any survey administered to children is conducted in the presence of an adult or legal representative to safeguard their rights.

3. Seek alternative evaluation methods: Encourage the ministry to use existing data and non-intrusive methods to assess educational needs and system performance.

4. Engage in dialogue: Principals should facilitate open forums where parents can voice their concerns and engage directly with ministry representatives.

5. Promote ethical standards: Advocate for the establishment of clear ethical guidelines governing the administration of all surveys in schools.

As stakeholders in the education system, we have a duty to protect our children’s rights and ensure that their educational environment is safe, respectful and transparent. I call on all parents, guardians and school administrators to stand united in demanding accountability and integrity from the Ministry of Education.

Together, let us ensure that our children’s rights are upheld and that their education is conducted in an environment that respects their dignity and privacy.

UMAR ABDULLAH

founder and leader

The First Wave Movement