JA Trinidad and Tobago is a non-profit organisation which seeks to prepare and inspire young people to succeed in our competitive, global economy. As the appointed JA teacher of Naparima Girls’ High School for the academic year 2017/2018, I (Ms. Crystal Bastien) had the privilege of accompanying students to JA events and even preparing them for various activities of this JA program.
Firstly, I must make mention of the Junior Achievement Leadership Debate Series where students of our school participated in competitive debate rounds against other secondary schools. Such rounds were based on a wide array of argumentative topics which required a great deal of research on the part of both teachers (Miss Bastien & Mrs. Bachoo) and students of our debate team. The following is a list of those NGHS students who took part in this competition : Nirvana Maharaj, Shreya Gopeesingh, Farzanah Rahaman and Shivanna Chatoor.One should note that our debaters were new to the world of debate contests, however, their prior debate club experience along with their hard work and dedication made them a true match for experienced competitors in other schools.
Moreover, it is important to note their first great victory over Presentation College, Chaguanas, a strong and well-experienced competitor in the 2nd round of debates, and such an achievement highlighted not only their brilliance but also the analytical and argumentative skills of our NGHS students. Also, although our school did not make it to the last round of this competition, one of our dear students, Nirvana Maharaj, received the Oustanding Debater Award. In light of this, I would like to not only give praise to the accomplishments of our debaters but also recognise the JA organization for its abilities to expose our youth to critical thinking, leadership and teamwork skills necessary for survival in the workplace.
It is also necessary to note those accomplishments of our students at the Junior Achievement Future Unlimited Awards Ceremony. Here, participants were exposed to the Economics for Success program and were taught financial management skills and budget management. The following is a list of our award winners at this event: Asiyah Kalloo (2nd runner up for VP of Finance of the year), Chloe Sinanan (1st runner up for Production of the year and Most Innovative product), Aaliyah Roopnarine (Deputy President of the Year), Victoria Dookhoo(1st Runner up for Achiever of the Year) and Shivala Rampersad(President of the Year). Clearly, our NGHS students were very successful and they appeared to reap real benefits of this JA program where they were able to manage companies, market and sell products and so acquire skills which will make them competitive in the global economy.
It is without a doubt that the JA program enabled our NGHS students to reach their full potential by exposing them to different opportunities which can enhance their personal and professional development.
JA Debaters making us proud at the Junior Achievement Leadership Debate Series
(From left to right: Shivanna Chatoor, Shreya Gopeesingh & Farzanah Rahaman)
Miss Crystal Bastien (JA teacher) with JA Debaters and Research team at the Junior Achievement Leadership Series
Nirvana Maharaj strongly puts forth her argument at the Junior Achievement Leadership Debate Series
Oustanding Debater Award presented to our debater, Nirvana Maharaj
Asiyah Kalloo receiving her award for 2nd runner up for VP of Finance of the Year at the Junior Achievement Future Unlimited Awards Ceremony
Aaliyah Roopnarine receiving her award for Deputy President of the Year at the Junior Achievement Future Unlimited Awards Ceremony
Chloe Sinanan receiving her award for Most Innovative Product at the Junior Achievement Future Unlimited Awards Ceremony
Victoria Dookhoo receiving her award for 1st Runner Up for Achiever of the Year at the Junior Achievement Future Unlimited Awards Ceremony
Shivala Rampersad receiving her award for President of the Year along with other awards that her company received at the Junior Achievement Future Unlimited Awards Ceremony
