In a recent presentation at the Ministry of Education’s stakeholder meeting, I had the honour of discussing Angostura’s ongoing commitment to education and community development. As the Head of Global Marketing at Angostura, I am proud to share our initiatives that are making a significant impact on the lives of young people in Trinidad & Tobago.
A Focus on Education and Community Needs
At Angostura, our investments in communities are driven by feedback from our stakeholders. We regularly engage with them to understand the evolving needs of our communities and tailor our social and environmental initiatives accordingly. Our primary goal is to leave a positive impact on society and people’s lives, with a significant focus on education due to its transformative power.
Empowering Through Education
We recognise the crucial role education plays in empowering individuals. Our initiatives are designed to uplift not only our fenceline community in Laventille and Mova but also communities across the country. Guided by the belief that learning sparks change, we have adopted impactful educational programs that resonate with our core values.
Key Educational Programs
One of our major initiatives is the Links to Learn program, a partnership with the Love and Till Foundation. Through this program, we support several students in our fenceline community, helping them achieve their educational goals. We have committed to providing the necessary tools and support to ensure these students complete their secondary education successfully. Our team works closely with families, understanding their needs and offering personalised support.
Additionally, our Biennial Youth Champion Awards focus on youths who have overcome personal challenges and adversities. We provide grants to help them pursue their careers and educational goals. Our partnership with an NGO has also led to the development of an adolescent mentorship program, offering scholarships and essential support to SEA students in the Rose Hill area.
Supporting Schools and Students
Angostura’s commitment extends to providing practical support to schools. We distribute book vouchers, school bags, and SEA practice test booklets to primary schools within our fenceline community. Our annual back-to-school drive supplies stationery and book vouchers to NGOs and community groups for nationwide distribution. We also donate laptops, desktop computers, fans, and air conditioning units to schools throughout the year.
Promoting Arts and Environmental Sustainability
To commemorate World Art Day, we launched “The Art is in Us” competition for secondary schools, awarding laptops and art supplies to winning students and cash donations to support art programs in schools. At the primary school level, we collaborated with a local acting troupe to create an interactive skit addressing bullying, fostering a supportive environment for students.
As advocates for environmental sustainability, we engaged youth in a Cora River cleanup, empowering them to become advocates for sustainable practices in their communities. We also partnered with the TSL Foundation to construct a pan-making lab at the Russell Latte P High School, supporting students undertaking pan as a Caribbean vocational qualification subject.
Fostering Cultural Appreciation
Our sponsorship of the Desperados Youth School Orchestra for the 2024 Panorama Competition is another testament to our commitment to fostering youth appreciation and dedication to our national instrument. We are proud to have played a part in their success, as they topped their category and secured second place overall.
The Return on Investment
You might wonder about the return on our investment in these initiatives. For Angostura, the return is simple: making a positive change in the lives of future leaders. By providing opportunities for them to thrive, we contribute to a better society, yielding social and economic benefits while promoting a more sustainable and equitable future.
Join Us in Shaping the Future
We are grateful for the Ministry of Education’s support in our varied programs and initiatives. Today, we invite and encourage you to join us in shaping the future of our nation through this partnership. Together, we can create a brighter, more prosperous future for all.
