“I have gained more knowledge about technology, smart devices, and social media, and the workshop also assisted by teaching me the importance of listening to my grandchildren,” said Ms. Susan Turnbull-Fortune at a brief ceremony for the distribution of certificates for the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services’ Virtual Grand Parenting Workshop held earlier today, Tuesday, 1 March 2022, at the Ministry’s Head Office.
Ms. Turnbull-Fortune was one of fifty-three (53) grandparents who successfully completed the Ministry’s six-day Virtual Parenting for Grandparents workshop held from November 29th, 2021 to December 9th, 2021. The objective of the virtual workshop was to, amongst other things, sensitize and provide information to grandparents aimed at assisting them in making responsible decisions regarding the safety and well-being of grandchildren and other children under their care.
At the brief distribution held earlier today, some grandparents indicated that they were greatly impacted by the sessions including the segment on Social Media Management and Cyber/Internet Safety. This session exposed them to the dangers that their grandchildren may face when using social media. Participants also suggested that future workshops should include topics such as dietary and nutritional needs for children, cyber security, caring for children with physical and mental disabilities, adoption of children, divorce and its impact on family life, and caring for mistreated/abused children. This they said would contribute significantly to the development of their grandchildren and as such, encourage them to take their roles in their grandchildren’s lives more seriously.
Minister of Social Development and Family Services, Senator the Honourable Donna Cox said workshops such are these are a core function of the Ministry’s National Family Services Division as it seeks to develop and conduct public education programmes and training, including sensitisation campaigns, lectures, and workshops on social issues throughout Trinidad and Tobago, on matters impacting the family.
National Family Services Director, Ms Kathleen Sarkar commended Minister Cox for piloting the initiative noting that it is important to equip this unique segment with the necessary knowledge and skills that would assist them to make responsible decisions regarding the safety and well-being of their grandchildren.The Workshop falls under the Ministry’s Grand Parenting Programme. Following its launch in August 2021, the Grand Parenting Programme seeks to provide support to grandparents raising their grandchildren. Under this new programme, grandparents have access to training specifically designed to meet their needs, counselling services, and access to support groups.
