United Way Trinidad and Tobago (UWTT) entered 2024 with a sharpened focus on its core mission—connecting resources to transform lives. January delivered a powerful start to the year, marked by strategic visioning, musical excellence from Building Bridges schools, and continued investment in teacher and trainee development.
A Renewed Vision: Connecting Resources to Transform Lives
At the start of the year, UWTT engaged funding partners, employees, NGOs and board members in a strategic session to reframe how the organisation connects people and resources more effectively.
Valmiki Maharaj, Creative Director of The Lost Tribe, joined the session to help shape discussions around value creation for communities.
John Emgee, Regional Engagement Director at United Way Worldwide, provided insight on global giving trends and the evolving landscape of philanthropy.
These conversations reaffirmed UWTT’s purpose:
“Transforming lives through the common cause of caring by bringing resources and people together.”
The renewed clarity set a strong foundation for UWTT’s 2024 initiatives and long-term community impact.
Building Bridges Schools Shine at Junior Panorama 2024
UWTT proudly celebrated the achievements of two Building Bridges partner schools—
Fifth Company Anglican Primary and Nelson Street Boys’ R.C.—both of which reached the National Junior Panorama Finals on Sunday 14 January 2024.
These schools embraced the Out-of-School Time Music component of the Building Bridges from Learning to Success Programme, which emphasises:
- Free play and movement
- Music education and performance
- Socialisation and teamwork
- Development of confidence and concentration
With support from donor partners, UWTT has supplied steelpans, tutors and dedicated music spaces to Fifth Company Anglican since 2013—investments that continue to create life-changing opportunities for young musicians.
A performance clip can be viewed via the link in the newsletter.
NOW Training 2024: Strengthening Literacy Instruction
Also in January, 12 teachers and 14 Classroom Assistant Trainees from the Building Bridges Programme began the year with continued training in the NOW (Neurodevelopment of Words) Programme—an essential literacy intervention that builds strong foundations in speech, language and reading.
The training supports educators working with students in 1st and 2nd year, enabling children to “read to learn” and helping Classroom Assistants better support teachers during school hours.
The NOW Programme remains one of five pillars under Building Bridges, reinforcing early literacy as a cornerstone of long-term student success.
Save the Date: National Day of Caring 2024
UWTT confirmed the date for the next National Day of Caring:
Sunday 19 May 2024
More details, volunteer opportunities and partner features will be shared as the day approaches.
Download the Full Newsletter
UWTT Newsletter – January 2024 (PDF)