DCDSP and UNFPA Partner To Strengthen CSE Training In Tobago

The Division of Community Development and Social Protection (DCDSP), through the Diversity and Inclusion Unit, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), launched a two-day Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) Train-the-Trainer Workshop earlier today at the DCDSP Conference Hall. The aim of the workshop is to strengthen local capacity to implement the Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) Life Skills Toolkit across the island.

In delivering remarks at the opening, Assistant Secretary in the Division of Community Development and Social Protection, Councillor Ackel Franklyn, underscored the importance of having trusted persons within communities, like the participants, whom young people can confidently approach for reliable information and support. “There must still be trusted people in our communities whom young people can approach and say, Miss, Sir, I need to ask you something,’ and when that moment comes, what happens next matters,” Franklyn said.

Councillor Franklyn highlighted Tobago’s close-knit communities as one of the island’s greatest strengths, while acknowledging that this interconnectedness can also create concerns surrounding privacy and confidentiality when individuals seek information or assistance on sensitive issues like CSE. He also challenged participants to recognise the distinction between their personal values and professional responsibilities. He emphasised the importance of providing accurate information, treating persons with dignity and creating safe spaces for learning.