Empowering Future Leaders:
AMCHAM T&T Champions HSE Awareness at Secondary Schools in T&T
LINKAGE Q1 (2025) - ACCELERATE ACTION
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MCHAM T&T took a proactive step in shaping HSE awareness among young minds by hosting a youth outreach programme at several secondary schools across the country. Spearheaded by the Chamber’s HSE Committee under the leadership of Chairman Balchan Jadoonanan and Melissa Pierre, Senior Trade and Policy Specialist at AMCHAM T&T, the programme formed part of the Chamber’s broader commitment to fostering a strong culture of safety and environmental consciousness across Trinidad and Tobago.
Targeting Forms 4 and 5 students at Success Laventille Secondary School; Presentation College, Chaguanas; Waterloo High School and Naparima College, the outreach provided vital knowledge on pressing issues, facilitated by a distinguished group of experts:
Effects of Vaping – Led by Dr. Mitra Maharaj
Let's CREATE Leaders! – Led by Dr. Safeeya Mohammed
Energy Transition and Climate Change – Led by Varsha Ramharrack
A Call to Action for Youth Awareness
Speaking on the importance of the initiative, Nirad Tewarie, CEO of AMCHAM T&T, applauded the HSE Committee for its leadership in launching the initiative, emphasising the critical role of schools in cultivating the next generation of safety and environmental leaders. “These young individuals will greatly benefit from the knowledge gained from this initiative since they play a pivotal role in ensuring that a strong HSE culture is maintained throughout all aspects of our society for generations to come.”
Echoing this sentiment, HSE Committee Chair Balchan Jadoonanan talked about the long-term benefits of introducing students to HSE concepts at an early stage. “The HSSE outreach programme is intended to equip the students with the HSSE knowledge and understanding required to guide and influence future decisions that will help future generations to protect themselves, others, and the environment.”
Commitment to Expanding Youth Engagement
Looking ahead, AMCHAM T&T will continue to engage young people on these important topics and issues to cultivate a stronger culture of HSSE awareness and education. These continued engagement aims to empower even more young individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead safer, healthier, and more environmentally conscious lives.
As AMCHAM T&T continues its mission to drive awareness and inspire change, initiatives like these serve as a powerful reminder that the future of HSE leadership begins in the classroom—with informed, inspired, and empowered youth at the forefront.
