“Seeking knowledge at [a] young age is like engraving on a stone” so said Hasan al-Basri, noted preacher, theologian and scholar of Islam. On this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr, children from several homes in south Trinidad celebrated with international education activist, Malala Yousafzai. The event, which was hosted by The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) with kind part sponsorship from SM Jaleel and Company Limited (SMJ), welcomed children from the Lady Hochoy Centre (South), Operation Smile Children’s Home, Couva Children’s Home & Crisis Centre, Jai Lakshmi Children’s Home and the El Shaddai Retsoration Home.
Ms. Lorna Ross, Chairperson of Lady Hochoy Centre (South), remarked that Malala’s mission “to educate all” was in fact similar to that of the Centre as the institution, which is now in its 45th year, seeks to educate students in areas such as “religion, life-skills, sport, art and craft, music and functional academics” She remarked that it was a privilege for them to pay “tribute to Malala for [her] courage and persistence against odds that we can only imagine”.
Also addressing the capacity audience was Minister of State in the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure and Member for Oropouche West, the Honourable Stacy Roopnarine, who referenced Malala’s strength and courage and wished the young activist well in her mission of advocacy in spreading the message of education for all youth. A message, that is not lost on the people of Trinidad and Tobago even as the country enjoys universal access to education from primary to tertiary education.
Malala Yousafzai, the day’s Feature Speaker and guest of honour, commended the many youthful performers from the representative homes who shared in song. She wished Eid Mubarak to all and commented that, “even though many in the audience are not Muslims, it is a privilege to see brothers and citizens celebrating with each other”. Malala, who shared her story, remarked that she continued with the campaign to encourage education for all as she wanted children in her neighbourhood to have that opportunity. Malala continues to be impressed by accessibility to education in Trinidad and Tobago. According to her, many nations can learn from Trinidad and Tobago and that [she] would tell other countries to make education free for every child as it is here [in Trinidad and Tobago].
Special presentations were made to Malala, including that of a portrait by Sirju Seeharack, a Florida-based Trinidadian. Seeharack has produced and presented portraits to President Obama, the family of Martin Luther King Jr., Prime Minister Kamla Persad Persad-Bissessar and many others. Malala’s next appearances will be on Wednesday 30th and Thursday 31st July at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA). These events which are by invitation only will be broadcast live on television and streamed on UTT’s website www.u.tt (to gain entry into the auditorium, invitations must be presented).
Photo Gallery Click Here...
www.guardian.co.tt/gallery/malala-lady-hochoy-centre