Our day with the little wigglers

"I'm Harry Potter, and this is Ron."
"There's a spider in this rock"
"Let's go watch a movie and get the dragon. He breathes fire."
      ^These are only some of the hilarious quotes that came out from our visit to a Trinidad preschool.

We were welcomed with open arms!

Some of us spend the day at the UWIFDCRC (University of West Indies - Family Development and Children's Research Centre). We had an absolutely fantastic time observing and interacting with who we call the little wigglers (also known as preschoolers).

 Here is a video of some of the older preschooler's doing some dancing.

Kate kickin' it with the kids during free outside playtime. 

Some students took the time to collaborate and paint us a picture.  Mary Kish (also know as  Mother Mary) assured us she would hang it in her office.

We were very fortunate for this opportunity and we look forward to returning in the future! A big thanks to the staff of UWIFDCRC for hosting us.

A Sunny day at the beach with a splash of color

Merakus Bay Trinidad - Great sunny day with warm water!

We braved the massive waves for some fun

Hannah holding the famous Richard's Bake and Shark - delicious! Kate said she could eat it everyday.

The East Indian annual celebration of Phagwa, or the celebration of color and life where the participants paint each other, including their babies with brilliant colors. They were particularly enthusiastic when the CFS students arrived willing to be painted. 

From left to right: Tamera Hopkins, Janine Savige, Shanli LaTulip, and Gabrielle Gafofalo had a great time


Off to play with the little one's tomorrow! 

Our visit to the University of West Indies

Featuring a discussion regarding health care workers and their attitudes and understanding of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Trinidad

UWI campus

Toes in the sand!

CFS having fun at Las Cuevas Beach

Getting Ready to go!

        This year, the Department of Child and Family Studies will have ten students participating in the Spring break to Trinidad and Tobago. Along with undergraduates in Child and Family Studies, we welcome students from the Syracuse University departments of Social Work and International Relations. Also joining us this year are two graduate students, one from Marriage and Family Counseling and one from CFS. Dr Jaipaul Roopnarine has been instrumental is arranging for site visits with various professionals in education and the human services field who will converse with the students regarding their work.
        Next Thursday we gather at the airport and begin this year's adventure. Two of the three students who went last year on the exploratory visit are returning and all are eager to enjoy the hospitality and welcome of this vibrant island nation.

Question from Shenn

The Child and Adolescent Centre mentioned in the posting regarding activities in Tobago is the Tobago Regional Health Authority, Child and Adolescent Centre, Orange Hill Road, Spring Garden, Tobago
Phone: 660-7338/635-0821.

Children's Psych Centre, Snorkeling Adventure

Hi Everyone!!

So today was our last day in Tobago and the last day of our entire trip.  This morning we headed over to a Child and Youth Psych Centre where we met with three very informative women.  At this meeting, we discussed the centre's history, the services offered, the current government, and other issues that impact the centre's operation.

After visiting the centre, we went back to Pigeon Point to begin our snorkeling adventure!  We took a speed boat along the coast of the island and finally stopped at one reef where we put on our snorkeling gear (flippers, life vests, snorkeling masks) and hopped in the water to see many colorful fish and sea urchins.  After stopping at this reef, we hopped back into the boat, cruised around for a bit and stopped at two more reefs along the coast.  After visiting these reefs, we had extra time so our captain offered to throw the anchor down and let us relax on the boat for a while before heading to the Nylon Pool in the middle of the ocean.  This "pool" was a spot in the ocean where you could stand and the water would only come up to about your waist!  Finally, we headed back to shore and did some more souvenir shopping.

Tonight we are going to watch the SU game (GO CUSE!!) and lime a bit before we have to wake up at 5:00am for our flight to Trinidad so we can head back to NY!

Hope everyone has enjoyed following our blog over the course of our trip!  See you all soon!!

Wednesday's Preschool Visits

Hi all!  We have been so busy we haven't had much time to blog!
On Wednesday we went to two rural preschools in the southern part of Trinidad.  The first preschool had two head teachers and about twenty children.  The children were lively and seemed to be enjoying their day!  While we were there they learned about circles.  They were drawing them and cutting them out.  Behind this preschool was a home for children who cannot live with their parents.  It was built by money that had been made through fundraising.  Hearing the history of the preschool and the home was very interesting.  After this preschool visit we went to a home in the area (where Dr. Roopnarine has been staying) and made lunch with the family.  Then we ventured off to another preschool in the south.  We didn't spend as much time there but we got to talk to the director about inclusion being introduced to Trinidad schools.
We also went to a reception with students and faculty from Texas A&M.  This is where we met the principal of the University of West Indies.  We had refreshments and took pictures with the principal.  It was nice to learn about the school and the agriculture of the area.  Many global interactions are being planned for the future between Trinidad and the US.