Ministry of Education and ALTA Unite to Tackle Literacy in T&T
August 15, 2025 – In a major step toward addressing the country’s ongoing literacy challenges, the Ministry of Education has partnered with the Adult Literacy Tutors Association (ALTA) to strengthen and expand adult literacy education across Trinidad and Tobago.
At a meeting held on August 12 at Education Towers, Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath welcomed ALTA founder Dr. Paula Lucie-Smith and her delegation to discuss deeper collaboration. The talks centred on aligning ALTA’s successful community-based literacy programmes with the Ministry’s broader national and digital education strategies.
With an estimated one in four adults facing literacy challenges, both parties underscored the urgent need to scale up support. Key areas discussed included integrating technology to improve access to literacy instruction, particularly in disadvantaged communities.
ALTA, which has delivered free, structured literacy programmes for over 30 years using trained volunteer tutors, brings valuable grassroots experience. The Ministry, with its infrastructure and digital transformation goals, offers the reach and resources to bring these programmes to more citizens.
The partnership marks a significant move toward building a more literate and empowered society.
