Tobago Students Explore THA Special Sitting in June

May 15, 2025 – Primary school students across Tobago are getting a unique civics lesson, thanks to the Tobago House of Assembly Legislature’s second annual Primary Plenary School Tour. Standard Four and Five pupils from all 42 primary schools on the island are participating in interactive sessions designed to teach them how the THA functions. The island-wide initiative, which runs from May 12 to 20, offers 30-minute classroom sessions focused on the structure of the Assembly, the responsibilities of its members, and the importance of Tobago’s electoral districts. The sessions also include mock debates to simulate the legislative process, helping students understand the conduct and procedures expected in real Assembly sittings. Sophia Cooper, the Assembly Legislature’s special programmes coordinator, said the goal is to make legislative history accessible and relatable to young people. “We want students to leave these sessions understanding how decisions are made in Tobago and how they can be part of that process as they grow,” Cooper said. The tour is part of the THA’s bicentennial celebrations marking 200 years of the Chamber building. It also ties into the broader “People’s House” initiative, which aims to increase public involvement in the democratic process. Selected students from this tour will be invited to attend a special sitting of the Assembly Legislature in June, an excellent opportunity to experience the chamber’s work up close.