‘Priests Can Cook’ 2018 to assist 7 RC schools

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‘Priests Can Cook’ 2018 to assist 7 RC schools

Seven Catholic primary schools whose academic performance needs improving will receive financial assistance through the second annual ‘Priests Can Cook’ Friday, September 28 at the forecourt of the Grand Stand, Queen’s Park Savannah.

The aim is to upgrade learning in the class through improved literacy and numeracy in schools deemed ‘underperforming’ and placed on ‘Special Watch’ by the Education Ministry.

A release from the Office of the Vicar for Clergy dated August 7 stated the Church also recognises that the holistic development of a child is crucial to his/her overall growth and socialisation so the programme’s focus will also include more effective leadership and governance, greater parental involvement and the cultivation of a stronger Catholic identity.

Training of the first cohort of teachers will commence this month. Participants will be monitored and evaluated to ensure that they are able to use their newly acquired tools to positively impact learning.

It is hoped that the profits from Priests Can Cook 2018 will be sufficient to attend to at least seven of the 27 schools on ‘Special Watch’ since there is insufficient funding and other resources necessary for improvement in all the schools identified.

The Archdiocese of Port of Spain owns and manages 118 Catholic primary schools throughout Trinidad and Tobago. These schools cater for thousands of children of all ethnicities and religions in all geographical areas of the country. Consequently, the release stated, “the Roman Catholic Church has a tremendous responsibility as it continues to play a prominent role in the education and formation of our nation’s children”.

The Priests Can Cook initiative came about when the staff of the Catholic Education Board of Management (CEBM), which manages the Catholic primary schools, joined forces with the staff of Archbishop’s House to stage a fundraiser.  Support was given by the St Mary’s College Past Students’ Union and The St Joseph’s Convent (PoS) Past Pupils’ Association.

These entities are once again putting their organising skills and experience together to host this year’s event. The proceeds from last year assisted Diego Martin Boys’ RC, Petit Valley Boys’ RC, La Romaine RC, and Our Lady of Laventille RC.

Priests Can Cook will feature several priests, permanent deacons and guest chefs, either preparing or serving sumptuous dishes, some of which are cooked at the venue.

Dinner will be served from 6.30 to 8.30 p.m. with entertainment continuing until 10.30 p.m. Tickets cost $275 and are available at all parish offices and Archbishop’s House. The ticket entitles patrons to dinner, desserts, non-alcoholic drinks and a chance to win valuable door prizes.

Top entertainment acts will include Wendell Constantine, John Thomas, the versatile Alicia Jaggasar, the ‘Parang Queen’, and Panorama favourites, Nutrien Silver Stars Steel Orchestra. Secure parking will be available in a fenced area within the venue.