The Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services (MPSDFS) launched the third instalment of its Mindful Me Journal initiative for students of the St. George East Education District, reinforcing the Government's commitment to promoting children's mental health and emotional well-being, on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at the UWI Teaching and Learning Auditorium.
The initiative forms part of a growing partnership between this Ministry, the Ministry of Education and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), to equip students with practical tools that foster self-reflection, emotional awareness, stress management and resilience, particularly during the examination period.
Delivering the feature address, the Honourable Vandana Mohit, Minister of the People, Social Development and Family Services, underscored the importance of investing in children's emotional wellness as a foundation for national development. "Today is about much more than the launch of a journal. It is about reaffirming our commitment to the emotional well-being of our nation's children and ensuring that every young person has the tools they need not only to succeed academically, but to thrive emotionally," she said.
The Minister noted that the Mindful Me Journal provides children with age-appropriate activities that encourage healthy coping strategies while reminding them that their worth extends far beyond academic performance. "Your value is not measured by a grade, a score or a report card. Each of you possesses unique talents, dreams and abilities that will help shape your future," she affirmed.
Minister Mohit also announced a significant milestone for the initiative, revealing that Cabinet has approved the integration of the Mindful Me Journal into the Ministry of Education's Digital Learning Platform, ensuring wider and more equitable access for students throughout Trinidad and Tobago. "Together, let us continue building a Trinidad and Tobago where every child feels supported, empowered and equipped to realise their fullest potential," she stated.
The Minister expressed appreciation to UNICEF for its continued technical and financial support, which has been instrumental in producing and distributing the journals, and to the Ministry of Education for its ongoing collaboration in advancing student well-being.