The Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services, in collaboration with United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF), hosted stakeholder meetings to discuss the Multidimensional Child Poverty Study in Trinidad on Wednesday December 10th, 2025 at the Pamela Benson Room, NALIS, Port of Spain followed by another in Tobago on Friday December 12th, 2025 at the Tobago Library Services, Scarborough. The meetings brought together government officials, civil society, youth representatives, development partners, and other key stakeholders to discuss the findings of the 2023 Multidimensional Child Poverty Study and to plan the next steps toward a coordinated national response.
Delivering the keynote address at both sessions, the Honourable Vandana Mohit, Minister of the People, emphasised the human dimension of the study, stating that “Child poverty is not simply about insufficient income; it is about restricted access, diminished opportunity, compromised safety, and erosion of dignity. Every statistic represents a child with a name, a face, and potential. Our duty is to ensure no child is left behind.”
The study, conducted in collaboration with UNICEF and based on the Multiple Overlapping Deprivation Analysis framework, revealed that more than one (1) in three (3) children, or 35.7 (%) percent, experience multidimensional poverty facing simultaneous deprivation in areas including education, nutrition, health, housing, water, and sanitation. Minister Mohit, making reference to the data, highlighted that children in rural communities, female-headed households, larger families, and households with lower educational attainment are disproportionately affected. Boys experience slightly higher rates of deprivation than girls, and exposure to physical or psychological discipline further increases vulnerability.
Minister Mohit reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to building a Trinidad and Tobago where every child has the opportunity to thrive, to learn, to feel safe, and to be valued, stating that “This is our moment to turn evidence into action, and action into lasting transformation.”
The stakeholder meetings were held in preparation for the next phases in the development of a National Child Poverty Reduction Strategy. Over the coming months, the Ministry, with the support of UNICEF, will lead a consultative, cross-sectoral process across Trinidad and Tobago, guided by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly goals one, four, and ten. The strategy will involve a range of government ministries, the Tobago House of Assembly, statutory bodies, civil society, youth representatives, academia, development partners, and children themselves to ensure a holistic and coordinated approach.
Minister Mohit expressed appreciation to UNICEF for its technical support and partnership and acknowledged the commitment of all stakeholders in working towards improving the wellbeing of children. The National Child Poverty Reduction Strategy is expected to be finalised in 2026 and integrated into an overall National Poverty Reduction Strategy for Trinidad and Tobago.