28 November 2009
PETIT VALLEY, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today lauded the important role Canadian-curriculum schools play in fostering greater cooperation between Canada and Trinidad and Tobago. While in Port of Spain for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting (CHOGM), the Prime Minister visited Maple Leaf International School, the largest private, not-for-profit school in Trinidad and Tobago, which offers the curriculum of the Province of Ontario from kindergarten to grade 12.
“Canadian-curriculum schools play an important role in creating education links between our two countries,” said the Prime Minister. “They help to develop understanding and encourage cooperation between Trinidad and Tobago and Canada on academic, cultural and economic levels.”
Maple Leaf International School is one of 65 schools located in 16 countries around the world that follow a Canadian curriculum. These include one other in Trinidad and Tobago and several in the Caribbean region.
“For many, education at a Canadian-curriculum school overseas is the start of a lifelong connection with Canada,” said the Prime Minister. “Many of the graduates of these schools go on to study at Canadian universities and colleges, thereby enriching our society with their skills, culture and traditions.”
Canadian schools around the world offer advantages to local students, providing them with additional choice in high-quality education, Canadian teachers and administrative staff as well as Canadian learning materials. They are also a great way to help students better understand Canada. Students of these schools are in an enriching cross-cultural environment that encourages global citizenship and engagement.
