Support to Primary Schools for the New Norm UWTT National Time of Caring Project: July 2020 to March 2021 Final Report

Abstract

The United Way Trinidad and Tobago (UWTT) Support to the New Norm Project is an Advocacy through Collective Action Project to support selected primary schools in high need communities, which serve low income families, to re-open safely and efficiently in ways that does not add a financial and emotional burden to families who need time to recover from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. UWTT is committed to implement the blended schooling model, with face to face school as the basis for the model, as the most effective way to reduce both physical and virtual absenteeism of those most at risk for learning loss. We feel that this is necessary to address learning loss in these communities and to ensure that this crisis does not increase the number of school drop outs in the future. We used our resources to improve the resilience and capacity of these schools to manage living with the new norm of COVID-19. While the investment is being targeted on the 15 primary schools in the United Way Trinidad and Tobago (UWTT) Building Bridges from Learning to Success Programme, we are hoping that we can help provide a model for other schools and partners to use. Approximately 5,000 students and 241 teachers from 15 schools will benefit from this project. The Project was launched in August 2020 with the mobilisation efforts to raise necessary funding to implement the Project. Of resources mobilised, 50% came from Corporate, 30% from Foundations, 10% from individuals and in-kind donations and an additional 10% from the UWTT Community Fund. In preparation for the New Norm of COVID-19, the Project, working in 15 schools, has: 1. Improved handwashing capacity by installation of 40 permanent troughs stations for a total of about 80 faucets and provision of necessary consumables and accessories 2. Produced over 1,000 items of child and parent friendly communication materials to the schools with material available online 3. Encourage universal mask wearing by distributing masks to the students and teachers 4. Supported the Principals to develop a culture of shared responsibility for living in the New Norm The Project was scoped for available budget and Phase 1 has been completed in time for the start of Term 3, April 12, with 60% allocated to handwashing, 30% to mask wearing, 5% to communications, and 5% to visibility and administration. Phase 2 will involve sharing our results more widely with partners to explore if they would like to continue supporting work with the original set of schools, and as the opportunity exists to share our lessons learnt with other partners. We will continue to support these schools as resources are available. A key area yet to be explored with all schools based on evolving science is the ventilation in the schools. This in turn will help address the growing evidence that physical distancing of less than 6 feet is adequate for primary schools, along with mask wearing and fresh air, allowing more children to be in school. A wrap up video for the Project was created as part of our Advocacy efforts.