The students who participated in the Reperio Caribbean Martinique trip are back. The students from Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago visited the French West Indian island from April 7th to 15th, 2012 and they have sent us some of their memories. Comprising the group were students from Holy Faith Convent, Couva, St. Francois Girls' College, St. Joseph's Convent, St. Joseph and Woodbrook Government Secondary. Students of the St. Michael School and the Alleyne School of Barbados also visited the island. They learnt about the language, culture, history, gastronomy, political institutions and traditions of this French-speaking Caribbean neighbour. The objective of Reperio Caribbean is to re-introduce the Caribbean to students in a multilingual setting. Every school holiday, Reperio selects a Caribbean destination to deepen students' sense of their Caribbean identity. On their last travel students visited Guadeloupe.
As part of the experience this Easter vacation, the students had classes and workshops which offered a greater understanding of Martinique. They visited museums and cultural sites, met with students, teachers, public officials and the press of Martinique. In addition, students had the honour of meeting with the President of the Region, Mr. Serge Letchimy.
Parents also sent in their comments after the trip. One parent, Yvette Bobb, had this to say: "Kaylan has enjoyed herself in Martinique. She found that the trip helped her to understand French better and she has also made lots of new friends due to the trip. Some of her friends are both from Trinidad and Martinique and even from Barbados. She has built a life-long relationship with her new friends and she would have never met them if it wasn't for this trip. Kaylan has had a very exciting time and is eager to go to another French country and widen her knowledge, understanding and appreciation for the French language and the different cultures of the French speaking countries. She thinks that the trip has been a great success." nother parent, Margaret Bullen, sent this message to the organisers of the trip: "Thanks again on the behalf of my husband and myself. Rhohan benefited tremendously, not only with education but the camaraderie and the schedule of events; all of these played an important part in his life."
Next holiday period, from 7th to 15th August, Reperio will take students to Cuba. The one extra-regional programme planned for this year takes the group to France from 17th to 31st August. Students interested in participating in any of the programmes can call 669-3917 or e-mail info@reperio-caribbean.com. Reperio Caribbean is a student project of Trinidad and Tobago Shuttle Services that helps Caribbean students take advantage of present cross-border opportunities among the islands. More importantly, Reperio Caribbean inspires them to create opportunities for themselves.