NPTA President and Panel Debate Sex Education Amid Rising Exam Successes

8/24/2026
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Interview Overview

In a special segment of the “NPTSpeaks” program on Freedom 106.5, host Walter welcomed a panel of educators and parents to discuss recent academic results and the pressing issue of sex education in Trinidad and Tobago schools. The conversation began with a review of student performance across subjects, highlighted improvements in mathematics, and shifted to a vigorous debate on who should bear responsibility for teaching sexual health—parents, schools, or religious institutions.

Academic Performance Highlights

  • The program opened with a rundown of pass rates: four-year subjects such as Electronic Document Preparation and Management (EDPM) reached 79%; Human and Social Biology posted 78%; Physics, Chemistry and Social Studies lagged behind at 69%, 68% and 66% respectively.
  • A modest five-percent increase in mathematics pass rates was noted, marking progress for a subject traditionally prized by employers.
  • The discussion referenced the C-TECH module introduced for the 2005 cohort, emphasizing its role as a trial that could be expanded to other subjects if results continue to improve.

Sex Education Panel

Host Walter turned to the National Parent-Teachers Association (NPTA) President, identified as Walter, asking for his perspective on integrating sex education into the school curriculum. The President argued that while the Home-Family-Life-Education (HFLE) program exists, the core responsibility rests with parents and guardians. He stressed that schools could provide supplementary reinforcement but should not replace family-led teaching.

Caller “Davey” entered the conversation, echoing concerns about cultural taboos and the need for accurate terminology when discussing reproductive anatomy. Davey suggested that religious organisations might also play a role, but emphasized that the primary education should occur at home.

Another participant, Mr. Dewey Vassar, supported the view that sex education belongs in the family sphere. He warned that without parental guidance, children are left vulnerable to misinformation from peers and media.

Divergent Views

  • Some callers advocated for school-based instruction, citing the prevalence of explicit content online and the difficulty parents face in monitoring exposure.
  • Others, including the NPTA President, warned that formal classroom sessions could clash with cultural and religious values, potentially alienating families.

Future Plans

The host announced that next week’s “NPTSpeaks” will feature President Stewart, who will continue the dialogue on education reforms, including a proposed “counselor” to address sensitive topics like sex education. The program concluded by congratulating students, parents, and school staff on the recent examination successes and urging continued community involvement.

Key Takeaways

  • Academic results are improving, especially in mathematics, but subject-specific challenges persist.
  • The debate over sex education highlights a split between parental authority and school responsibility, with cultural and religious considerations influencing opinions.
  • Ongoing community engagement and future program segments aim to bridge gaps and develop comprehensive strategies for student well-being and academic achievement.