14 hours ago
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Mt. D’Or Government Primary School has received a donation of steelpans from the Scotiabank Foundation and United Way Trinidad and Tobago (UWTT), expanding a partnership aimed at increasing access to steelpan education while promoting youth development and preserving the country’s cultural heritage.
The donation was made through UWTT’s Bridges to Success Programme, which integrates music education into the school experience to support students’ overall development. The organisations said steelpan education not only preserves Trinidad and Tobago’s national instrument but also helps to develop creativity, teamwork, self-confidence and cognitive skills among young learners.
Principal Lyra Bonaparte said the donation represents an investment in the future of the school’s students.
“This gift of steelpans to Mt. D’Or Government Primary School is more than just a donation of a set of instruments—it is an investment in the future of our students. It will inspire them, nurture their talents, build their confidence and help them gain a deeper appreciation for our rich cultural heritage,” Bonaparte said.
Chief Executive Officer of United Way Trinidad and Tobago Gail Sooknarine said the initiative goes beyond music by creating opportunities for children to grow and develop.
“The handover of these steelpans to Mt. D’Or Primary School is about so much more than music—it is about creating opportunities for children to build confidence, express themselves and experience the joy of being part of something together,” Sooknarine said.
Chairperson of the Scotiabank Trinidad and Tobago Foundation Roxane De Freitas said investing in young people strengthens communities while preserving the legacy of the steelpan.
De Freitas noted that the foundation has supported youth steelband orchestras for decades and will continue to expand its commitment as World Steelpan Day approaches on August 11.
Mt. D’Or Government Primary joins a growing list of schools benefiting from the partnership, including St. Mary’s Mucurapo Boys’ and Girls’ R.C. Primary School, Matura Government Primary School, St. David’s R.C. Primary School and El Dorado East Secondary School.
The organisations said the collaboration has already provided hundreds of students with opportunities to learn, perform and engage with Trinidad and Tobago’s national instrument.
Mt. D’Or Government Primary School has received a donation of steelpans from the Scotiabank Foundation and United Way Trinidad and Tobago (UWTT), expanding a partnership aimed at increasing access to steelpan education while promoting youth development and preserving the country’s cultural heritage.
The donation was made through UWTT’s Bridges to Success Programme, which integrates music education into the school experience to support students’ overall development. The organisations said steelpan education not only preserves Trinidad and Tobago’s national instrument but also helps to develop creativity, teamwork, self-confidence and cognitive skills among young learners.
Principal Lyra Bonaparte said the donation represents an investment in the future of the school’s students.
“This gift of steelpans to Mt. D’Or Government Primary School is more than just a donation of a set of instruments—it is an investment in the future of our students. It will inspire them, nurture their talents, build their confidence and help them gain a deeper appreciation for our rich cultural heritage,” Bonaparte said.
Chief Executive Officer of United Way Trinidad and Tobago Gail Sooknarine said the initiative goes beyond music by creating opportunities for children to grow and develop.
“The handover of these steelpans to Mt. D’Or Primary School is about so much more than music—it is about creating opportunities for children to build confidence, express themselves and experience the joy of being part of something together,” Sooknarine said.
Chairperson of the Scotiabank Trinidad and Tobago Foundation Roxane De Freitas said investing in young people strengthens communities while preserving the legacy of the steelpan.
De Freitas noted that the foundation has supported youth steelband orchestras for decades and will continue to expand its commitment as World Steelpan Day approaches on August 11.
Mt. D’Or Government Primary joins a growing list of schools benefiting from the partnership, including St. Mary’s Mucurapo Boys’ and Girls’ R.C. Primary School, Matura Government Primary School, St. David’s R.C. Primary School and El Dorado East Secondary School.
The organisations said the collaboration has already provided hundreds of students with opportunities to learn, perform and engage with Trinidad and Tobago’s national instrument.
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