Four Homework Centres open in Gasparillo

WEDNESDAY 04 JUNE 2025, PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – Thanks to funding from the Digicel Foundation and Shell Trinidad and Tobago, the Gasparillo Community Development Organisation has transformed conference rooms at four community recreation grounds into dedicated homework centres, providing safe, supportive spaces for students to access academic help after school.

Located at the Surprise, Gasparillo Park, Lumsden, and Poonah Recreational Grounds, the new after-school training and academic enhancement programme aims to address low academic performance in the community. The centres offer support with homework, extra lessons, and mentoring from experienced volunteers, including retired teachers and principals from local schools who have generously committed their time and expertise.

To create a welcoming, youth-friendly environment, each space underwent minor renovations and has been equipped with tables, chairs, whiteboards, and laptops. These enhancements were made possible through an Extraordinary Projects Impacting Communities (EPIC) grant of TT$131,500 from the Digicel Foundation in partnership with Shell Trinidad and Tobago.

Sherina Supersad, Director and Project Lead of the Gasparillo Community Development Organisation, shared: “This has always been our dream, and we’re thrilled to have Digicel Foundation and Shell TT as our supporters and financial partners. We have worked hard to make our community proud.”

At the official opening of the centres on May 29 at the Surprise Recreational Grounds, Digicel Foundation CEO Penny Gomez said: “When we talk about building sustainable communities, we are talking about investing in our people – and that’s exactly what the Gasparillo Community Development Organisation has done by establishing four homework centres in a model that unites the community to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.”

Janice Dookharan, Environmental and Assurance Manager, Shell Trinidad and Tobago, shared: “At Shell, we are proud to stand alongside organisations that identify the needs in their communities and step up to address them. Today is a testament to what is possible when people are united by a common purpose. These Homework Centres will serve as more than just after-school spaces. They represent possibility for children to be inspired, to fulfil their academic potential, and are a beacon of hope for families who simply want their children to succeed in life.”

The Gasparillo Community Development Organisation is one of 10 non-profit organisations awarded 2024-2025 EPIC funding to transform its community. The project has also received support from the local councillor, the regional corporation, and several businesses within the community.