A new initiative aimed at improving youth mental health in Trinidad and Tobago, was recently launched with the signing of a landmark Memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the College of Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT), and the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health (AAIUH) – a New York Based nonprofit founded by the late tennis legend and humanitarian, Arthur Ashe.
According to the AAIUH, the agreement, signed at COSTAATT’s City Campus in Port-of-Spain, formalized a partnership to expand mental health education, peer mentorship, and community-based research opportunities for young people across the country.
This program was also made possible by a grant from Proman in Trinidad & Tobago.
This year’s collaboration culminated in a three-week program in July, which ended with a student graduation and research presentation immediately prior to the MOU signing ceremony.
Students shared original research on pressing mental health topics, including the effects of social media on mental well-being, teen social isolation, and the growing need for digital wellness.
Their presentations were the product of training and mentorship delivered in collaboration with key organizations such as Healthy Minds, Restore A Sens of I Can, UNESCO, The Trinidad and Tobago Association of Psychologists, (TTAP) the Heroes Foundation, the Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU), and the American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago (AMCHAM).
President of COSTAATT, Dr. Keith Nurse described the partnership as a significant milestone from the institution and the country’s youth.
“I was a teenager when Arthur Ashe was one of my heroes. His grace, discipline, and vision live on in this program,” he said. “This is a proud moment for our College supporting young people through a model that integrates health, education, and advocacy,” Nurse.
He also noted that the high caliber of student output, stating that COSTAATT, is considering offering college credit to participants to help launch their academic journeys.
CEO of AAIUH, Dr. Marilyn Fraser, echoed the enthusiasm, calling the collaboration “a perfect reflection of Arthur Ashe’s values.”
“Arthur Ashe believed in equity, access, and excellence, and this partnership embodies all three. By working with COSTAATT, we’re ensuring that students across Trinidad and Tobago gain access to transformative learning experiences in mental health and community advocacy,” said Dr. Fraser.
The five-year MOU sets the stage for year-round programming, regional outreach, and joint research efforts, reinforcing a shared commitment to youth mental health and holistic development throughout Trinidad and Tobago.
Arthur Ashe, the late tennis champion, and humanitarian founded the Institute in 1992, just two months before his death, in response to the disproportionate amount of illness and death in urban communities from preventable diseases. Arthur knew that many of these diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, were the result of inadequate health care delivery, late detection, and insufficient health education.
Even as he was facing his own mortality, Arthur committed himself to making sure that quality healthcare was not reserved for the wealthy and famous. The Institute is a recognized leader and pioneer in developing culturally competent health services that address racial, ethnic, and gender disparities in health.
The Institute works tirelessly year-round to address these issues that exacerbate health disparities among communities of color. To address the chronic shortage of underrepresented populations in the healthcare workforce, the Institute and the SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University collaborate to provide a Health Science Academy (HSA) pipeline program to engage disadvantaged middle and high school students in STEM activities. The Academy is preparing the next generation of leaders of color in health professions, and many of its graduates are working in their communities to ensure that people of color are represented and receive the finest standard of care. To address insufficient health education in vulnerable communities, the Institute works in collaboration with over 170 Brooklyn salons and barbershops, hosting events that provide to the information, tools, and resources they need to make informed health decisions.
