Over 700 educators packed the Hilton Hotel on 11th December, 2013 for the Happiness in Action symposium hosted by ReThink Ltd.  The educators were there to hear the profound insights of keynote speaker Randy Taran, founder of Project Happiness, a non-profit organisation that teaches Happiness as a subject to students in over 80 countries worldwide.  The morning symposium proved to be an inspiring experience filled with gems of insights on how children can be taught emotional resilience.  The response to Randy’s programme was overwhelming with many teachers asking for copies of the DVDs and books for use in their classrooms as well as for their own personal development.  The Minister of Education,Dr. the Honourable Tim Gopeesingh, announced that Project Happiness’ curriculum will be made available throughout all schools.

Following the symposium, ReThink hosted a two-day training for select educators and community members to become Happiness Facilitators.  These individuals were trained in positive psychology, neuroscience, and mindfulness and given activities to train teachers in adopting Project Happiness’ curriculum.  Over the course of 2014, this team of core Facilitators will be working with others throughout the country to rollout this program.

Trinidad and Tobago can feel duly proud that it is now the 81st country to formally adopt the teaching of Happiness in schools and to the national community.  It is consistent with the Ministry of Education’s holistic approach to the total development of the child, one who is not just academically empowered but emotionally developed and better prepared to live a happier, healthier life. While the program is free, we need corporate sponsors to help with the administrative costs of rolling it out.  If your company is willing to partner with us, please let us know.